Sharjah’s waterfront lights up with colour in celebration of National Day

Lines of decorated cars descended on the Sharjah corniche as the emirate gears up for a special National Day.

Families watch a light show at Qanat Al Qasba near the Corniche yesterday, one of a series of celebrations organised ahead of today’s National Day festivities. Parades and music also delighted residents. Antonie Robertson / The NationalShow less

Yasin Kakande

SHARJAH // Celebrations started early in Sharjah as lines of decorated cars descended on the Corniche, their lights flashing, drivers beeping and many youths cheering from the windows.

Residents watched the colourful, impromptu parade from their balconies.

"Every year it gets better with fine decorations and more creativity in celebrating National Day," said Mohammed Dannarzai, who lives in Babeel Tower on the Corniche.

“It is good to watch people celebrating their many national achievements and their heritage.”

At the House of Justice, the Ministry of Justice put on a show of heritage and folklore, with dances performed by the Andalus Girls School and Al Shahba Boys School.

A slide show of historic pictures followed the dances, with images of the old ministry, residential areas and markets.

There was also a best house decoration competition and Judge Abdul Rahman bin Talha, the director of the Court of First Instance, paid tribute to all the entrants.

Other activities – such as traditional cooking, heritage performances and plays – were also held in several parts of the emirate on Sunday, including at Sharjah University City, Al Dhaid and Khor Fakkan.

The biggest celebrations were being reserved for Monday.

Mohammed Al Noman, the chairman of Sharjah Commerce and the Tourism Development Authority, which heads the National Day Committee, said Al Qasba and Al Majaz Waterfront would light up with spectacular fireworks.

“Other important shows on the programme include an air show in Al Khan,” he said.

There will also be a heritage village and an operetta, The Story of a Flag: a Nation's Dream, on Flag Island.

On Monday and Tuesday, the fountain at Al Majaz Waterfront will host a series of special performances showcasing the UAE’s rich history, heritage and culture, said Mohammed Al Mazroui, the manager of the waterfront.

“The Sharjah fountain has become a beloved icon of not only Al Majaz Waterfront but the emirate of Sharjah,” he said.

“[We will]bring into focus all of the amazing things our nation has accomplished in the 42 years since the unification through this beautiful combination of light, sound and water. “For this National Day we have designed a very special performance indeed and we truly cannot wait to share it with the people of Sharjah and the UAE.”

There will be four 10-minute shows every hour starting at 8pm on December 2 and 3, with the first show on National Day to be accompanied by a dazzling fireworks display.

The National Day committee has urged anyone who wishes to know more about any of the activities to contact the Sharjah Call Centre on 800 80000.