Fifth International Monodrama Festival in Fujairah, UAE, 2012

Fifth International Monodrama Festival

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammad Al Sharqi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Fujairah, the Fifth Fujairah International Monodrama Festival (FIMF) starts on the 20^th of January 2012.

The festival celebrates its tenth year by announcing the launch of a new award: the "Fujairah Award for Theatre Creativity". The award and the name of its first winner will both be announced during the opening ceremony.

This year's festival, which is organized by the Fujairah Culture and Media Authority and continues until the 28^th of January, 2012, will host one actor theatre shows from 12 Arab and international countries, with a guest list of more than 200 celebrities from all over the world.

This was stated by Mohammad Saeed Al Dhanhani, Vice Chairman of the Fujairah Culture and Media Authority and the Festival's Chairman, during the press conference that was held at Le Meridien Al Aqah Hotel in the presence of the Festival's Director, Mohammad Saif Al Afkham. The program and associated activities of the 5^th FIMF were also announced.

Festival’s Sponsors

The press conference was attended by the festival's sponsors:

Etisalat, Emirates Sembcorp Water & Power Company, Le Meridien Al Aqah Hotels, Raddison Blu Resort Fujairah, Miramar Al Aqah Beach Resort, Fujairah Media Group.

Generous Patronage

At the beginning of the press conference and on behalf of the Higher Organizing Committee and subsidiary committees of the 5^th FIMF, Al Dhanhani expressed his sincerest thanks and appreciation to His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammad Al Sharqi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Fujairah, for his patronage and support of the festival since its first year. He stated that the support of His Highness is the reason behind the success achieved by the festival year after year.

Fujairah on the Cultural Map

Al Dhanhani also extended his thanks to His Highness Sheikh Mohammad bin Hamad bin Mohammad Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah, for his great support of the festival's management and His Highness Sheikh Rashid bin Hamad Al Sharqi, Chairman of the Fujairah Culture and Media Authority and Chairman of the higher organizing committee of the festival for his continuous efforts and his commitment to achieve more success with the festival. Al Dhanhani pointed out that FIMF contributed in placing Fujairah on the international cultural and artistic map in the record time of less than a decade.

Honoring Creativity

"The launch of the Fujairah Award for Theatre Creativity is an important event for the arts world as it honors the artist, theatre, and creativity." said Al Dhanhani, “We made the award international to include the masters of contemporary theatre from all over the world. The award is a recognition of their lifelong devotion to theatre and the mark they left on the stage whether by acting, writing, or directing.”

Opening Ceremony at Fujairah Fort

The name of the award's first winner will be announced during the opening ceremony which will be held this time at the Fujairah Fort. The ceremony will include a theatrical dance show titled "Fujairah…The World Passes Through Here". The show has been written by the playwright and poet, Mohammad Saeed Al Dhanhani, and will be performed by the Ornina Theatrical Dance Group. The music has been composed by renowned composer Waleed Al Hashim. The show is directed by Eyad Al Khuzouz and will be executed by a specialized international company based in the UK.

Extensive Guest List

The festival's chairman reviewed the guest list that includes celebrities from the UAE, Arab and international countries. The guest list include:

Arab guests:

From Egypt: Nour El-Sherif, Hussain Fahmi, Nabila Obaid, Samiha Ayoub, Ashraf Abdul Ghafour (Head of the Actors' Syndicate), Lutfi Labib, Hani Ramzi, Sameh Al Suraidi, Yasmin Abdul Aziz, writer Mahfouth Abdul Rahman, and Wael Abdul Aziz.

From Jordan: Jeries Samawi, Lina Al Tal, Akif Najm, Yasser Al Masri, Nadir Omran, Reem Bushnaq, Mofleh Al Adwan.

From Syria: Jamal Sulaiman, Rashid Assaf, Salloum Haddad. Suzan Najm Al Din, Qais Al Sheikh Najib, Abid Fahad, Basim Yakhour, Saif Al Subaie, Kinda Alloush, Sulafa Mimar, Fares Al Thahabi, Dima Bayaa.

From Kuwait: Sheikh Duaij Al Khalifa Al Sabah, Suad Abdulla, Mohammad Al Mansour, Ibrahim Al Harbi, Huda Hussain, Jasim Al Nabhan, Abdulaziz Al Haddad, Zahra Al Kherji, Sulaiman Al Shatti, Bandar Al Mutairi, Fuad Al Shatti, Hamad Al Raqei, Jamal Al Lahou, Abdulla Matar Al Jadid, Shojoun Al Hajri, Basim Abdul Amir.

