Celebrating UAE and Gulf Culture in Fujairah on World Heritage Day 2011

A formal ceremony took place on Monday evening (18 April) in the presence of the Fujairah Crown Prince, His Highness, Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi.

Many cultural groups entertained the crowd that gathered beneath the iconic Fujairah Fort. Children danced in colourful costumes, women sang and chanted, men participated in the mesmerizing yollah dances, swordsmen showed how sharp were their talents while cantankerous camels bellowed as they were sidelined from the stage.

Marhaba

Gifts were presented by the Crown Prince to the representatives that had come from Qatar, Bahrain, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Oman with their traditional crafts and locally produced dates and sweets.

Inspecting the Displays

After the formalities, His Highness was eager to tour the display booths from the GCC countries as well as those of the UAE. He spoke to many people and showed a keen interest in the crafts and the skills that were being demonstrated.

Bus loads of children had come from outlying parts of Fujairah and there were traditional and modern amusements in which the younger generation could be entertained.

World Heritage Week

Not content with only a day, the Fujairah Tourism and Antiquities Authority is extending the cultural displays and heritage exhibitions until and including Friday.

Each evening the programme commences at 5.00pm and concludes at 10.00pm.

Food is available for purchase.

Further

World Heritage Day 2011 in Fujairah, United Arab Emirates, FIF, 18 April 2011

UNESCO World Heritage Day Celebrated at Fujairah Fort, FIF, 17 April 2011.

Take a Look

Some photos of the Fujairah celebration of World Heritage Day 2011 have been posted in this photo album.

Geoff Pound

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

Image: Celebrating Gulf Heritage while joining hands with people all around the world was a colourful and joyous event in Fujairah. But it continues each evening this week.