Tanqia Purifying Fujairah’s Wastewater

Where does the water go when we pull the plug in the sink or bath?

What happens to the waste when we flush the toilets in Fujairah?

Until recently, the water went into septic tanks or was dumped in the desert and wastelands of the emirate.

Since 2008, about 80% of the homes and industries of the city of Fujairah and the towns of Mirbah and Qidfa have been connected to the new Wastewater Treatment System which is constructed and operated by Tanqia. Our waste travels through a 300 kilometer pipeline network by gravity and with the assistance of 30 pumping stations to reach the treatment plant, 11 kms north of Fujairah and 4 kms south of Qidfa.

What’s in a Name?

The name Tanqia means purify. Since 2004 the Fujairah Government has granted Tanqia the exclusive rights for 33 years to design, construct, finance, own, expand and operate a wastewater treatment plant that treats the wastewater in the city and recycles it for further uses.

Operations

The treatment plant south of Qidfa consists of a modern computerized building equipped with a laboratory, workshop and a number of tanks where the wastewater undergoes screening and several stages in the purification process.

The odor is surprisingly minimal and confined to a small area on the property. The buildings are surrounded by beautiful gardens and trees that include several palm trees donated by His Highness, Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, the Ruler of Fujairah.

Reaching Capacity

About 16,000 cubic metres of wastewater travel to the treatment plant each day. Due to Fujairah’s rapid growth a duplicate set of treatment tanks is now on the drawing board and soon to be constructed and put into operation.

Challenges

While some of the purified water is currently recycled and used for landscaping, most of it goes into the sea near Qidfa.

The treated water can be used to irrigate landscapes, tree farms and industrial usage such as district cooling, dust abatement in quarries or even the washing of ships. However, the fundamental step missing is a new network that can take the 16,000 cubic metres of recycled water daily to fulfill other uses.

There is a small amount of sludge that results from the water treatment process but this too needs further processes before it is safe and clean to be sold to the public for fertilizing gardens and farms.

The wastewater treatment plant does not currently treat industrial water, nor can it treat storm water. Somewhere on the list of government priorities will be the need to create a system for collecting and processing storm water from roads after rain and flooding.

Public Awareness

One of the keys to the successful transition and acceptance of the new wastewater system has been the many training seminars and visits to schools and homes by Tanqia’s Manager of Public Relations, Ms. Khadijah Al Hindi.

Khadijah is proud of the new facilities and is passionate about teaching people to care for their environment.

Caring for Our Environment

While we as householders send waste down the drains there are important ways we can cooperate to ensure that the wastewater system works effectively. These include the following:

* Not constructing buildings over manholes and wastewater lines and refraining from making illegal connections to the system.

* Ensuring that trees are planted some distance from the wastewater lines to avoid roots infiltrating the pipes and disrupting the flow.

* Householders and restaurateurs refraining from pouring down the drains cooking oil, grease and fat.

* Ensuring that personal hygiene materials, paper towels and diapers (nappies) are not flushed down the toilets to enter the system.

* Abstaining from lifting manholes and throwing into the system items like dishware, garbage, concrete materials and chemicals.

* Desisting from putting storm water through the lines as this affects the bacteria that are essential to the effective biological treatment.

Mabrook! Congratulations!

The Government and the people of Fujairah can be proud of Tanqia and the wastewater treatment system that is being currently operated. It is a major contribution to the environment wellbeing of the city of Fujairah.

The development and success achieved thus far should be a boost to taking the extra steps that will ensure that the purified water is put to further significant uses.

Further Info and Contact Details

There are many safety and environmental tips on the attractive Tanqia web site as well as comprehensive information and photos that describe how this system works and who might help you with your questions.

Tanqia web site.

Take a Look

Some pictures of the Tanqia wastewater treatment plant in Fujairah can be seen in this photo album.

