Sharjah is ramping up spending in sectors such as social programmes, economic activities, culture and education. Courtesy Al Majaz Waterfront
Sharjah is ramping up spending in sectors such as social programmes, economic activities, culture and education. Courtesy Al Majaz Waterfront
Sharjah is ramping up spending in sectors such as social programmes, economic activities, culture and education. Courtesy Al Majaz Waterfront
Sharjah is ramping up spending in sectors such as social programmes, economic activities, culture and education. Courtesy Al Majaz Waterfront

Where to catch the New Year’s Eve fireworks in Sharjah


Janice Rodrigues
  • English
  • Arabic

Those living in Sharjah can expect a spectacular fireworks display at Al Majaz Waterfront (MWF) on New Year's Eve. The family destination has announced that it will be ushering 2020 with a 10-minute long show. Visitors will get a chance to enjoy the spectacle, which will be launched from 16 barges, as well as the sight of the Sharjah Fountain light up in multi-coloured splendour.

“Over the past few years, Al Majaz Waterfront has become the go-to destination for revellers from across the emirates,” says Al Majaz Waterfront's general manager, Marwah Obaid Al Shamsi. “During the last two years, MWF has attracted thousands of visitors on the occasion of New Year’s Eve.”

The occasion will also see the Sharjah fountain light up up in different colours. Courtesy Al Majaz Waterfront
The occasion will also see the Sharjah fountain light up up in different colours. Courtesy Al Majaz Waterfront

Visitors are advised to come early this year to avoid the traffic. A concierge service will be available to ease the process of booking.

“Visitors and families can enjoy a scrumptious dinner and watch the dazzling fireworks from unique viewing spots in one of the many restaurants facing MWF fountain,” Al Shamsi added.

Some of the restaurants in the vicinity are Zahr El-Laymoun, Molten Chocolate, Pizzaro, Al Rawi Cafe, TGI Friday’s, Al Fanar Restaurant and Cafe, Sutis, Tim Hortons and Zaroob.

Many of the restaurants are offering special New Year's Eve packages for those looking for fireworks views. Zahr El-Laymoun is charging Dh250 per person for a seat on the ground floor and Dh290 for a seat on the first floor. This is inclusive of a set menu.

Emirati restaurant Al Fanar also has a set menu and is charging Dh250 for a seat on the ground floor, next to the fountains, and Dh300 per person for a seat on the first floor, with children eating for free.

Spider-Man: No Way Home

Director: Jon Watts

Stars: Tom Holland, Zendaya, Jacob Batalon 

Rating:*****

Islamophobia definition

A widely accepted definition was made by the All Party Parliamentary Group on British Muslims in 2019: “Islamophobia is rooted in racism and is a type of racism that targets expressions of Muslimness or perceived Muslimness.” It further defines it as “inciting hatred or violence against Muslims”.

Director: Romany Saad
Starring: Mirfat Amin, Boumi Fouad and Tariq Al Ibyari

New UK refugee system

 

  • A new “core protection” for refugees moving from permanent to a more basic, temporary protection
  • Shortened leave to remain - refugees will receive 30 months instead of five years
  • A longer path to settlement with no indefinite settled status until a refugee has spent 20 years in Britain
  • To encourage refugees to integrate the government will encourage them to out of the core protection route wherever possible.
  • Under core protection there will be no automatic right to family reunion
  • Refugees will have a reduced right to public funds
Infiniti QX80 specs

Engine: twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6

Power: 450hp

Torque: 700Nm

Price: From Dh450,000, Autograph model from Dh510,000

Available: Now