Prize-Winning Swordsmen Awarded by Crown Prince at Fujairah Fort

Finishing With a Bang
The final evening of the Al Saif Traditional Sword Competition on Friday (10 December 2010) had a celebratory touch as it concluded with a fireworks display from the Fujairah Fort.

Celebrations
Friday was for many:
+ A celebration of Emirati culture.

+ A celebration of the inaugural Al Saif sword competition.

+ A celebration of the international recognition that came through two Guinness World Records being won on the same night.

+ A celebration of place as many delighted in the action against the backdrop of the majestic Fujairah Fort.

Royal Support
In attendance at the finale was the Fujairah Crown Prince, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi and his brother, Sheikh Rashid bin Hamad Al Sharqi.

The Crown Prince has been the visionary behind the event and his generous patronage and keen support has transformed a traditional sword culture practiced in the remote highlands of Fujairah into a fiercely fought competition that has quickly gained national and international prominence.

Dr. Moza Ghobash, the Chairperson of REWAQ Ousha Bint Hussein Cultural and Charity, and Head of the Society for the Humanitarian Studies, shared the occasion with members of the royal family.

Prize Winners
Near the conclusion of an evening of music, dance and sword skills, His Highness, Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi, presented gold, silver and bronze swords and monetary prizes to these place getters respectively:

1st: Adnan Al Habsi
2nd: Sultan Al Shihi
3rd: Yaser Al Shihi

Festive Fort
The Fujairah Fort has seen gunfire over its long history, notably when British ships fired on the building back in 1925.

But last Friday night skyrockets were fired from its turrets, amid deafening explosions and waves of golden sparks flowed down its walls.

It was as if the fort was enjoying its newfound visibility and confirming its role as one of the UAE’s icons.

Take a Look
Some photos of the award ceremony and other scenes from the final night of the Sword Competition are posted in this album.

Contact Details
800-ALSAIF
Al Saif - Tel: +971 50 989 2000
Fax: +971 9 222 7183
E-mail: info@mhm.ae

More Information on Al Saif Traditional Sword Competition
Personal Website of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi
بطولة السيف Al Saif Traditional Sword Competition Facebook Page

Further
Grand Final of the Al Saif Traditional Sword Competition at Fujairah Fort, FIF, 9 December 2010.
Al Saif Sword Competition Reaches Climax but Its Impact Will Last, FIF, 8 December 2010.
Keeping Ancient Traditions Alive in Fujairah with the Al Saif Competition, FIF, 28 November 2010.
Two Guinness World Records Established in Fujairah, FIF, 27 November 2010.
World Records Add New Dimension to Sword Competition in Fujairah, FIF, 22 November 2010.
Dine Out at the Fujairah Fort and Cut Your Cake With a Sword, FIF, 4 November 2010.
Sword Competition at Fujairah Fort is Much More Than Swords, FIF, 4 November 2010.
Traditional Sword Competition Off to a Good Start at Fujairah Fort, FIF, 3 November 2010.
All the Details on the Al Saif Traditional Sword Competition in Fujairah, FIF, 25 October 2010.
Swordsmen Showcase Their Skills in Fujairah, FIF, 22 October 2010.
Al Saif Traditional Sword Demonstration and Training Commences in Fujairah, FIF, 20 October 2010.
Anna Zacharias, Not Everyone Can Shake the Sword, The National, 10 October 2010.
Traditional Sword Competition to be Held in Fujairah, FIF, 30 September 2010.

Take a Look at the Crafts
Check out some of the crafts to look at or buy at the heritage souq in this photo album.

See the Food
Check out the amazing prices and download the menu for the Fujairah Fort Café Menu from this link.

Some photos of the food available at the fort are in this photo album.

Geoff Pound

This article is also posted on the Fujairah in Focus Facebook Page.

Image: The prize-winning zafin (swordsmen).