Sharjah 24: Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, witnessed Friday afternoon the launch of the activities of the first edition of the Khorfakkan Marine Festival, which is organised by the Sharjah International Marine Sports Club on Khorfakkan Beach.

Following the rendition of the UAE National Anthem, Khalid Jassim Al Midfa, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Sharjah International Marine Sports Club, delivered a speech in which he expressed happiness at the opening of the first edition of the festival, which reflects the features and landmarks of the city of Khorfakkan, being distinguished by the beauty of its beach and its ancient history, in addition to its marine sports and ancient heritage.

Al Midfa discussed the idea and objectives of the festival, pointed out its importance in promoting and supporting marine sports, enhancing youth participation in these sports, and reflecting the heritage of the region.

The Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Sharjah Marine Sports Club also highlighted the importance of the festival in introducing the developmental renaissance, and the tourism and heritage aspects of the Emirate of Sharjah. He concluded thanking all participating parties.

Then, the attendees watched a visual presentation covering the festival's various activities, which provide an opportunity for all members of society to participate in the distinct diversity, competitions, popular games, races, and various live shows the festival covers.

The students of Khorfakkan School presented an operetta themed “Al Qaffal,” which depicted the intimate relationship of the people of the region with the sea and the authentic songs they used to sing, showing the extent of their connection with the sea and their love for it. The audience also watched a live marine fishing show.

Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi honoured the participating entities including Sharjah Investment and Development Authority “Shurooq”, Khorfakkan Beach, Sharjah Institute for Heritage, Districts Affairs Department, Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, National Guard Command, Sharjah Social Services Department - Khorfakkan, Khorfakkan Sports and Cultural Club, and Khorfakkan School.

After the opening ceremony, the Deputy Ruler of Sharjah was briefed on the exhibits of the participating pavilions in the exhibition held on the sidelines of the festival with the participation of many parties, and on the most prominent features of the exhibition of traditional industries, marine museums, and heritage food and industrial products. He also attended the old methods of open auctioning of various goods.

Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi then posed for souvenir photos with the participating parties.

In its first edition, the Khorfakkan Marine Festival, which runs until December 10, offers a large number of diverse activities and events, and a number of fishing competitions in addition to marine races. The festival also presents daily heritage shows and a daily evening showing of the film “KhorFakkan”.

The opening of the festival also saw the presence of Sheikh Saeed bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Deputy Head of the Office of His Highness the Ruler in Khorfakkan; Issa Hilal Al Hazami, Chairman of the Sharjah Sports Council; Tariq Saeed Allay, Director General of the Sharjah Government Media Bureau; Ali Al Hosani, Director of Sharjah Private Eduvation Authority;  Ahmed Obaid Al Qaseer, CEO of the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), and a number of officials, media figures and the public.