Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi witnesses the launch of the 25th edition of the Sir Bu Nair Festival on Al Heera Beach
Sharjah, 16 October / WAM / His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, witnessed this evening the launch of the activities of the Sir Bu Nair Festival in its 25th edition, which is considered one of the most prominent environmental events in the country, on Al Heera Beach in the city of Sharjah.
The activities of the festival, which celebrates its silver jubilee, will extend from Al Heera Beach in Sharjah from today until October 25, while the activities will begin on October 24 and 25 on Sir Bu Nair Island, the natural jewel in the heart of the Arabian Gulf, so that the public can experience the atmosphere of the island and its marine heritage, whether by visiting it directly or through activities transported to the beach.
The ceremony began with the screening of a documentary film about Sir Bu Nair Island, which dealt with the history of the island and its unique environmental characteristics, and the most prominent achievements of the Sharjah Environment and Protected Areas Authority in its management and development over the past decades, the island’s biological diversity and its transformation into a natural reserve that includes turtles, birds, and coral reefs, in addition to the most prominent classifications it obtained from international organizations.
His Highness and the audience watched a maritime artistic display that embodied the Emirati person’s connection to the sea as a source of life and giving. Participants presented paintings that expressed the features of the authentic maritime heritage and the values of work, cooperation and determination that have distinguished the people of the Emirates across generations. The display highlighted the great role of sailors and divers in the renaissance of ancient society, so that these values remain firmly established in the conscience of new generations.
The ceremony witnessed an innovative light show using drones, during which artistic paintings were carried in the sky of Al Heera Beach simulating the festival’s logo and scenes from Sir Bu Nair Island, reflecting the beauty of the marine nature on the island and its unique environmental diversity, in addition to its celebration of the silver jubilee. The show embodied Sharjah’s vision of preserving the environment and preserving its natural and human heritage.
His Highness the Deputy Ruler of Sharjah honored the entities that contributed to the success of the festival, in addition to honoring the strategic partners, cooperating entities and supporters, and watched the accompanying performances and artistic performances presented by the popular bands.
His Highness toured the festival’s corridors and learned about the most prominent environmental activities taking place on Sir Bu Nair Island, such as coral reef cultivation, implementing environmental laws and regulations, preserving and protecting turtles, cleaning beaches and waters, and learned about the most important creatures that live on the island, such as the sooty seagull, hawksbill turtles, and coral reefs.
His Highness the Deputy Ruler of Sharjah met with the children participating in the educational workshops programme, and listened to an explanation about the most prominent features that the program offers to children to enhance the culture of marine and environmental life, and develop their sense of responsibility towards protecting natural resources, in addition to learning through experience and participating in awareness initiatives that encourage positive behavior towards the environment.
His Highness toured the accompanying exhibition in which a number of local entities and productive families participated, and looked at the craft products and handicrafts offered by the exhibitors, and listened to an explanation about the role of these participations in supporting small and medium enterprises, enabling families to market their products and enhancing their presence in community events.
The “Sir Bu Nair Festival” is more than just an environmental celebration, it is an interpretation of a long journey of field work, research, and institutional cooperation aimed at protecting the natural heritage and preserving biodiversity.
Over the course of 25 years, those responsible for it succeeded in building an integrated system of partnerships that strengthened Sharjah’s position as a regional beacon in the field of environment and sustainability.
The ceremony was witnessed, alongside His Highness the Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, by Hana Saif Al Suwaidi, Chairman of the Environment and Natural Reserves Authority, Ali Salem Al Midfa, Chairman of the Sharjah International Airport Authority, Khaled Jassim Al Midfa, Chairman of the Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, Major General Abdullah Mubarak bin Amer, Commander-in-Chief of Sharjah Police, and a number of senior officials.
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