Geoff Pound

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

Image: A scene from Fujairah’s Tanqia, “the only privately owned wastewater collection and treatment system in the UAE and the Middle East.” (Photo courtesy of Tanqia)

Asking for a Discount in Fujairah and the UAE

Asking for Discounts

You may not get a positive response at your local hypermarket but a large number of people ask for discount on a wide range of purchases in Fujairah and get it.

Asking for a discount is a long established tradition. It may be more common in the rural emirates like Fujairah than in the more commercially sophisticated emirates of Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

It is so much part of commerce in Fujairah that many vendors build a discount amount into their product when they are setting the price.

Shop at a hardware shop and if you ask for a discount you might get Dh10-15 knocked off the price of a rake or spade. Ditto for buying a car, paying a hotel bill or settling your school fees.

A Fujairah taxi driver who landed a Dh300 speeding fine, went to the Police Department and asked for a discount. He said he spun a good story because he ended up only paying Dh100.

Advertising Discounts

Starting from today (11 September 2011), the Dubai Police department is advertising a whopping 30% discount on the payment of traffic fines.

This discount may not relate to Fujairah motorists but it could certainly serve as leverage when paying a fine to the Fujairah Police. Ask for a 35% discount on the basis that Dubai is offering a 30% discount (over the next 3 months).

Feeling Miserly?

Asking for a discount doesn’t come easy to people of some cultures and personalities. It can make you feel stingy, something of a cheapskate or a dirham-pincher.

On the other side of the ledger, in this culture asking for a discount, like bartering at the Friday Markets, is something that is expected.

It can give to the vendor an opportunity to demonstrate generosity so that both parties end up happy when the transaction is complete.

Related

On a related matter, discover more on the purpose and practice of bartering in:

Friday Market: Why Markets are Hard to Beat in the UAE, Experiencing the Emirates, 18 April 2007.

Geoff Pound

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

Image: This Fujairah farmer was asking for a discount on a purchase of wheat at one of the agricultural shops in the city.

Conserving Fujairah’s Natural Resources as the Emirate Develops

Engineer Mohammed Saif Al Afkham, said on Thursday (8 September 2011) that the Fujairah Municipality is deliberate and intentional about new development in the emirate emerging in harmony with the wellbeing of the environment.

In his roles as Director of the Fujairah Municipality and chairperson of the Fujairah Natural Resources committee, he said that this group meets regularly to oversee building and development plans to ensure their environmental compliance and to discuss special challenges that relate to the effective management of natural resources in the emirate.

Geoff Pound

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

Images: Photos of Fujairah’s Natural Resources Committee in session this last week with the Director of the Fujairah Municipality in the chair.

Friday is Brunch and Family Fun Day at the Fujairah Concorde Hotel

New Concept

The team at the Concorde has been listening to Fujairah people and together they have come up with a Friday brunch along the initial theme, “Daddy”, You eat. We Play.”

So keen for people to experience this brunch and fun idea that tomorrow, Friday 9 September 2011, the brunch and the fun are free, whether you bring children or not.

This invitation is to individuals and families. It does not apply to groups of people. If you wish to come and make a reservation for Friday please call the hotel on this phone number: +971 (09) 224 9000.

On future Fridays, see prices below.

Emerging Idea

The Concorde team wants to be attentive to how you find it and will be eager to listen to any idea that might improve the experience for all. General Manager, Mohamed Fekry, said today, “We want to be known in the UAE as a hotel that is ready to listen and accept feedback.”

Here’s how it will operate to begin with:

Brunch Hours

The brunch will be available between 11.30am and 4.00pm every Friday. People don’t have to come at 11.30am or stay until 4.00pm but the food and the fun will be happening during these hours.

Second Floor

After leaving your car in the ample parking spaces in the front, behind the hotel or underground, proceed through the main entrance doors and take the lift to the Second Floor where most of the action will happen.

Brunch is in the Samakino Restaurant. After you leave the lift you’ll be greeted by the staff at a Juice Stand where you can order the fruit and soft drinks of your choice.

In this spacious restaurant there are lots of tables and eating corners depending on how awake you are and how ready you are to engage with people.

