Mohammed Al Menhali (left) Faisal Al Jassem and UAE singer Almas.

The UAE’s 50th National Day celebrations, organised by the Sharjah National Day Celebrations Committee, kick-started on November 23 evening at the Khorfakkan Amphitheatre in the eastern coastal city of Sharjah with the staging of the operetta, The Jubilee of Pride. The first scene in The Jubilee depicted a father explaining the meaning of the word ‘jubilee’ to his young daughter.

The operetta featured a rendition of the poems of Emirati poet Maryam Al Naqbi by Fayez Al Saeed, Walid Al Jassem and Faisal Al Jassem, while a group of female students from Abdullah bin Al Mubarak school in Khorfakkan, performed a graceful dance in the background.

The Al Mazyoud band presented a repertoire of heritage folk shows, including Al Azi, Al Harbiya and Al Ayla, while Emirati poet Daoud Al Shehi, recited a poem expressing his love of the homeland. Hamid Al Thahiri wowed the audience with an amazing laser show and displayed his prowess in the artform by lighting up the venue with portraits of the Rulers of the UAE.

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Mowafaq Al Ameri captivated the audience with his mastery of both the Al Oud and the violin.

The spirit of tolerance and cooperation that exists in the UAE was evident by the presence of several bands from different countries, partaking in the jubilee celebrations.

Action during ‘The Jubilee of Pride’ operetta.

A Lebanese folk ensemble showcased their local heritage through dances and performances, followed by a Russian folk performance, while the Iraqi ‘Al Shama’el band’ wowed the audience with songs. The celebratory evening saw the presence of Sheikh Saeed bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Deputy Chief of the Ruler’s Office in Khorfakkan; Khalid Jassim Al Midfa, Chairman of the Sharjah National Day Celebrations Committee; Tariq Saeed Allay, Deputy Chairman of the Sharjah National Day Celebrations Committee; Rashid Khamis Al Naqbi, Chairman of Khorfakkan Municipal Council; Alya Al Suwaidi, Head of the Media Committee of the Sharjah National Day Celebrations Committee; Eng. Fawzia Rashid Al-Qadi, Director of Khorfakkan Municipality and a number of officials and heads of government departments.

Al Midfa said: “Today, we look back on the accomplishments and ambitious vision of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and his brothers, the Rulers of the various Emirates, that led to the formation of this country that has since founding, been at the forefront of socioeconomic prosperity in the region and beyond.”

He added that over the past 50 years, the UAE had become one of the leading countries in various economic sectors, and he looked forward to the journey of the next 50 years, as the country embarks on its next phase of growth.

He pointed out that the stunning Khorfakkan Amphitheatre was a testament of the efforts made by His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, to craft a holistic development journey, encompassing all sectors.

Al Naqbi said that the jubilee celebrations pay tribute to the men and women of the UAE who accomplished great feats. He noted that the rise in number of international events held in the country are a clear indicator of the UAE’s global stature and prominence.  He thanked His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah for his continuous efforts to develop all cities across the Emirate and transform them into regional and international tourist destinations.

SHORT FILM

A short film on Hatta was also released on November 23, on the official UAE National Day social media platforms. It sheds light on some stories of the people of Hatta and the city’s scenic landscape.

The movie was released following the announcement made earlier this month by the UAE’s Golden Jubilee Celebrations Committee that the official ceremony celebrating the 50th UAE National Day on December 2 will take place in Dubai’s Hatta. The spectacular theatrical show will be open to the public for nine days, December 4-12.

HUSSAIN AL JASSMI CONCERT

Popular Emirati pianist, composer and musician, Hussain Al Jassmi, will bring down the curtains on the 50th National Day celebrations in Sharjah in grand style, with a signature performance in Al Majaz Amphitheatre, on December 3. He will be backed by singers Faisal Al Jasim, Mohammed Al Menhali and Almas. The musical evening will mark the culmination of an 11-day cultural extravaganza being organised by the Sharjah National Day Celebrations Committee in cities and towns across the Emirate, to celebrate the nation’s 50-year journey. The proceeds from the concert will be donated to The Big Heart Foundation (TBHF), the Sharjah-based global humanitarian organisation founded by Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, wife of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah and Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs (SCFA), dedicated to supporting refugees and people in need, worldwide.

Allay noted that the UAE’s golden jubilee celebrations across Sharjah reflect the Emirate’s pride in the nation’s 50-year journey of accomplishments.

He added that the festivities are symbolic of the foundations that have been laid for the next 50-year journey of excellence and sustainable development, as envisioned by the UAE’s wise leadership. Al Majaz Amphitheatre has emerged as one of UAE’s most popular cultural and entertainment destinations, hosting world-class cultural events and concerts, featuring internationally acclaimed artists and superstars from across the Arab world and around the world. From Greek musical legend Yanni to Latin music superstar Julio Iglesias, British artists Chris de Burgh and Emeli Sandé and Arab heartthrobs such as Mohammed Abdu, Marcel Khalife, Nawal El Kuwaitia and Assala Nasri, it has hosted a variety of musical talents.

Egyptian singer Angham, Lebanese singer Nawal El Zoghbi and Iraqi star Majid Al Mohandes, have also figured there during the past few years.