Sharjah Museums Department concludes 41st National Day celebrations

The Sharjah Museums Department (SMD) has concluded its comprehensive programme dedicated to marking the 41st anniversary of the UAE’s National Day. The nine-day programme, which ran from November 25 to December 3, featured various traditional activities, a traditional costume fashion show, a maritime parade, Emirati folklore and heritage events.

SMD’s celebration programme was designed in harmony with the festive atmosphere engulfing the country on this glorious occasion. In honour of the occasion the outdoor area behind the Sharjah Maritime Museum was adorned and decorated with the colours of the national flag, the UAE emblem, and the portraits of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and Their Highnesses the Rulers, while children were dressed in the flags of their countries and their national costumes.

A maritime parade, which was organised for the fourth consecutive year, formed part of the celebrations. On December 2^nd, the parade kicked off from the Maritime Museum marching, through Al Qasba, to Khalid Lagoon and passing by The Flag Island to witness the UAE flag being raised on the 123 meter pole before returning back to the Maritime Museum Marina. The parade was organised by the Sharjah Maritime Museum and the Sharjah Aquarium in collaboration with Sharjah Police. It attracted a large number of visitors who gathered to celebrate the UAE National Day being observed across the country.

Speaking on the occasion, Manal Ataya, SMD’s Director General said, “As always, we were eager to celebrate this UAE national day, which is the highlight on the year calendar, with a rich line-up of events and activities for school children and families. We are delighted to have contributed to the atmosphere of celebration, in the nation, on this very happy occasion..” 

She thanked government departments for their participation and contribution to the success of the National Day festivities, especially the Sea Ports Department, Children and Girls Centres, the Urban Heritage Society, Sharjah Police, and the Ambulance and Rescue Unit, which was available on the grounds throughout the event to ensure the safety of the public, as well as the Arab Cultural Club for its participation in various events.

The visitors enjoyed a rich programme featuring heritage events, popular foods, live musical performances, fashion and folk shows, among many others amidst a celebratory atmosphere. The programme also included musical performances, national songs and folk dances, accompanied by spectacular audio and visual effects, to portray the history of the UAE and its achievements over the past 41 years, as well as displays and performances by military and marine bands.