Sharjah Water Festival marks National Day

The annual Sharjah Water Festival got off to a colourful start on Thursday with Sheikh Sultan Bin Ahmed Al Qassimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) inaugurating the event at the Al Majaz Waterfront and Khalid Lagoon.

The opening is in line with the directives of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qassimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah and under the patronage of Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qassimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah.

The launch of the SWF 2010 coincided with the UAE's celebration of its 39th National Day, as the festival's first day began with a spectacular array of water-themed and entertaining shows staged by international teams, witnessing an unprecedented public turnout. 

The opening ceremony featured National Day carnival parades performed by more than 50 people who thrilled the audience with carnival parades decorated with the nation's flags as Sharjah was engulfed with joy in an exceptional celebration of the UAE's 39th National Day.

The Organising Committee of the Sharjah Water Festival 2010 lined up a variety of entertaining and sporting activities to be staged by top international teams which started performing their awesome and thrilling shows at the Mouj Island in Al Mjaz Waterfront.

With a host of fun-filled activities for families to enjoy, the committee has set up a lineup of top-notch entertaining and sporting activities designed through innovative ideas and concepts to attract more families.

Activities of the festival began at 4pm at the Al Majaz Waterfront, and runs daily at the same timing until December 11.

This year's activities include the theatre of physical comedy and circus arts (Aga boom), the Sinbad diving show and heritage village activities. 

The Sharjah Museums Department has lined up a number of heritage and cultural activities featuring handicrafts, folklore dancing shows by UAE folklore teams, UAE foods and heritage competitions narrating the UAE's rich heritage and traditions within the heritage village that reflects the love for the emirate and its deep rooted history.

Sheikh Sultan, accompanied by a number of senior officials, toured the festival's shows and activities and events across the Al Majaz Waterfront where he unveiled the 39-metre long cake decorated with the slogan of the UAE's 39th National Day and the country's landmarks.
 

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