Two Guinness World Records Established in Fujairah

Two world records were established yesterday (26 November 2010) at the Fujairah Fort as part of the Al Saif Traditional Sword Competition, sponsored by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi, the Crown Prince of Fujairah.

Largest Yolla Dance
The largest Yolla Dance (traditional Emirati dance) was achieved when 285 people participated in a dance against the backdrop of the spectacular Fujairah Fort. This feat smashed the existing record that had been set at Dubai’s Global Village in 2008 when 221 joined in the yolla dance.

Highest Sword Throw
The highest throw of the sword was achieved yesterday when Hazaa Sulaiman Al Shehhi of Dibba, Fujairah, threw his sword 21.275 metres, thus creating a new world record.

The height of the sword throw was measured by laser technology.

A representative of Guinness World Records was in attendance and addressed a press conference at the evening programme.

Competition Nearing Climax
The sword competition was vigorous last night with some zafin (swordsmen) showing signs of pressure. There are two large circles marked on the ground at the fort where the competition is being staged. Swordsmen are to throw the swords up and catch them while still within the circle. If they do not catch the sword or the sword lands outside the circle they lose points. One accomplished semi-finalist, in attempting to gain height, threw his sword astray to such an extent that it landed outside the arena.

Mabrook! مبروك
Congratulations to Hazaa Sulaiman Al Shehhi, the Yolla dancers, the organisers of the Al Saif Traditional Sword Competition and High Highness, the Crown Prince, for setting these records and thus generating international interest and awareness of Emirati heritage.

Check the Competition Schedule at this link.

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
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: Two Guinness World Records were established in Fujairah.