Family is focus as Sharjah’s party for 2016 goes off without a hitch

New Year’s Eve celebrations in Sharjah. Thaer Zriqat / The National

SHARJAH // Al Majaz waterfront was packed with children on hoverboards, skates and bicycles, as Sharjah rang in the New Year.

The fireworks display went off without a hitch, and many said it was better than last year’s event.

In the hours leading up to the display, the waterfront was abuzz with life.

As girls queued to play ring toss, hoping to win a teddy bear or a toy from a kiosk, the boys shot hoops and showed off their skills.

Families started trickling onto the Corniche just after 8pm, with children carrying chairs and parents bearing pots full of food, scouting for the best vantage point on the grass to take in the festivities.

Dema Yasin, 17, said her parents allowed her to spend the night at the Corniche because it was safe and close to her home.

“I typically spend New Year’s Eve with family, but since my friends decided to come here, I decided to join in the fun,” said the Egyptian.

For Julie and her fiance David, it was an evening of relaxation after the day’s work.

“I finished work at 7pm, and we decided to come here instead of spending it at home,” Julie said.

“The weather is beautiful and the place is alive with laughter.”

Nearby, a Syrian family was sipping homemade tea and enjoying the cool breeze. Naser Irqsusi, a father of three, said the occasion was a chance to meet up with loved ones.

“For the past three years, we have come here with our relatives to have a cup of tea, homemade sweets and joke around, putting the last year behind us and hoping for a good year to come,” Mr Irqsusi said.

His wife, Umm Fahed, said: “I meet a lot of Syrian families here, and we become good friends. It makes us feel more at home, away from home.”