If you simply want to curl up in a corner with your brunch and laptop, there is free Wi-Fi to connect you to the Friday newspapers from around the world.

International Brunch

One of the special things about the Friday Brunch Buffet will be the cooking stations where Asian food, Italian pasta and a shawarma will be cooked before you according to your wishes and taste.

So Much for Kids

When the children are fed and watered they can move to the Kid’s Corner (along from the Samakino on the second floor) where they will be cared for and supervised.

There are plenty of ideas being developed for the children but so far the activities include puzzles, drawing, colouring books, group games, basketball, stories and a clown.

Each Friday the Concorde team will come up with a different theme.

Later parents may take their children and go over the walkway to the building behind where on the top floor is a sun deck, swimming pools (with lifeguard) and a children’s playground.

Evolving Programme

Guest feedback will be crucial as to how the Friday fun brunch buffets develop but, Ayman, the coordinator of the Friday extravaganza, is already wondering about popcorn machines, sugar candy and chocolate fountains!

Regular Costs

N.B. Over the months and years these costs and the programme will inevitably change but here are the current options and prices:

Brunch Only: Dh110 per person; children 6-13 Dh55; children 0-5 free.

Brunch & Pool Use: Dh 135 per person; children 6-13 50%; children 0-6 free.

Brunch, Pool & Superior Room: Dh 375 (single or double)

These prices are inclusive of taxes.

Contact Details

Concorde Hotel Fujairah (N.B. It is no longer an Iberotel hotel)

P O Box 3588

Fujairah, UAE

Tel: +971 9 224 9000; Fax: +971 9 244 9990

Website: www.concordefujairah.com

Follow Concorde Fujairah

Join the Concorde Facebook Page for more news and information.

Here It Is!

View Concorde Hotel Fujairah in a larger map

Take a Look

Some photos of the Concorde Hotel Fujairah are posted in this photo album.

Further

Try our Wellness Centre at Concorde Hotel Fujairah, FIF, 22 December 2010.

Concorde Fujairah Opens Seafood Restaurant with a Splash, FIF, 1 October 2010.

Geoff Pound

More Fujairah News, Views, Resources and Photos are posted each day on the Fujairah in Focus Facebook Page.

Song About ‘The Malls of Dubai’ Could be Followed by ‘The Forts of Fujairah’

Rohit Lyengar’s song The Malls of Dubai may have started off a series that could well include a song about the castles, forts and ancient places of Fujairah.

The Dubai resident’s fascination with malls clinched his decision to write a song about the variety and diversity of the malls in his city.

The sixteen year old musician’s song, which is inspired by Katy Perry, Queen and Fight to Win, has Rohit strutting his stuff against the snow field at the Mall of the Emirates, the aquarium at the Dubai Mall and the stunning arcades at Ibn Battuta.

Going Viral

The song, which was posted at the end of August 2011, has already been seen by more than 1500 in the first ten days.

The Dubai Tourist Department might well strike a deal with Rohit to use this YouTube song in their marketing arsenal.

Fujairah Sequel?

But could Rohit be tempted to do a sequel in Fujairah?

Have a listen to The Malls of Dubai and then have a think.

Using the same format, tune and tweaking the lyrics it could go something like this:

I’m in Fujairah.

I’m going to the Forts.

There’s so many to choose from.

I don’t know where to go.

You’ve got big ones, small ones

And all of them are awesome.

There’s so many to choose from

I don’t know where to go.

Rohit, it’s time to venture over to the region that has more antiquities than any other emirate. ‘Antiquities’! There’s a word that could surely be woven into the chorus.

Well Done!

Rohit’s song is humorous. It has a catchy beat and the video clips from the city of malls illustrate the song’s message.

Listen to the Song

YouTube link to The Malls of Dubai.

Further

Follow Rohit Lyengar on:

YouTube Channel SPR Productions.

Facebook Page: SPR Productions.

Geoff Pound

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

Image: Rohit Lyengar strutting his stuff against the backdrop of another mall.