From Saudi Arabia: Yousif Al Jarrah, Laila Al Salman, Maryam Al Ghamdi, Ibrahim Assiri, Maisoon Al Ruwaili, Amina Al Ali, Marwa Mohammad, Abdulaziz Assiri, Fahad Radda Al Harithi, Ali Faqandash.

From Qatar: Salah Al Mulla, Abdulaziz Jassim, Dr. Hassan Rasheed, Ghasi Hussain.

From Bahrain: Iman Al Qusaibi, Shaima Sabt, Amira Mohammad.

From Lebanon: Zahi Wahba, Nicole Saba, Ward Al Khal, Carmen Labs, Rafik Ali Ahmad.

From Tunisia: Jaafar Al Qassimi, Al Munji bin Ibrahim.

From Morocco: Al Hassan Al Nafali, Maisa Maghribi, Narjes Al Hallaq, Nina Maghribi.

From the Sultanate of Oman: Ibrahim Al Zadjali, Buthaina Al Raeesi, Taleb Al Boloushi.

From Iraq: Aziz Khayoun, Alaa Shaker.

From Sudan: Ali Mahdi, Al Ser Al Sayyed.

From Iran: Farah Maqsoudi, Samad Shino Frshan.

International Guests:

Ramendu Majumdar, Bangladesh, President of ITI.

Tobias Biancone, Switzerland, Director General of ITI.

From Germany: Rolf Hemke, Yolanta Sutowich, Eberhard Wagner, Eva Maarika Schmitz, Malgrozata Witosławski, Manfred Beilharz

From Greece: Irene Moundraki, Konstantinos Davaris, Savas Patsalidis, Konstantina Ziropoulou, Olga Pozeli.

From Ukraine: Nina Mazur, Albert Atakulova.

From Azerbaijan: Adalat Veliyev (Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism), Shayj Safrov, Chokova Yousobova, Mubaraz Hamidov, Adin Talabazadi.

Anne Mari Angel, Sweden.

Τatjiana Azman, Slovenia.

Nicole Brown, Jamaica.

Emilya Cachapero, USA.

Petya Hristova, Bulgaria.

Il Soo Chin and Jeong Ok Kim, South Korea.

Fray Paolo Maria Diosdado Casurao, Philippines.

Alfira Arslanova, Russia.

Pascal Wanou, Benin.

Diane Heirend, Steve Karier, Luxembourg.

Minas Tingilis, Cyprus.

Alexander Rubinovas, Birute Mar, Lithuania.

Antonina Mikhaltsova, Belarus.

Jasen Boko, Croatia.

Michel Vais, Canada.

Christoph Haering, Switzerland.

And celebrities from the UAE:

Ismail Abdulla, Najla Al Khaja, Nahla Al Fahad, Ahmad Al Mansouri, Eissa Al Mail, Ibrahim Al Ahmad, Ali Al Rumaithi, Abdulla Al Ajala, Jaber Naghmoush, Fatima Al Hosani, Hassan Rajab, Jamal Salem, Sultan Al Neyadi, Naji Al Hai, Habib Ghloum, Saif Al Ghanim and Roa Al Sabban.

Diversity of Attendees

About the large number of the guests of honor, Al Dhanhani said, “The number, for us, constitutes an important artistic, cultural and intellectual event. The diversity that this number represents is a diversity in the artists' personalities and their schools of thought and art. This enriches the festival through interviews, seminars, and exchange of experiences which leads to a continuous dialogue with the mixture of cultures and civilizations that the guests bring with them. This is an important element of innovation in any place and time.”

Preparations Complete

Engineer Mohammad Saif Al Afkham, the Festival's Director, the President of the International Monodrama Forum, and the Secretary General of ITI, stated at the press conference that all preparations for the 5^th FIMF are complete. He pointed out that the shows to be presented at the festival are chosen by a specialized viewing committee which included in its membership: Hassan Rajab, Jamal Adam, Abdulla Rashid, Abdulla Masoud, Khalifa Al Takhloufa, and Faisal Jawad.

International and Arabic Shows

The shows are from 12 countries and they are:

Arabic Shows:

- The Guaranteed Way to Get Rid of Spots/ Egypt.

Written by Rasha Abdul Monem. Directed and performed by Reham Abdul Raziq.

- Cannibals/ Jordan.

Written by Mamdouh Adwan. Performed by Mohammad Al Ibrahimi. Directed by Ali Al Jarrah.

- Copy.. Paste/ Lebanon.

Written and performed by Rafik Ali Ahmad. Directed by Naji Sourati.

- Spring Sonata/ Syria.

