Bull Butting at the Fujairah Fort (English and Arabic)

Bovine Heritage

Bull butting at the Fujairah Fort is an important heritage feature of the Al Saif Traditional Sword Championship and Heritage Festival from 11 November through to the 16 December 2011.

During these weeks bull butting will also continue in its usual venue on the Fujairah corniche.

New Arena

Twenty-two bulls made their first appearance last Friday (11/11/11) in the new showground, to the left as you drive from the roundabout toward the Fujairah Fort.

Coordinator of the bull butting at the Fort, Yazeed Al Nuaimi, said that old and young men were very positive about the new arena. He added,

“They loved it. It is safer here because the bars around the arena are high and sturdy and there’s no way that a bull will jump the fence and get among the crowd.”

Others commented that the new arena provided good shade from the sun. People loved the way they could see the Hajar Mountains in one direction and in the other, the bulls fighting against the sensational backdrop of the ancient fort.

The powerful lighting could make it possible for the bull butting to continue into the evening.

The most talked-about feature was that the Al Saif Championship and heritage festival is a ‘one-stop shop’. In one visit people can see bull butting, falconry, fishermen singing their sea shanties, children performing Emirati dances, men engaged in Al Youla dancing and swordsmen strutting their stuff on the saif arena.

Modified Rules

Generally the conduct of the bull butting will be the same as what happens each Friday afternoon down on the Fujairah corniche. The bulls are led out by their handlers and brought together, a commentator talks excitedly about what he sees, someone sounds a siren to get the bulls and spectators fired up and the young men run onto the arena after the bout to pull the bulls apart and offer some restraint.

“We want to try some modifications,” said Yazeed Al Nuaimi. “From next Friday we will mark two squares on the bull arena and this will help the judges to more accurately measure the extent to which one bull will push another bull away.”

Sometimes bull butting appears inconclusive and one does not know which bull has won the round so the bull butting judges at the Fort showground will make a clearer determination about which bull is the winner of each round.

A further new initiative is the establishment of a tighter schedule for the bulls and their handlers which will be available to them at the beginning of the session. This will tighten up the timetable and overcome unnecessary delays between bouts.

Bull Butting in the Blood

Yazeed Al Nuaimi (pictured) said he has been working and running with the bulls for more than 15 years. He developed the passion from his father who has 12 bulls which regularly perform on Fridays at the corniche. Since the age of 13, Yazeed has acted as a handler and part of the team that coaxes the bulls apart at the conclusion of each bout.

Although a native of Fujairah, Al Nuaimi works in Abu Dhabi in a job that oversees UAE coastguards.

Bull Butting Events

Generally bull butting will take place at the Fujairah Fort showground each Friday until 16 December except on 25 November when there is an Arabian Horse Exhibition.

The precise dates for the bull butting:

Friday 11 November 2011

Friday 18 November 2011

Friday 2 December 2011

Friday 9 December 2011

Friday 16 December 2011

Bull butting will be held on these days between 4pm-6pm. Many of the farmers come from remote mountain areas and it can be treacherous to transport their beloved bulls home in the dark.

Information and Enquiries

Further information about bull butting at the Fujairah Fort can be obtained by contacting the Al Saif office on 050 19 19 190 or email: info@mhm.ae

Take a Look!

A video of the bull butting at the Fujairah Fort last year can be found at this link.

نطاح الثيران في قلعة الفجيرة

يعتبر نطاح الثيران جانباً تراثياً هاماً لبطولة السيف وقرية التراث التي تستمر فعالياتها من الحادي عشر من نوفمبر وحتى السادس عشر من شهر ديسمبر.

وخلال هذه الفترة سيستمر نطاح الثيران في مكانه المعتاد على كورنيش الفجيرة.

ميدان جديد

وسجل اثنان وعشرون من الثيران أول حضور لهم مساء الجمعة الماضي بتاريخ 11/11/11 في الميدان الجديد أو الرقعة الجديدة على جهة اليسار عند قيادتك من الدوار باتجاه قلعة الفجيرة.