Menus, Brochures and Resources of Fujairah

Keep and Share Site

A year ago I began scanning menus, brochures and other resource material relating to Fujairah on a (Keep & Share) web site especially designed for posting and sharing such things.

I link to these from time to time on the blog, Fujairah in Focus and its corresponding Fujairah in Focus Facebook Page.

In the last year the site has been visited more than 3,000 times.

Link to Downloads

Here is the link to the Fujairah in Focus Share Page that you may want to browse to download whatever takes your fancy.

Come back from time to time to check out what is new.

Info Changes

Please be aware that brochures and menus change so the details and prices may well have changed since these have been posted.

Do let me know which docs are out of date and send me an updated one to post.

Resources to Suggest

If you have Fujairah resources, info, menus etc. that you think could be of interest to others feel free to send these to me as scanned PDF or Word documents.

If you don’t have scanner facilities send them to me anyway.

Geoff Pound

More Fujairah news and photos on the Fujairah in Focus Facebook Page.

Sevan Bakery Starts Cooking Bread and Cakes in Fujairah

Long Established

Sevan Bakery has operated in the UAE for 18 years but it has only just opened a branch in Fujairah.

New Branch

The new East Coast bakery makes 14 Sevan branches in the UAE, with all of the earlier ones baking in Dubai and Sharjah (including Kalba).

Wide Range

In addition to the traditional Middle Eastern varieties of bread, Sevan offers a wide range for expats living in Fujairah. There are French sweets and croissants and Oriental sweets.

On the menu are mini sandwiches, mini pies, kebab and samosa, manakish, a selection of nuts and delectable cakes for the celebratory occasions.

While many products are behind the counter, Sevan Fujairah also displays a range of articles on the open buffet.

Location

Sevan Bakery is on Fujairah’s main Hamad Bin Abdulla street (on the right as you come from Dubai) next door to the Mashreq Bank and before you come to the recently opened Puranmal Restaurant.

Free Delivery

As with all its outlets, the Sevan Bakery in Fujairah offers a free delivery service.

Contact Details

The phone number for information or ordering bread and cakes for delivery is (09) 2238448.

The email address for Sevan’s headquarters is info@sevan.ae

Click on the links for the Sevan website in Arabic or English.

Take a Look at the Menu

Take a look at the menu by downloading it at this link.

See the range and compare the prices.

N.B. The range and the prices will inevitably change over time!

Take a Look at the Photos

Some photos taken of the Sevan Bakery Fujairah are in this photo album.

Congratulations!

Mabrook! Congratulations to Sevan Bakery upon the opening of its doors in Fujairah!

Geoff Pound

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

Image: Just out of the oven at the new Sevan Bakery in Fujairah.

Fujairah Company Offers Ships a Defence Against Pirates

The Fujairah branch of Goltens is offering ship owners a positive solution in the fight against pirates on the high seas.

Their tailor made ‘Anti Piracy System’ is simple yet proving to be effective. Goltens produces a kit for each ship that consists of a system of razor wire and spikes.

Cost

The average cost of the defence kit is $15-20,000 which is a small price compared with the millions being extorted by pirates in ransom payments and the soaring price of insuring ships and securing voyages.

There is normally a 3-4 day preparation period when materials are created in the Goltens workshop and then between 12-16 hours are needed for the installation on the ship.

Effective

In an article published in Golten’s newsletter (issue 1, 2011) entitled, ‘Pirates Defeated by Creative Thinking’, the Fujairah company claims that “so far, no vessel kitted out with Goltens defences has been attacked, even though some have been approached by pirates looking for easy targets.”

The comprehensive network of razor wire and spikes seems to act as a deterrent, by sending pirates off to a ship that appears less of a challenge.

Goltens recognizes that the wire and spike system is only part of a total solution but it is quick and cheap and the visibility of it appears to be having the desired effect.

From Paralysis to Positive Solutions

The increasing prominence of piracy, especially in the Gulf of Aden, has left ship owners feeling daunted. For a Fujairah company that has majored in the more mundane activities of repairing and reconditioning marine engines, it is good to see the innovative flair and the positive contribution that Goltens is making to a huge international challenge.