Written by Jamal Adam. Performed by Mazin Al Natour. Directed by Mahir Al Salibi.

- Stick with Your Own Crazy Person / UAE (Dubai Al Ahli Theatre Group).

Written and directed by Jamal Matar. Performed by Ahmad Mal Allah.

- The Pianist/ UAE, Morocco (Winner of the Arabic Fujairah International Playwriting Competition)

Written by Dr. Malha Abdulla (KSA). Performed and directed by Latifa Ahrar (Morocco). Produced by Fujairah Culture and Media Authority.

International Shows:

- Desdemona / Poland, Australia.

Written by William Shakespeare. Adapted and performed by: Jolanta Juszkiewicz. Directed by Anatoly Frusin & Jolanta Juszkiewicz

- Confessions of the Mask/ Germany (Russian Theatre Group).

Written by Yukio Mishima.

- To Baghdad / Germany – Iraq.

Written, directed and performed by: Azel Yahya Idris.

- That's the End/ Azerbaijan.

Written by Peter Turrini (Austria). Performed by Ghorban Ismailov. Directed by Braham Ossmanov.

- King Lear/ Taiwan.

Written and directed by Wu Hsing-kuo

- Something or Nothing / UK

Performed and directed by Guy Dartnell

Further Award

Al Afkham also announced that the 5th FIMF will witness the award distribution ceremony of the Arabic version of the Fujairah International Playwriting Competition. The winners of the competition are:

Dr. Malha Abdulla (KSA), Taha Adnan (Morocco), Metwalli Omar Abu Nasser (Palestine).

With the presence of the competition's committee:

Abdulaziz Al Saree (Kuwait), Asaad Fidha (Syria), Yusri Al Jundi (Egypt), Abdulkarim Burshaid (Morocco) and Abdulla Rashid (UAE).

Symposium Theme

Al Afkham stated that the festival's main symposium titled "Monodrama: Terminology and Modernity" will include papers by Dr. Abdul Karim Jawad from Sultanate of Oman, Dr. Huda Wasfi from Egypt, Dr. Malha Abdulla from Saudi Arabia, Mahfouth Abdul Rahman from Egypt, and Nidhal Al Ashqar from Lebanon.

He added that the publications that are issued with every festival are a tradition that continues this year. Some of these publications are ITI's book The World of Theatre which was translated into Arabic and published by the Fujairah Culture and Media Authority. Another book published by the Fujairah Culture and Media Authority is Ten Plays, which includes all the winning texts of the Arabic version of the Fujairah International Playwriting Competition 2010-2012. The book is also translated to English.

Two books containing the theatrical works of Mohammad Saeed Al Dhanhani will also be distributed during the festival.

Moreover, Al Afkham discussed the festival management's efforts in preparing the theatres that will host the festival's shows in Diba. He stated that the theatres were all provided with the best audio and video equipment.

Related

Planning in Full Swing for 5^th International Monodrama Festival in Fujairah, FIF, 21 September 2011.

Further

Fujairah International Monodrama Festival (FIMF) website.

HCT Fujairah Hosts the Annual HCT Road Race

Higher Colleges of Technology Fujairah Men’s College hosted the 6^th annual HCT Road race on December 13, 2011.

The 5-kilometer race took place at the Fujairah Corniche with participation from over 70 individuals from 6 HCT Colleges. The Men’s Colleges from HCT who participated in the race were from Fujairah, Dubai, Sharjah, Al Ain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Abu Dhabi.

Staff members at these colleges also participated in a staff category of the race. The participants were at their best exhibiting the spirit of competition and enthusiasm.

The race, which started at 3:00 p.m., was followed by the awards ceremony at the Hilton Fujairah.

At the awards ceremony, Dr. Dave Pelham, Director, HCT Fujairah congratulated the winners and expressed his gratitude to the Fujairah National Group for their generous sponsorship of the event as well as the Fujairah Traffic Department for their support and cooperation during the event.

Mr. Mohamed Natafji, Managing Director of Fujairah National Group who was present at the ceremony, expressed his appreciation of the event and wished the participants greater success in the future. He encouraged the participants to put in their best not just in competitive sports but in every aspect of life.

Winners and participants were invited to a dinner thereafter at the Hilton sponsored by FNG.

Dubai came first in both the team and individual categories followed closely by Fujairah bagging second place in both these categories. Sharjah finished third in the team and individual category.

HCT Fujairah employees Sean James, Mark Barnes and Brian Keenan completed a first second and third sweep in the staff category.