وصرح يزيد النعيمي، منسق نطاح الثيران في القلعة، أن ردود الفعل حول رقعة النطاح الجديدة من الكبار والصغار كانت إيجابية جداً ، وأضاف قائلاً:

"لقد أحبوا الميدان الجديد، فهو أكثر أماناً لأن الأسوار المحيطة به عالية وقوية، ولا يمكن للثور أن يقفز من فوقها متجهاً نحو الجمهور".

وعلق آخرون بأن إحدى إيجابيات الميدان الجديد هي توفير الظل من أشعة الشمس، كما أن موقع الميدان يتيح لهم الاستمتاع بإثارة المناطحة ومشاهدة جمال جبال الحجر من جهة وروعة وشموخ قلعة الفجيرة العريقة من جهة أخرى. بالإضافة إلى أن الأضواء القوية تتيح لنطاح الثيران أن يستمر حتى فترة المساء.

وأكثر ميزة تحدث عنها الزوار هي أن بطولة السيف وقرية التراث أصبحت محطة واحدة للعديد من الفعاليات، ففي نفس الزيارة، تستطيع رؤية نطاح الثيران، عروض الصقارين، الأهازيج البحرية، رقصات شعبية يؤديها الأطفال، عروض اليولة، ومزافن السيف في ميدان بطولة السيف.

قوانين معدلة

وعموماً، فإن طريقة نطاح الثيران هي نفسها التي تقام مساء كل جمعة في رقعة النطاح على كورنيش الفجيرة، حيث يقوم المدربون باقتياد الثيران وتجميعهم عند الميدان، في حين يقوم المعلق بالتعليق بحماس على مجرى الأحداث، ويقوم أحدهم بإطلاق صفارة إنذار ليستعد الجمهور والثيران معلناً بدء النطاح، وعند انتهائه يركض الشباب في الميدان لتفريق الثيران والتحكم بها.

وقال يزيد النعيمي بأنهم بصدد القيام ببعض التعديلات، حيث أنهم وابتداء من يوم الجمعة المقبل سيقومون بتحديد مربعين على أرض الميدان مما سيساعد الحكام على قياس مدى قوة دفع الثيران لبعضها البعض بشكل أكثر دقة.

وتبدو نتائج نطاح الثيران غير حاسمة في بعض الأحيان، حيث لا يعرف المشاهد أي ثور هو الفائز في الجولة ولذلك فإن حكام نطاح الثيران في قلعة الفجيرة سيتمكنون بعد التعديل من اتخاذ قرارات أوضح حول الثور الفائز في كل جولة.

وهناك مبادرة جديدة أخرى وهي إنشاء جدول زمني أقصر للثيران ومدربيهم يكون متاحاً لهم في بداية الجولة، وبهذا سيتم تقليص الجدول الزمني والتخلص من التأخير الذي لا داعي له بين كل جولة وأخرى.

نطاح الثيران يسري في الدماء

ويحكي يزيد النعيمي أنه أمضى أكثر من 15 عاماً في هذا المجال، حيث تطور شغفه بالثيران منذ أن كان عمره 13 عاماً، فقد كان والده يملك 12 ثوراً يصطحبهم بانتظام لنطاح الثيران مساء كل جمعة على الكورنيش، وكان يزيد يعمل مع الثيران ويدربها منذ ذلك الوقت كما كان أحد الشباب الذين يفرقون الثيران في نهاية كل جولة.

ورغم أن النعيمي من مواطني إمارة الفجيرة، إلا أنه يعمل في خفر السواحل في العاصمة أبوظبي .

فعاليات نطاح الثيران

ستقام فعاليات نطاح الثيران في ميدان قلعة الفجيرة كل جمعة حتى يوم 16 ديسمبر ما عدا تاريخ 25 نوفمبر والذي ستقام فيه مسابقة جمال الخيول.

والتواريخ المحددة لنطاح الثيران هي كما يلي:

الجمعة 11 نوفمبر 2011

الجمعة 18 نوفمبر 2011

الجمعة 2 ديسمبر 2011

الجمعة 9 ديسمبر 2011

الجمعة 16 ديسمبر 2011

وتقام فعاليات النطاح في هذه الأيام من الساعة الرابعة وحتى السادسة مساءً، حيث أن العديد من المزارعين يحضرون ثيرانهم من مناطق نائية ويصعب عليهم إعادة الثيران إلى مزارعهم ليلاً.