Geoff Pound

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

Images: A look at how the Goltens Anti Piracy system appears on a ship. Photos courtesy of Goltens.

What’s New in Fujairah?

There’s nothing quite like returning to a city after an absence to reveal many of the new enterprises and new projects which are in the making.

Often the most eye-catching features are the newly completed buildings (like the Al Tayer Motors showroom) or the growth spurts on construction projects (such as the new commercial district at the Toyota Roundabout and the fast emerging Sheikh Zayed mosque).

There’s a new roundabout architecture in the making at the gateway to the Fujairah Fort. The word is that this roundabout will display a huge sword, thus showcasing the traditional sword sports that is part of the highland heritage and which has been made popular in recent years through the annual Al Saif sword competition.

There are new purposes for old buildings and in this regard it is interesting to see many residential villas being turned into the locations for a business.

There are new offices that have been opened such as the RAK Airways centre in the Fathima Shopping complex near the Perfume roundabout. This budget airline, which now has a shop in every emirate, is certainly going to give the newly-proposed Al Hajar Airlines a run for its money. This shop has only been opened a few weeks but there has been steady interest in the flights to its five main destinations viz. Kozhikode (Calicut), Jeddah, Dhaka, Chittagong, Cairo and Doha.

There are new bakeries (with delicious looking cakes, biscuits and nuts), new restaurants and with all new facilities, there are new owners and employees who are finding their feet in their new jobs.

So what new buildings and facilities have caught your eye in the emirate of Fujairah?

Take a Look

A few photos of some of the new buildings and people in Fujairah have been posted in this public Fujairah in Focus on Facebook photo album.

Geoff Pound

Many more Fujairah news items and photos are posted in the Fujairah in Focus Facebook Page.

Image: Fujairah’s new Al Tayer Motors is the second largest auto showroom in the UAE.

Eid Al Fitr Commences in the UAE on Tuesday

Monday the 29 August 2011 is the last day of Ramadan and Tuesday the 30 August 2011 is the first day of Eid Al Fitr.

The UAE moon sighting Committee sighted the Shawwal moon and made their announcement while fireworks blasted and lit up the sky all around Fujairah to confirm the news and add a celebratory note.

Locations

"Earlier it has been reported that His Highness, Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Supreme Council member and Ruler of Fujairah will perform Eid prayer at the Fujairah Grand Eid Mussala. Along with him, Sheikhs, senior officials and citizens will perform the prayer."

The full list of mosques and prayer grounds where Eid prayers will be offered in Fujairah tomorrow is listed in the Gulf News at this link.

Timings

Eid prayers in Fujairah commence at 6.15am.

Eid prayers in the other emirates are at the following times according to the Khaleej Times:

Abu Dhabi……………………. 6.16 am

Dubai………………………….. 6.20 am

Sharjah……………………….. 6.17am

RAK…………………………… 6.16 am

UAQ…………………………… 6.16 am

Ajman…………………………. 6.17 am

Eid Mubarak!

Congratulations to all those who have participated in the activities of the holy month of Ramadan.

Best wishes and blessings to you in these days of Eid.

Geoff Pound

Local Tourist Guides Needed for Fujairah

Local Guides

A recent letter received from James in Florida reads:

“I cannot find any site to book the local guides. Either I am searching [incorrectly] but [I] only come up with guides out of Dubai. Any tips?”

FAQ

Unfortunately this inquiry is a frequently asked question. There are Emirati guides at the Fujairah Museum and Bidya Mosque but no local guides who are trained and able to take tourists around Al Fujairah.

Small Tours

Another tourist from the USA writes:

“We will be stopping for one day in November while on a cruise beginning in Dubai.”

“Though the ship has shore excursions, we don't relish the thought of being crammed on a bus with our shipmates and hauled around the region.”

There is a need for small and intimate tours, tailor-made to suit the needs of individual tourists.