Concorde Kitchen Turns into a Classroom for Fujairah Children

Last week the kitchen at the Concorde Fujairah Hotel became a classroom and the Concorde chefs became teachers, as children from the Fujairah Private Academy (FPA) were welcomed.

Each day (over three days in December-12, 13, 14) a new class of approximately 23 children came to the Concorde with three teachers.

The subject for all three visits was ‘Healthy Food and Food Hygiene’.

The groups arrived in the hotel lobby at 11am and were given a tour of the hotel. They assembled in one of the large preparation areas where banquets are readied for hotel functions.

Concorde chefs led by Chef Musbah gave brief explanations about healthy and unhealthy cooking and eating but most of the two-hour session involved hands-on learning.

The children were each given a hair net to wear before putting on plastic gloves. The challenge for the children was to make their own lunch and on the menu was a beef burger followed by a fruit and custard tart with water to drink.

Chef Swapan and his helpers demonstrated the making of coleslaw, after which the children began assembling their burgers.

Pastry Chef Glen showed how to squeeze custard onto the tart before the children laid slices of melon, kiwifruit, pineapple and strawberries onto their dessert.

Lunch at the Concorde kitchen for children and teachers of the FPA was a matter of food for thought as well as food to enjoy.

Related

Meet the Concorde Staff (photos), Concorde Facebook Page.

Christmas Tree Lighting and Celebration at the Concorde, Concorde Facebook Page.

The New Dubai-Fujairah Express Road and the Concorde Fujairah Hotel, Concorde Facebook Page.

Recent Community Events Hosted by Concorde Fujairah Hotel

Fujairah Emirate First Government in Region to Go Completely 3D with Google Earth, FIF, 15 December 2011.

Fujairah Hosts First Forum in Urban Planning, Diversity and Integration, FIF, 29 November 2011.

First Fujairah Forum on UAE Planning, Integration and Diversity, FIF, 23 November 2011.

See Why Fujairah Crown Prince Voted for Bu Tina Island Wonder of Nature, FIF, 9 November 2011.

Al Saif Committee Announces Fujairah Sword Competition for 2011, FIF, 17 October 2011.

Fujairah Welcomes the French Highlighting Emirate’s Strategic Location, FIF, 2 October 2011.

Click LIKE to keep up to date with all the happenings at the Concorde Fujairah Hotel.

Geoff Pound

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

Fujairah Crown Prince Dedicates Longest Sword to UAE Rulers and People

'Sword of the Emirates'

The Fujairah Crown Prince Award concluded on Friday evening (16 December) with the excitement and celebration of heritage and skills that accompanied its biggest event, Al Saif Championship and its associated activities. The Award made history for the United Arab Emirates when Guinness World Records judge, Tarika Vara, announced the Sword of the Emirates which is 14.94 meters long as the biggest sword on earth. Tarika Vara congratulated the UAE’s leaders and citizens for this achievement.

World Record Certificate

Vara presented His Highness, Sheikh Mohammad bin Hamad Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah and patron of the Award with the new world record certificate at the Sword Arena in Fujairah Fort. This was done in the presence of His Highness, Sheikh Rashid bin Hamad Al Sharqi, Chairman of the Fujairah Culture and Media Authority, and His Highness, Sheikh Maktoum bin Hamad Al Sharqi.

UAE National Day Gift

His Highness, the Crown Prince of Fujairah dedicated this achievement, which came in time with the country's celebrations of the 40^th National Day, to the United Arab Emirates rulers and citizens. His Highness stated that the idea of the Award started with the vision and support of His Highness, Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammad Al Sharqi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Fujairah. He added that the Award contributed in highlighting the cultural and traditional side of the UAE community and emphasized the history and deep rooted heritage that should be kept and revived so that the young generations can be acquainted with it.

Heritage Village and New Awards

Additionally, His Highness the Crown Prince of Fujairah gave directives to open the Heritage Village for the public in the winter and spring seasons. He also launched two new awards aimed for students to be added next year: the Heritage Research Award and the Traditional Arts Award.

Thanks

This article was written by Shaikha Mesmari and translated by Hessa Al Falasi.

Image: The photo of the presentation of the Guinness World Record Certificate to His Highness, Sheikh Mohammad bin Hamad Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah, by Guinness World Records judge, Tarika Vara, was taken by Emily Ray. More photos that Emily took on the final night are posted in this photo album.