المعلومات والاستفسارات

للمزيد من المعلومات وللاستفسار حول نظاح الثيران في قلعة الفجيرة، يرجى الاتصال بمكتب بطولة السيف على الرقم 0501919190 أو عبر البريد الالكتروني info@mhm.ae

Fujairah Al Saif Sword Championship and Heritage Festival Commences

This report of the opening night of Fujairah’s Al Saif Traditional Sword Championship, 2011, is written by media personality and member of the Al Saif Organizing Committee, Shaikha Al Mesmari.

Sword Championship 2011

11/11/11 was the date that witnessed the launch of His Highness Sheikh Mohammad bin Hamad Al Sharqi, the Fujairah Crown Prince's Award "Al Saif Championship" at the Fujairah Fort, in an evening full of excitement and enthusiasm. The launch was attended by His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Hamad Al Sharqi, son of His Highness the ruler of Fujairah, and a number of important local personalities. The championship was an outcome of His Highness the Crown Prince's strong belief in the importance and necessity of communication between young generations and the Arabic heritage, traditions and customs.

Televised Event

Al Saif arena witnessed the first round of Al Saif Championship at the front yard of the Fujairah Fort, and the first episode of the Award of His Highness Sheikh Mohammad bin Hamad Al Sharqi, the Crown Prince of Fujairah was filmed. The filming and broadcasting of the Championship is an important tribute and a vital element in conveying a live, vivid and bright image of this form of traditional heritage (Al Mzafin).

Heritage Atmosphere

The Championship started with a number by Al Mazyood Band, who presented a beautiful traditional performance which was met by a loud cheer from the enthusiastic crowd who, males and females, came driven some by their love and passion for Al Mzafin, and some, especially the tourists, by curiosity to know more about this traditional art form.

The episode brought together Al Mzafin, poetry, and Arabic music at the Saif arena. All rounds of the championship will be held at the front yard of the Fujairah Fort, which was expanded to allow more room for movement and a wider range for the audience to follow the contestants and the jury formed by those interested in the art of Al Mzafin: Sultan Melaih, Rashed Al Yammahi, Taresh Rashid and Rashid Al Shehhi.

Elite Contestants

Sixteen elite contestants chosen from the preliminaries are participating in the Award of His Highness the Crown Prince "Al Saif championship". These 16 contestants are divided into 8 contestants per episode. The jury gives its opinion and evaluates each contestant while the highest score will be calculated at later stages of the championship. The outcome of the jury's evaluation will be equal to 40 points which will turn to 400 points, with each stage having its particular system.

New Dance Song

The first episode of the Award of His Highness the Crown Prince of Fujairah started with a new song by Emirati singer Aitha Al Menhali, called " Mzafin Al Saif", and the contestants moved skillfully and beautifully with the rhythms of the song.

Points Awarded

The episode contained 4 rounds initiated by contestant number (46), Yousif Darwish Al Dhohouri and contestant number (47), Hamed Al Kemzari Al Shehhi, and the first round ended with 260 points for Al Dhohouri and 280 points for Al Kemzari Al Shehhi, followed by contestant number (43), Taleb Slayyem Al Shehhi who earned 240 points and contestant number (35), Saif Ahmed Khamies Al Yammahi who earned 280 points in the second round. The third round was performed by contestant number (39) Yamaz Saeed Rashed Al Shehhi who got 300 points, and contestant Sulaiman Ahmad Al Shehhi, holding number (40) which is a special number in these days of celebrating the 40^th National Day of the UAE. Al Shehhi earned 310 points. In the fourth and last round, contestant number (48), Mohammad Saif Mohammad Kemzar Al Shehhi, earned 290 points, while contestant number (38) Abdulla bin Saadoun Al Shehhi earned 310 points.

