UAE National Day is a special annual occasion that brings pride and joy to citizens, residents, and visitors alike. Sharjah is no stranger to the festivities that the UAE as a country engages in, and has arranged for venues and activities that are sure to entertain and please the crowds, particularly for people of determination and families with little kids, all of whose needs are tended to and cared for down to the smallest detail.
HE Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of the Higher Committee for Sharjah’s National Day Celebrations, discusses with Economy Middle East the preparations for the UAE’s National Day and its crucial importance.
What lasting memories will people in attendance take home with them from the activities planned for Sharjah in celebration of the UAE National Day?
We were keen to provide a rich program while moving to different places throughout Sharjah and its municipalities at different times. We coordinated with the municipal councils in the cities of the Emirate of Sharjah with the aim of distributing the festive program’s activities such that they cover all parts of the emirate throughout the celebration period. The program is designed to ensure the largest possible participation in the celebrations so that this national occasion remains a beautiful memory for every citizen, resident, and visitor. Those wishing to enjoy the events can follow and participate in Flag Island, Al Majaz Amphitheater, Sharjah National Park, Maleha Public Park in Maleha, Al Hosn Island in Dibba Al Hisn, and Khorfakkan Amphitheatre, Wadi Al Hilu. Other areas include Kalba, the parks and neighborhoods in Al Bataeh, different areas of Madam, in Al Dhaid Fort, and the Heritage Village in Al Hamriya.
We hope that through our efforts our activities are enhanced to the level of this national event, which evokes in us the meanings of the Union and draws the shape of the future for our children. Therefore, we promise the attendees a rich and varied program suitable for all ages, where celebrations will be an occasion for joy, spending beautiful time with family and friends, and creating unforgettable memories, in addition to being a national occasion that is dear to our hearts.
What significant figures will be in attendance, and what topics will they be addressing during the activities of the National Day?
Like every year, on this occasion, we must extend our sincere thanks and gratitude to the Executive Council of the Emirate of Sharjah, headed by His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, for its sponsorship and support for the celebrations of the 51st National Day.
Senior officials of Sharjah and its government entities, representatives of major private sector companies as well as cultural, media, literary and artistic personalities, in addition to the general audience will enjoy attending the most prominent events. These include the “Sultan of Giving” show, which talks about the generosity of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council, Ruler of Sharjah, since assuming the reins of power in the Emirate of Sharjah, the extent of development taking place at the urban, cultural and environmental levels, as well as interest in education and human building over the past 51 years. We will also have the “The New Era” show, which includes four theatrical performances that address the coming years in the life of the Union, efforts to prepare for them, the aspirations of the UAE, and what has been achieved.
Every year, the public eagerly awaits the Khorfakkan celebrations, especially the concerts hosted by the Khorfakkan Amphitheater on December 3, with a musical evening featuring performances by Aida Al Menhali and Diana Haddad. Al Majaz Amphitheatre will host a musical evening on November 26 by Balqis and Latifa.
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What logistical and security measures will be taken to ensure a safe and exciting event for the huge number of citizens and residents joining the festivities?
Large and important events undoubtedly always adhere to certain protocols in order to ensure the security and safety of visitors. We aim beyond that by ensuring engineering requirements for public facilities used by people of determination such as ramps for wheelchairs. We are also keen to have changing and nursing rooms for mothers who bring their young children and, as usual, the UAE is always exceptional in managing and organizing events at all levels. All committees are ready and putting the finishing touches, whether in terms of preparing the venues or the necessary equipment and supplies. We hope that this year’s celebrations will be extraordinary and up to the level of this great national event. The audience is our partner in the success of this national celebration and in ensuring that things run smoothly and to the highest standards possible.
What key strengths went into successfully organizing this joyful event and what message does it aim to send?
Rich with the most beautiful places for tourism, entertainment, cultural and family options, the Emirate of Sharjah celebrates the 51st National Day of the UAE.
With a program that lasts for 10 days from November 24 to December 3, 2022, visitors to the festivities will be able to be acquainted with Sharjah’s various landmarks throughout this period. It is an occasion to introduce its status as a friendly city for children and people of determination.
Holding these celebrations in the most important areas and cities of Sharjah at different times helps everyone from all parts of the country attend and enjoy the performances that reflect the richness of the local culture, its national, human, and religious values, as well as its openness to the world, thus strengthening it as a destination for life and work.