Cruise Ship Tourism

With the cruise ship experience becoming increasingly popular and Fujairah being one of the stopping off places (from October to May) there is a great business opportunity waiting to be filled by local, knowledgeable guides.

Geoff Pound

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

Tag and Release Sailfish and Other Billfish in Fujairah Waters

Earlier articles on this site about the ‘massacre’ of sailfish in Fujairah waters and the need to impose fish limits with effective policing have led to inquiries about how people can participate in the tag and release programme.

Established fishing charter companies that operate from Dubai and Fujairah such as Soolyman Sportsfishing are part of ‘The Billfish Foundation’, which is American-based and one of the most recognized in the world.

It would be good if local fishing tackle shops supplied the tagging poles, tags and information forms needed to participate in this venture. If they already do, these shops need to publicize and promote these facilities in the UAE.

In the meantime, regular fishermen who have been hooking sailfish might do well to sign up with ‘The Billfish Foundation’ and participate in this worthwhile global cause.

Why the Billfish Foundation is Important

Check out this video to understand what the Billfish Foundation does to conserve the billfish populations worldwide.

This fisherman tells how the tagging and release programme works.

Credit

Thanks to UAE fisherman, Jarrod Isles, for researching this issue.

Further

Fish Prices Shoot Up in Fujairah, Khaleej Times, 12 July 2011.

One Dirham a Day at Fujairah Marine Club Gets All these Benefits, FIF, 1 May 2011.

UAE Must Impose Fish Limits and Policing Programme, FIF, 9 March 2011.

Fishing in Fujairah—Encounter With a Sailfish, FIF, 25 November 2011.

Geoff Pound

Click on the Fujairah in Focus Facebook Page to get more Fujairah news and photos.

Image: Preparing to tag and release a sailfish.

Where Does the Anglican Church Meet in Fujairah?

FAQ

This is a ‘Frequently Asked Question’ especially at the beginning of a new semester.

What Is It?

The Anglican Church in Fujairah (also called St Nicholas Church) is part of The Dubai and Sharjah with the Northern Emirates, which in turn is part of the Anglican Diocese of Cyprus and the Gulf.

The church is registered and recognized by the UAE government.

Leadership

Since the 1970s worship has been held in homes and other venues when services were presided over by the minister of the Holy Trinity Church in Dubai. In more recent times the Fujairah Church has had its own minister/chaplain/pastor.

The current minister is Rev. Peter Chase whose major responsibility involves leading the work of the Flying Angel ship, part of the Mission to Seafarers.

His phone number is: 0504586957.

Services

Services of worship are held on Friday evenings from 5-6pm. Between 20 and 40 people attend and in semester time there are activities with children that run concurrently with the services.

While coming under the umbrella of the Anglican Church, those attending come from many different branches of the Christian church and the services are interdenominational in flavor.

Location

Worship services are held in a building on Fujairah’s main street, Sheikh Hamad Bin Abdullah Street. It is on the right side as you drive from the direction of Dubai. It is opposite the ADCB (Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank), which is just before the ADNOC Petrol Station. Half way along the alleyway (between the Puranmal Restaurant on the right hand side and a curtain shop on the left) there are steps and an entrance to the left.

Alternatively if you park behind this building in the car park, approach the alleyway to the left of the Al Maha Supermarket.

Enter the building. Take the stairs or lift (elevator) to the First Floor. As you come out of the lift turn left (away from the main street) and the apartment is at the end on the right hand side. It is No. 101 and there is a sign saying, ‘Mission to Seafarers: St. Nicholas Chapel’.

Find it on Google Map

Check the location out on Google Maps.

Link

The Dubai and Sharjah with the Northern Emirates website (this appears to be still under construction).

Geoff Pound

Image: Peter Chase on board one of the oil tankers in Fujairah waters.

‘I’ll Come and Fix it Today, Insha Allah!’

The technician said, “I’ll come and fix the problem sometime today, Insha Allah.

The expression, ‘Insha Allah’, is used by people of different cultures and faiths around the world but one hears it many times a day in the UAE.