High Standard

Sultan Melaih, member of the Championship's Jury, stated that the competition was strong between the contestants who showed a high level of skill and control of the sword. He added that he expects more excellence in the upcoming rounds, hoping that the contestants will keep the observations of the jury in mind and use them to advance their skills and performance in the next rounds. Melaih talked about the second episode of the championship, saying that "it will contain 8 new contestants with 4 rounds and the competition will be fierce."

Audience Interaction

Al Saif arena witnessed great interaction between the audience, who had the luxury of more seats than last year, and the pleasure of watching the skill and creativity of the contestants' movements with the symbol of manhood and bravery, the sword. The audience was not only limited to males; a lot of Emirati and expatriate families attended the first evening of the competition, including visitors of the Emirate of Fujairah, who came to enjoy the atmosphere of the championship and its associated activities like bull fighting, Al Youla traditional dancing, in addition to fishermen's songs and heritage quizzes in the Heritage Village.

Poetry and Song

The first evening of the championship also witnessed beautiful performances from singer Oraib and poet Khaled Al Dhanhani, who entertained the audience with wonderful selection of songs and poems. Al Dhanhani dedicated a poem to His Highness the Crown Prince of Fujairah, the championship's patron, and thanked the organizing committee of the championship for their efforts in showing the Award of His Highness the Crown Prince of Fujairah in a way worthy of his name.

Singer Oraib expressed her happiness for being in the Emirate of Fujairah and meeting her audience. She sang two songs: the first one was Al Habeeb Al Awwali written by His Highness Rashid bin Hamad Al Sharqi, and the second song was Fedait Sootek written by Mohammad Saeed Al Dhanhani, which was met by a loud cheer from the audience. The contestants showed off their skill with the sword and their graceful moves with the rhythms of the songs in beautiful performances accompanied by the audience's cheers and clapping.

National Identity and Spirit

The Organizing Committee of the Saif Championship stated that they're doing their best to make the championship a success. They explained that these efforts are combined together to make the championship an event worthy of the name of the Crown Prince of Fujairah who seeks to promote the national identity and instill patriotism, and who is following all the details of the championship that brought together in one place all the people interested in the art of Al Mzafin, to compete and participate from the 11^th of November to the 16^th of December.

Thanks

Thanks to Shaikha Al Mesmari for writing this article and allowing it to be posted on Fujairah in Focus. Shaikha is Media Officer for the Emiri Court, radio presented on Fujairah FM and member of the Al Saif Organizing Committee.

Take a Look

Some photos of Friday night’s sword championship taken by Dr. Michele Ziolkowski are posted with thanks, in this photo album.

Some photos of the heritage activities (bull butting, falcons, sword dancing, food etc.) on Friday night (11/11/11) are posted in this photo album.

Some photos of opening night (Thursday 10/11/11) at the Al Saif Championship & Heritage Festival are posted in this photo album.

Your copy of the Al Saif Traditional Sword Championship and Heritage Festival each weekend until 17 December, is posted at this link.

Because the program keeps changing, stay abreast of these developments by clicking LIKE on the Al Saif Competition Page.

Contact details for enquiries and more information are posted at this link.

Geoff Pound

More Fujairah news, information, resources and photos are posted on the Fujairah in Focus Facebook Page.

Images: Photo of the sword championship courtesy of Dr. Michele Ziolkowski.

Opening Night at the Al Saif Sword Championship and Fujairah Heritage Festival

Final Preparations

By mid-afternoon exhibitors were still arriving at the heritage village and getting their stalls set up with crafts to display or sell.

Later some cafeteria owners were getting their BBQ grills warmed and Emirati women were beginning to cook tasty bread and other treats on their hot plates and pans.

Children dressed in heritage gear arrived by buses ready to display their dancing and singing.

Camels, horses and ponies arrived by truck from Bithna and were readied for riding on the opening night.

It was a clear blue sky and the Fujairah Fort looked a treat. The grandstands around the saif (sword) arena were nicely covered. The new seating arrangement helps spectators feel they are close to the action.

Some had stayed away, opting to come tonight (Friday) when the sword competition gets underway but those in attendance were treated to some displays from the swordsmen.

There have been so many applicants to the sword championship that qualifying rounds have been extended and this was in action last night.

