Sword Competition at Fujairah Fort is Much More than Swords

I called one of the organizers by phone yesterday to ask what new features he had introduced at the Heritage Souq adjacent to the sword arena since I was there a few days ago.

He started by telling me about the coffee shop, the shasha (traditional UAE fishing boats), the souvenirs and then he said, “You’ve got to see it. Come on down.”

I did and I was amazed at all the heritage developments that the Al Saif Traditional Sword Competition organizers have introduced to make the sword competition part of an Emirati extravaganza.

Yes, there’s coffee, cakes and lots of craft items to enjoy and buy.

There are some early Fujairah stamps that are displayed in a picture frame.

There are guns in a display cabinet which are not for purchasing. I wonder if any of these have been fired at the Fujairah Fort. Perhaps they were used by residents to defend themselves when the British bombarded the Fujairah Fort in 1925.

I know now why the organizer said, “You’ve got to see it. Come on down.”

Look at the pictures to whet your appetite—see link to album below.

Come on Down
One of the organizers said that Thursday night (tonight) will be a great night to see the sword competition.

And Friday night (5th) should be a cracker too!

For the Starting time each evening, check this link.

Here’s how the programme looks from tonight—Thursday 4 November 2010:

Fujairah Fort
Thursday 04/11/2010 Last of the Qualifying Rounds.

Friday 05/11/2010: Qualification Final
Friday 12/11/2010 Qualification Final
Friday 19/11/2010 Qualification Final
Friday 26/11/2010 Semi-Finals
Friday 10/12/2010 The Grand Final

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
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.
Traditional Sword Competition to be Held in Fujairah, FIF, 30 September 2010.

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

Geoff Pound

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

Image: Traditional Emirati daggers and knives.