Translated, ‘God willing’ or ‘if it pleases God’, the term is a helpful reminder of the many factors in our decision making and planning that are outside our control. For the believer it is an expression of hope that submits personal plans to the One who knows whether such schemes and schedules will be beneficial for us and the common good.

The down side of ‘Insha Allah’ is when it is used as an excuse for laziness and procrastination. It gives us an out and the stamp of divine approval makes it harder for others to challenge our slackness and inefficiency.

The technician didn’t turn up yesterday.

Did God have better plans for him? Did Allah think it was character building for me to spend more time with faulty equipment? Or did the guy simply not get around to the task because he was tired and apathetic?

Hopefully the technician will come today, Insha Allah.

Geoff Pound

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

Image: The Arabic phrase, ‘Insha Allah’.

Fujairah’s Sheikh Maktoum Graduates from Sandhurst Academy

Well Done!

Congratulations to His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Hamad Al Sharqi who graduated last week (12 August 2011) from England’s Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (RMAS).

Sharing in the significant occasion were his father, His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Member of the UAE Supreme Council and Ruler of Fujairah, his brothers, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi, the Crown Prince of Fujairah and His Highness Sheikh Rashid bin Hamad Al Sharqi and a number of sheikhs, dignitaries and diplomats.

Prestigious Training

The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst has been based in Surrey since 1947 and was established to train officers chiefly for the British Army. Approximately 10% of all cadets at the Academy come from overseas and the UAE has a tradition of sending their finest leaders to Sandhurst for training.

The Commissioning Course is taught over 48 weeks and covers military, practical and academic subjects alongside sport and adventure training.

In addition to developing army officers the Academy has the broader aim of being “the national centre of excellence for leadership.”

166^th Sovereign’s Parade

Last Friday’s ceremony was the 166^th Sovereign’s Parade at the Academy and General Sir David Richards, General Chief of the Defence Staff represented Her Majesty the Queen and served as the Reviewing Officer.

The Sovereign Parade is regarded as the “grandest day in the Sandhurst calendar” when family, friends and VIPs gather before the Old College Square to watch the cadets take part in their final challenge. During the ceremony the cadets are commissioned and special medals are awarded.

Paying Tribute

Sheikh Maktoum has publically acknowledged his indebtedness to his “father, teacher and first supporter, His Highness Sheikh Hamad, from whom he has learned leadership, excellence and love of competition.”

Community Leadership

Although based in Sandhurst, Sheikh Maktoum has been intimately involved with the Maktoum Championships which he created and has sponsored for the last four years. This annual sporting competition is one of the biggest tournaments in the UAE and in this and other capacities, Sheikh Maktoum has already done much to encourage a wide diversity of sporting activities throughout Fujairah and the UAE’s East Coast.

Passion Sportsman

Sheikh Maktoum is passionate about sport, especially for the values that competition develops and for the way it brings together people from widely differing backgrounds.

New Technology

Over the years Sheikh Maktoum has exhibited a gift for technology and a desire to communicate using contemporary methods. He has a website and a newly created public Facebook Page which hosts a number of photo albums offering some glimpses into his life and training at the Sandhurst Academy.

His Highness Sheikh Maktoum

Website

Public Facebook Page for Maktoum Al Sharqi مكتوم الشرقي

Public Facebook Page for Maktoum Championships.

Related

Fujairah Celebrates Graduation of Sheikh Rashid bin Hamad Al Sharqi, Fujairah in Focus, 30 November 2011.

New Photos of the Fujairah Royal Family, Fujairah in Focus, 30 December 2010.

Graduation of Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi, Fujairah Observer, June 2008.

Geoff Pound

Check out many more Fujairah news items, photos and videos on the Fujairah in Focus Facebook Page.

Image: Outside England’s Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (RMAS), His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Hamad Al Sharqi, in military uniform, with his father, His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi (left) and His Highness Sheikh Rashid bin Hamad Al Sharqi (right). Photo courtesy of the Facebook Page of Maktoum Al Sharqi.