Outpouring of Affection in Fujairah for President of UNITED Arab Emirates

Prior to the New Year eve fireworks display in Dubai, Sultan Sooud Al Qassemi was asked by Dubai Media hosts to identify some of the major themes of 2010 in the UAE.

Sultan mentioned the important contribution last year of the UAE President, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The social commentator observed that 2010 had commenced with the highest building in the world being named in the President’s honour (‘Burj Khalifa’). He also spoke of being invited to Al Ain along with scores of sheikhs to welcome President Khalifa back to the UAE after recent surgery and the tangible show of affection that was evident for their leader.

Buildings and Pipelines
This esteem was also reflected in Fujairah last year. Representatives of Sheikh Khalifa’s emirate of Abu Dhabi are increasingly investing in Fujairah (e.g. the newly opened Concorde Hotel, the emerging hotel on the site of the Marine Club and the tall apartment tower at the bottom of the main street) and this year the capital has strengthened its connection with the new oil pipeline and associated oil infrastructure emerging in the north-eastern emirate.

Portraits and Flags
Recently a large portrait of His Highness, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, was posted on the side of Fujairah’s busy Kuwait Rd. This special area also incorporates a UAE flag on a high flagpole and a plaque that conveys a national theme.

UNITED
The pipelines and poles, portraits and plaques are all visible reminders that Fujairah is part of a UNITED Arab Emirates led by a President who is honored for his role and widely loved for his personal care and generous leadership.

Take a Look
Link to some photos of the area created alongside the Fujairah city bypass to recognize the role of the UAE President and serve as a kind of national glue.

Geoff Pound

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

Image: “Recently a large portrait of His Highness, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, was posted on the side of Fujairah’s busy Kuwait Rd.”