Sharjah: The Sharjah Museums Department has organised a nine-day programme featuring various traditional and folk events to mark the 41st anniversary of UAE National Day.

The events programme, which will run from November 25to December 3, will be implemented in collaboration with the 41st National Day Celebration Committee.

SMD’s celebration programme will include fashion shows, a maritime parade, Emirati folklore and heritage events highlighting UAE society, scout events, Youla dances, and Emirati weddings. Competitions to create the most beautiful national costume, flag, art piece and drawing will also take place as part of the festivities.

“All Sharjah museums will celebrate with a rich programme, which includes a series of exciting events aimed at fostering love for the nation and enhancing the values of loyalty, community and patriotism”, said Manal Ataya, SMD Director General.

SMD has also announced that entry to all its museums will be free from November 25 to December 31, except for Sharjah Aquarium where entry will be free from November 25 to December 3.

Starting on November 25, the programme will include Emirati folk dances, traditional songs and a fashion show titled “My Heritage My Identity” for children aged 4-12 years.

Dressed in their traditional costumes, more than 70 children from the UAE, other GCC countries as well as Iraq, Yemen, India, Russia, Syria, Turkey, Sudan, Egypt, Morocco and Palestine, will participate in a national costume fashion show. A judging panel composed of six members will select winners from among the children participating and will honour the event’s sponsors.

The programme will also include a traditional Emirati wedding demonstration that portrays the preparations of the bride along with traditional folk songs and dances. The event will take place outdoors behind the Sharjah Maritime Museum and Sharjah Aquarium.

The Sharjah Archeology Museum will also host various events, including an army band, workshops for adults, and a workshop titled “Make Your Own D3 Plane.”

On November 26 Al Mahatta Museum will host similar events, as well as the traditional band ‘Madima” along with workshops for children and adults.

Also as a part of the celebration programme, the Sharjah Calligraphy Museum and Sharjah Heritage Museum will also host a variety of events for school students on November 27. They will include the military band event, various heritage contests, activities and workshops for children. While on November 28, the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization will host a bazaar along with special events for individuals with special needs, including a workshop titled “Make Your Own Design and Learn Arabic Calligraphy.”

Exhibitions

On November 29, Bait Shaikh Saeed Bin Hamad Al Qasimi will host four exhibitions, including an art exhibition featuring Emirati heritage paintings, an exhibit of showcasing a number of personal collections, an exhibition on family products, such as perfumes and heritage clothes, and an exhibition on dates and Arabic coffee and desserts.

Bait Shaikh Saeed Bin Hamad Al Qasimi will also host three workshops, one on making pottery, another on gypsum carving and colouring, and a pottery restoration workshop, as well as a traditional food corner.

The same programme will be presented from November 30 to December 1 at all museums.

On the UAE’s National Day, a maritime parade will be organised by SMD, the Sharjah Maritime Museum, and Sharjah Aquarium for the fourth consecutive year. The parade will kick off from the Maritime Museum marching through Al Qasba to Khalid Lagoon, and return to the Maritime Museum Marina. The event will be organised in collaboration with Sharjah Police and is expected to draw thousands of participants.

Several government and private bodies will participate in the UAE’s 41st National Day celebrations, among which the Sharjah Foundation for Humanitarian Services, and the Urban Heritage Association, Punitive Establishment, which will display handcrafts made by inmates.