Friday Night 11 November 2011

The heritage activities get underway at 5pm but the bull butting may be starting at 4pm.

The sword championship gets underway at 9pm.

Tonight’s program (but you never know what else they throw into the event’s calendar!): Al Saif Championship, Bull butting, folklore shows, fishermen songs, school shows, cultural/heritage quiz, photography competition, raffles….

Check the program and stay posted by clicking LIKE on the Al Saif Competition Facebook Page.

Take a Look

Some photos from the opening evening are posted in this photo album.

Geoff Pound

More Fujairah news, information and photos are posted on the Fujairah in Focus Facebook Page.

Image: Some of the girls waiting to do the traditional songs and dances.

90.8 FM Hits the Air Waves from Fujairah on 11/11/11 at 11.11am

11/11/11

President and CEO at Fujairah Media Group, Mekki Abdulla (pictured), said that Fujairah’s latest radio venture was commencing this week, on Friday 11 November 2011.

The significance of the launch date for the new rock station wasn’t apparent until radio station DJ, Steve Johnston, wrote these words today on his Facebook Page:

‘1 day… 11/11/11…11.11.am’

In the Numbers

What is it about Mekki Abdulla’s fixation with numbers? Remember how he was planning to open a new drive through movie experience in Fujairah with it launching on 10/10/10 at 10pm?

Always sprouting with ideas and new possibilities, Abdulla has a good strike rate in terms of pulling off new ventures and thinks that 4 ideas out of 10 in this economic climate is not bad going.

Recently the Fujairah Media Group has been instrumental in issuing new licenses and getting radio stations on the air in Germany as well as in North and South Sudan.

Mekki currently owns and manages 13 radio stations globally and 4 TV channels regionally, in addition to managing and operating Creative City Free Zone Fujairah.

Mekki Abdulla said there was no official launch ceremony planned. When the switch is flicked tomorrow and 90.8 FM rocks into life the UAE public will vote with their dials.

UAE Rocks

Steve Johnston (pictured) expressed his confidence today, saying:

“90.8FM will be what the UAE listening audience has been waiting for.”

Stay connected by ticking LIKE on the Rock Radio 90.8FM UAE Facebook Page.

Listen Live to Rock Radio by going via the Facebook Page or this link.

Geoff Pound

More Fujairah news, information, resources, videos and photos are posted on the Fujairah in Focus Facebook Page.

Remembering Sgt. William Donnelly in Dhadnah, Fujairah

Remembrance Service

On Tuesday 15 November 2011 at 11.00am, a detachment from the Royal Air Force will hold a short remembrance service at the WWII memorial to Sgt. William Henry Donnelly (pictured) at the Fujairah village of Dhadnah.

The 15-minute service will be led by an RAF chaplain.

Squadron-Leader, Chris Jackson, who is in command of RAF personnel in the UAE, said he would be delighted if any members of the Fujairah community were able to attend. “It is a public event and there is no need to register one’s intention of attending the service,” said Squadron-Leader, Chris Jackson.

The service has been scheduled as near as possible to Remembrance Day (11 November) and it is designed to be a fitting tribute not only to William Donnelly but to the many who lost their lives during service to their country.

Billy’s Story

Many details were published (see links below) near to 27 January 2010 when a memorial was erected and a service was held at Sayd Dhadnah in Fujairah.

On 14 February 1943, Sergeant William Donnelly died when his plane crashed at Dhadnah. He was buried by his friends in a shallow stream bed.

The location of the grave was lost and rediscovered 65 years later, thanks to the persistent investigation of his family, members of the Al Ain chapter of the Emirates Natural History Group and the knowledge of some local fishermen.

The generous support of the Fujairah Ruler, His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, was much appreciated by the relatives and Royal Air Force in establishing a memorial, paying tribute to Billy’s service and helping family and friends to find closure.

Location

The Dhadnah War Memorial lies north of the Dhadnah village and further inland from the main road.

The memorial is visible on Google Earth as a little grey square.

The GPS location coordinates are:

434655.37 E

2825065. 86 N

Thanks

Sincere thanks to Peter Hellyer for providing the details about William Donnelly’s life and many of the photos used in this article. Photo of Billy Donnelly, courtesy of his great niece, Lesley Botten.