Memorable Final Ceremony of Sword Championship in Fujairah

Closing Ceremony

In a night lit by fireworks and fueled by the anticipation of the lucky winners of Al Saif Championship, the Sword Arena at the Fujairah Fort witnessed the Closing Ceremony of the Fujairah Crown Prince Award. This event was celebrated in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Mohammad bin Hamad Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah and patron of the Award, His Highness Sheikh Rashid bin Hamad Al Sharqi, Chairman of the Fujairah Culture and Media Authority, His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Hamad Al Sharqi, Sheikh Abdulla bin Hamad bin Saif Al Sharqi, and a number of Sheikhs and VIPs.

The ceremony was also attended by His Excellency Dr. Mohammad Al Kindi, Former Minister of Environment and Water, His Excellency Ali Maihad Al Suwaidi, Acting Director General of the Ministry of Education, and a number of media personalities, representatives from UAE ministries, and important personalities from the Emirate of Fujairah.

Packed House

The ceremony witnessed a large presence from the public who filled every seat at the Sword Arena. The crowd at the Heritage Village watched the Closing Ceremony of the Award from the screen installed so that everyone, males and females, locals and expatriates, from Fujairah and other Emirates, could watch and enjoy the coronation of the winners and the ceremony of the last evening of this year's Award. This was a ceremony in which three lucky winners of the eight qualified contestants would be awarded their prizes. After five rounds filled with excitement and enthusiasm, the sixth round started on the final night and the three winners would be announced afterwards.

Rich Heritage Festival

The Organizing Committee stated that this year's Award was like a heritage, cultural and social festival held at the Fujairah Fort. "We started with the Saif Championship, and today the Fujairah Crown Prince Award comprises many activities that became the hub for a rich heritage experience full of activities and participations from Arts and cultural institutions and societies.”

Diversity of Attendees

They added that the award has attracted families from all nationalities and everyone who wanted to explore the UAE's heritage through the Heritage Village and School Operetta Competition, in addition to following the Mzafin or sword dancing. "The attendance was not only comprised of fans of the participants in Al Saif Championship", the committee added, "A lot of national and expatriate families attended the Award's activities to enjoy the traditional atmosphere of the place.”

Final Program

The closing night of the Fujairah Crown Prince Award included many activities and the ceremony program was various and exciting. There was a video about the Award's activities, the rounds of the Saif Championship, and the Friday evening singers and poets. After that, H.E. Ali Maihad Al Suwaidi, Acting Director General of the Ministry of Education gave a speech on behalf of the Ministry, expressing the recognition of the Award's role in promoting national identity and reviving heritage. Following the speech, a traditional dance performed by the Saif Championship contestants was presented.

High Point of the Evening

The point in the evening where the results were announced was a moment filled with anticipation and enthusiasm. The contestants stood waiting for the announcement of the winners of the championship. His Highness Sheikh Mohammad bin Hamad Al Sharqi, the patron of the Award presented the three winners with their prizes in the presence of His Highness, Sheikh Rashid bin Hamad Al Sharqi, Chairman of the Fujairah Culture and Media Authority, His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Hamad Al Sharqi, Sheikh Abdulla bin Hamad bin Saif Al Sharqi.

The Winners

The three winners of the second Saif Championship were: Nawaf Abdulla Sulaiman Al Hibsi who won the first prize, Saif Ahmad Khamies Al Yammahi who won the second prize, and Mohammad bin Saadain Al Shehhi who won the third prize. The winners posed for a photograph with the patron of the Award.

Generous Prizes

The winner of the first prize earned a cash reward of AED 100,000, a golden sword, and a car. The second prize winner got a cash reward of AED 60,000 and a silver sword, and the third prize winner got a cash reward of AED 40,000 and a bronze sword. The winners from the fourth to the eighth places won AED 10,000 each.

Brilliant Laser Show and Fireworks

After the coronation ceremony had ended, darkness filled the place which was lit seconds later by magnificent fireworks that started from the front of the Fort and went up in the sky. Laser shows drew the sword on the walls of the fort and decorated it with images of Sheikhs' images starting with the photo of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, to His Highness the President of the UAE, His Highness the Ruler of Fujairah, photos of the patron of the Award and other photos from the Award's activities. The crowd cheered and showed their excitement and fascination with the brilliance of the ceremony.

Ceremony Completed With Song

The beauty of the ceremony was made perfect with the performance of singer Hazzaa who expressed his happiness for being in Fujairah and attending the Award for the second time. He thanked His Highness the Crown Prince of Fujairah for his presence and devotion to reviving heritage through Al Saif Championship, this beautiful old art in Fujairah.

Thanks

This article was written by Shaikha Mesmari and translated by Hessa Al Falasi.

Image: The photo of the fireworks above the Fujairah Fort was taken by Emily Ray. More photos that Emily took on the final night are posted in this photo album.