Sharjah’s celebrations of the 45th UAE National Day started today with the theme "Accomplishments of a Country, Rise of a Nation," at Sharjah National Park, in the presence of Sheikh Sultan Bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Chairman of Sharjah Media Corporation and Chairman of Sharjah Media Centre.

Several government and private organisations from across the emirate attended the inauguration.

The celebration programme, being held from 29th November to 3rd December, has been organised by the Higher Committee of National Day Celebrations in Sharjah. It will feature a variety of events, theatrical performances, entertainment and folklore shows and competitions.

As part of the programme, the Al Dhohoreen tribe performed folk dances and traditional songs that included folk genres of Al Nadba, Al Rawah and Al Wahabiya. A documentary was also presented chronicling the history of the UAE, from its beginning through to the most important historical phases of the country and inspirational visions of the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

The Al Ayala Band, accompanied by a vocalist, performed a tribute to the UAE, its dignity, the glory of its army and the pride of its people.

"December 2 is an exceptional day, not only for the Emiratis, but also for its residents and those who pursue ambition, success, excellence and innovation. This day symbolises the rise of a country whose foundations were laid by the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan and his brothers. The belief in our nation by the founding fathers and the continued commitment by our leaders today have given us the ability and the opportunity to play a leading role on a world platform. Our union has become a model to be emulated in all corners of the globe," said Khalid Jassim Al Midfa, Chairman of the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, SCTDA, and Chairman of the Higher Committee of National Day Celebrations in Sharjah.

The Higher Committee has approved more than 40 national events and heritage-related activities to mark the glorious occasion.

Al Midfa noted that the UAE not only celebrates a national memorial where a banner is raised and the national anthem is played, but it also celebrates endeavour, unity and faith, an approach laid by the founding fathers who succeeded in paving the way for a more prosperous future.

He extended his profound thanks to H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, for their ongoing support and directives to ensure that Sharjah’s celebrations meet expectations, and match the reputation and history of the UAE.

Sheikh Sultan Bin Ahmed also honoured government and private organisations participating in the celebrations and presented the trophy of the 45th National Day to the representatives of several entities, including the Sharjah Chess Club, Environment and Protected Areas Authority, Sharjah Municipality, Sharjah Investment and Development Authority, Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services, the Loyalty Document and Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority.

The first day ended with a tour by Sheikh Sultan Bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, who was accompanied by a number of official figures. He watched various events and activities to mark the occasion, toured the Sharjah National Park and visited the stands of government bodies, Children’s Cinema, an Oasis of Creativity and theatrical shows, among others.