Sharjah approves national events and heritage-related activities to mark 45th National Day

The Higher Committee of National Day Celebrations in Sharjah has approved more than 40 national events and heritage-related activities to mark the UAE’s 45th National Day across the emirate.

Themed ‘Accomplishments Of A Country Rise Of A Nation’’, the celebration programme will feature a line-up that involves key landmark venues in Sharjah, namely Flag Island, Sharjah National Park, Mega Mall, Khor Fakkan, Al Hamriya, Al Dhaid, Kalba and Dibba Al Hisn.

Khalid Jassim Al Midfa, Chairman of the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, SCTDA, and Chairman of the Higher Committee of National Day Celebrations in Sharjah, said, "Celebrating National Day is a very special occasion for both Emiratis and residents. We celebrate not only the birth of the UAE, we also celebrate its success as a nation and the progress it has made and continues to make with each anniversary. Every year, we try to ensure the celebrations reflect that dynamic development in a new and innovative manner that lives up to the tremendous achievements and milestones made by our country and the national identity and cultural values we all hold so dear."

He added,"Celebrating the day carries numerous meanings and connotations that require us to contemplate the sacrifices, the loyalty and the faith of those who have helped to secure a place for our country on a global stage. This great national occasion should not be confined to symbolic gestures, it must respect and value the significance of the event. It is important for us to draw lessons that will help us design our future and follow in the footsteps of those who served the nation to ensure a better and brighter future for generations to come."

The Flag Island will host a national operetta, while the Sharjah National Park will stage 20 events, featuring an array of activities taking place in a marquis within the park. The event will highlight the momentous achievements made by the UAE throughout various historical periods and its wise leadership.

The programme will also involve the setting up of a unique attraction called ‘We Build with Our Hands’, alongside the ‘Oasis of Creativity’ corner, folk bands and dances, art workshops, theatrical shows and mural painting. Other events include tours within the park, a designated area for children's traditional games, competitions, and daily draws.

On November 29th, Mega Mall will host three events featuring music and international folk stories with bands from various countries performing traditional songs and dances.

On December 1st, a carnival parade will include folk musicians wearing national costumes playing cultural pieces, and on 4th December, Shaabiat Al Cartoon will perform theatrical scenes with popular characters from animated TV series for children.

On National Day, the Khor Fakkan Municipality will organise a programme that will be filled with exciting activities and shows on the new corniche where residents and visitors can take part in the celebration.

An air show will be one of the highlights, along with skydiving shows performed by parachutists from the Emirates Skydiving Group and maritime shows by the Sharjah Marine Sports Club.

In Kalba, the celebration will include a wide range of events and activities in addition to corners for display, educational workshops for children, theatrical performances and folklore shows.

Celebrations will take place at Al Hamriya on 28th November at the indoor gymnasium in Al Hamriya Sports Club, where the programme includes a documentary chronicling the creation of the UAE, from its beginnings through the most important historical phases of the country.

Taking place on 29th November, Al Dhaid will see a mass rally that will begin at the Great Mosque Square heading to the Al Dhaid Sports and Cultural Club.

On 24th November, Dibba Al Hisn will host a national parade that will kick off from the Cultural Centre heading toward the Water Canal, which will see air shows, parachuting shows and folklore activities.

From 30th November to 2nd December, grand National Day celebrations will be held at the Heritage Village in Al Dhaid, featuring cultural songs and dances, traditional Emirati cuisine and souqs.