Further

Peter Hellyer, On the Trail of a Mystery from Peru to Fujairah, The National, 19 January 2010.

WWII Hero Honoured in Emirates, BBC Local, Edinburgh, 16 February 2010.

Geoff Pound

More Fujairah news, information and photos are posted on the Fujairah in Focus Facebook Page.

See Why Fujairah Crown Prince Voted for Bu Tina Island Wonder of Nature

Crown Prince Votes

At a conference today (9 November 2011) at the Concorde Fujairah Hotel, His Highness, Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah, voted in support of Bu Tinah Island in its bid to be recognized as one of the ‘New 7 Wonders of the World’.

In this symbolic leadership by SMS, the Fujairah Crown Prince was signifying the importance of this UAE wonderland and urging all people to cast their vote.

His Highness is growing in stature as a champion for the environment, especially evident in such actions as his leadership of clean up campaigns along the eastern shoreline and his support for Wadi Wurayah, the UAE’s first national park.

In Attendance

Attending His Highness the Fujairah Crown Prince were a number of dignitaries including the following: H.E. Salem Al Zahmi, Director of the Office of the Crown Prince, H.E. Mohammed saeed Al Dhanhani, Director of the Emiri Court, H.E. Mohammed Saif Al Afkham, Director of the Fujairah Municipality, H. E. Abdulla Al Hantoubi, Deputy Director of the Fujairah Municipality and H.E. Salem Al Mukassah, Director of the Department of Public Works.

Wonderful Bu Tinah

The conference at the Concorde Fujairah Hotel began with the viewing of a video on Bu Tinah.

Enjoy watching this video and see for yourself why our Fujairah leaders are encouraging us all to cast our vote.

Video in Arabic

Video in English

Bu Tinah ‘Gift from God’

The Media Officer for the Emiri Court, Shaikha Al Mesmari, greeted today’s guests and sketched some details about Bu Tinah Island off the coast of Abu Dhabi.

About Bu Tinah Shaikha said:

“The island is a gift from God located on the western shore of the UAE and is one of 28 international locations competing for the title of the world’s New 7 wonders of Nature and the only qualifying location from the Arab Gulf countries.”

Bu Tinah National Treasure

Mr. Mohammed Saif Al Afkham, Director of the Fujairah Municipality spoke on behalf of the Fujairah Culture and Media Authority. He spoke about the island being a ‘national treasure’ that is increasingly valued by people all over the Emirates.

He paid tribute to the Crown Prince and His Highness, Sheikh Rashid bin Hamad Al Sharqi, for their support of the UAE bid.

Vote Now!

One can vote online through the New 7 Wonders of Nature website or do what the Crown Prince did today and vote by phone.

You can vote in a number of different languages.

There is a sense of urgency as voting finishes on Friday—11 November 2011—but check the countdown clock to see how many minutes you have to cast your vote.

Check out the voting trends.

Further

Bu Tinah web site

Take a Look

Some of the photos from today’s conference at the Concorde Fujairah Hotel are posted in this photo album.

Geoff Pound

More Fujairah news, information, resources and photos are posted on the Fujairah in Focus Facebook Page.

Eid Mubarak to All!

Eid Al Adha (Festival of Sacrifice) is a worldwide Muslim festival celebrated this weekend (6-8 November 2011).

It is inspired by Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son and God’s last minute provision of a sacrificial lamb.

The story is pivotal to Judaism and Christianity as well as to Islam. Some details are different but the gist is the same. The episode evokes questions about the nature of God and whether a good God would ever call a parent to sacrifice their child.

Whatever words we use, the essence of Eid is to follow the dream and be prepared to take scary and costly risks for what is true and right.

In the agonizing eleventh hour Abraham hears a bleat and discovers a sheep caught up in the bushes. Eid is the festival of thanksgiving for the God of surprises.

The son and the sheep become the reminders that true living is about “putting your money where your mouth is.”

Eid Mubarak (Eid blessings) to all!

Wishing you days filled with gratitude, discovery, wonder and risk taking.

