More Than 20 Diverse Activities And Global Shows

Sharjah Water Fest combines promotes awareness with entertainment

Entertainment with awareness. That is the mantra of various international shows and activities by various Sharjah government entities during the Sharjah Water Festival 2012. More than 20 diverse internationally acclaimed entertainment shows and recreational activities from around the world are part of the wholesome fair being showcased at Al Majaz Park in Sharjah.

According to the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, the organizers, most of the shows and performances other than Russian Circus on Water are being performed for the first time in the Middle East and their focus is providing awareness with entertainment.

Besides international shows and presentations like Ohmies American musical and puppetry shows from Burma and Poland, the 6th edition of the Water Festival being held from 6 to 21 December, is hosting activities that are aimed at promoting social awareness and highlighting the culture and traditions of the UAE.

A number of Sharjah government departments and agencies that are partnering with the SCTDA in hosting the event including the Sharjah Civil Defense, the Sharjah Directorate of Heritage and Knowledge Without Borders and the Supreme Council of Family Affairs and others are using the festival platform to promote the role and idea of an active UAE society.

The festival is an ideal opportunity for these institutions to promote their activities and spread their message of social awareness for families and visitors to the festival from within and outside the country, said an SCTDA official.

Mohamed Hamad al Sari from Sharjah Civil Defense emphasised the importance of the participation of the Civil Defense authorities in the activities of Sharjah Water Festival 2012, one of the most important and popular events in the country. “The Civil Defense not only ensures the safety and security in such large gatherings and events organized by the emirate working with various government departments,” said the official, “it also promotes the awareness about the daily risks and hazards demonstrating how to take precautions by exhibiting safety equipment and distribution of brochures and publications among families and children.”

Reem Mohammed Alraadi, Executive Coordinator of Sharjah Baby Friendly Emirate Campaign organised by the Sharjah Supreme Council for Family Affairs, said that the participation in the Sharjah Water Festival was aimed at promoting awareness in the community about the importance of breastfeeding, and healthy family values. The Campaign is distributing leaflets and organizing lectures to drive home the message among the large numbers of families and children visiting the Festival.

The Directorate of Heritage participates in the festival every year because it attracts thousands of visitors every day and offers a perfect platform to showcase Emirati heritage, ancestral traditions, food and culture. The Directorate’s stand at Al Majaz Park offers various books and publications about the UAE’s heritage. Then there is the section, Summer Manama, that offers traditional Emirati hospitality. The visitors can buy special products and handicrafts at the Emirati crafts center.

Another highlight of the festival is the mobile bus library initiative called ‘Knowledge Without Borders.’ Under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Bodour Sultan Al Qasimi, the Knowledge Without Borders is a mobile bus library with a seating area for visitors and families. The initiative especially targets young children encouraging them to read and make them aware of the importance of reading and learning about diverse cultures. The library has been attracting huge number of visitors, especially children, from the day one of the festival

Meanwhile Al Majaz Park, the venue of the festival, has been attracting throngs of visitors, especially during the weekend break. The Circus on Water, the Ohmies American musical and puppetry shows at Mouj Island have been particularly popular with the young visitors. As in the past, the SWF has a dedicated food corner and a large game area for various rides and thrills.

The support sponsors and partners of the festival include Sharjah Police, Sharjah Civil Defense, Sharjah Municipality, Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority, Public Works Department, Environment and Protected Areas Authority, Seaports and Customs Authority, Department of Culture and Information (Directorate of Heritage) Sharjah Transport and Sharjah Call Centre, Mega Mall, Sahara Centre, Panasonic, Air Arabia, Al Zahra Hospital, Zulal Water, Hotel Corniche Al Buhaira, Golden Tulip, Sharjah, Sharjah Media Corporation, Al Khaleej newspaper and Al Hayat FM.

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