Sharjah
A three-day festival on the tiny Sharjah island of Sir Bu Nair — a sanctuary for rare marine life — is set to start on Thursday.
Since 2000, the 13-square kilometre island, located 65 kilometres off the coast of the UAE, has been host to a yearly festival.
This year’s edition is called The Sea is our Life, and aims to help maintain the legacy of the emirate’s environmental and cultural heritage.
The island is one of the most important protected areas in the country, Hana Saif Al Suwaidi, Director-General of the Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA), said at a press conference on Sunday.
This is due to its geological formations, plants, sea birds and coral reef, which is home to 58 species of fish.
She added that the island also has beautiful beaches and is one of the most important areas for wild sea turtle nests in the Arabian Gulf region.
Sir Bu Nair is on UNESCO’s tentative list for world heritage status due to its environmental and cultural importance.
The festival will include traditional and heritage activities, including traditional diving, an exhibition and contests.
Live coverage of the festival will air on Sharjah TV and Radio. The festival will run from May 11-13.