Geoff Pound

Image: Sheep near Kuwait Road, Fujairah.

40th UAE National Day Activities in Fujairah—Detailed Program and Schedule

Packed Program

The 40^th UAE National day activities in Fujairah posted on this page are many, varied and scattered right across the emirate of Fujairah.

Slight Delay

The 40^th UAE National Day activities were to have commenced in Fujairah and across the Emirates 40 days in advance of the National Day (2 December) but in respect for the passing of the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, the starting date is 1 November 2011.

Chair of the Higher Committee for celebrations in Fujairah, Mr. Mohammed Saeed Al Dhanhani, said that no activities have been dropped but the schedule has been compressed to make for a richer program.

Main Events

The main celebration will be held at the Fujairah corniche and will continue for three days. This will be run concurrently with another maritime celebration further north at Al Faqeet Family Beach in Dibba.

The celebration will include three musical concerts in which Arab and Emirati singers will perform.

Al Saif Traditional Sword Competition

The largest activity in Fujairah will be the running of the Al Saif Traditional Sword Competition and the associated heritage village and cultural activities. This is organized under the generous patronage of His Highness, Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi, the Crown Prince of Fujairah.

Running a bigger and brighter program than in its inaugural year, this event is linking with the National Day celebrations because of its rich cultural heritage activities.

The heritage activity program commences on 10 November 2011 and the sword competition on 11 November. The Al Saif Competition and Crown Prince Heritage festival at the Fujairah Fort continues until 17 December.

Small Yet Significant

There are a host of other smaller activities which include a police band and a children’s drawing gallery.

Mr. Dhanhani (pictured) said that one of the distinctive things about the Fujairah program is that it will be conducted in many of the smaller towns of the Emirate, such as Masafi and Bidyah.

Download Your Copy

Update: A new and revised program has been added to these links as at 4 November 2011. If you downloaded your copy before this, please download and get the latest copy in Arabic or English.

Download your copy of the 40^th UAE National Day activities-Fujairah in Arabic from this link.

Download your copy of the 40^th UAE National Day activities-Fujairah in English from this link.

Related

Al Saif Traditional Sword Competition, Heritage Village and Activities at the Fujairah Fort: Website; Facebook Page.

Geoff Pound

More Fujairah news, information, resources and photos are posted on the Fujairah in Focus Facebook Page.

Fujairah Crown Prince and His Wife are Blessed with a Baby Girl

Congratulations to His Highness, Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi and Her Highness, Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, upon the birth of a baby daughter.

The baby has been named Aisha.

You are blessed! Mabrook!

Fujairah Studying Options for Integrated Household Waste Recycling System

Here is the latest statement on Fujairah’s plans for providing recycling for all householders in the city and emirate.

The Fujairah Municipality has this wonderful new system called ‘Taht Amrek-Your Wish is My Command’, in that they want residents to offer suggestions, ask questions or make a complaint.

Fujairah Plans?

Sharjah has vowed to eliminate garbage by 2015. Abu Dhabi aims to cut waste by 80% by 2018. What about Fujairah?

I submitted a question through the website asking whether Fujairah has goals and if so, what were they and what is the timetable.

Fujairah Response

The answer came by email and an SMS alert. Here is the official word on Fujairah’s recycling plans:

“The Fujairah Municipality has similar goals as the rest of the emirates as we are all aiming for minimizing waste and having an integrated waste management system.”

“Currently, the Fujairah Municipality is studying several proposals for establishing an integrated waste management to cover the needs of the emirate regarding waste reduction at the source and safe disposal at engineering landfills.”

“There are recycling and treatment facilities for some waste types in Fujairah such as plastics, paper, steel etc. and we are developing a plan to deal with the remaining types.”

“For the timetable, we have a flexible frame as we are proceeding to fulfill our goals.”

Coming Shortly

It is good to know that work is being done to provide household recycling facilities. Add it to the list of things that are ‘Coming Soon to Fujairah’.

Geoff Pound

More Fujairah news, resources, information and photos are posted on the Fujairah in Focus Facebook Page.

Image: Recycling containers for householders to separate different types of waste.