Today's Edition
Kuumar Shyam (Sharjah)
His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, inaugurated, on Wednesday, a project to revive the old town of Al Hira in the city of Sharjah.
The coastal enclave, founded four centuries ago in 1613 AD, holds special historical significance for the UAE as being the location where the first Qawasim tribe arrived in the Emirate of Sharjah.
Upon arrival in Al Hira area, HH Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed unveiled a memorial to commemorate the founding of the town. The Ruler of Sharjah then opened the house of Sultan bin Abdullah bin Majid Al Owais, which is located on an area of 900 square metres, to be known as the Al Hira Literary Majlis.
His Highness then unveiled the Sultan bin Abdullah bin Majid Al Owais Mosque, announcing a revamp and its opening, and listened to an explanation of the details of rebuilding the mosque.
Al Hira is also considered the centre of the UAE’s strong tradition of Nabati poetry.
The project to revive the old town of Al Hira includes the houses of Sultan bin Abdullah bin Majid Al Owais, Hamid Khalaf Bu Khasrah, and Khalifa Sultan Al Suwaidi.
The visit also served as the ideal backdrop for H.H. Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed to witness the first performance of the play “Al Hira Majlis”, based on the book that was written by His Highness, and published by Al Qasimi Publications.
Sheikh Salem bin Abdulrahman bin Salem Al Qasimi, Chairman of Sharjah Ruler’s Office, Abdulrahman bin Mohamed Al Owais, Minister of Health and Prevention, Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammed Belhaif Al Nuaimi, Chairman of Sharjah Consultative Council, and a number of senior officials, group of poets, writers, artists, and guests witnessed the event.
The Sharjah National Theatre troupe presented the play in Al Hira area in Sharjah, as part of the activities of the 20th edition of the Sharjah Arabic Poetry Festival.
Through the play’s writing, Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed presents a precious expression and glimpse into the origins of Al Hira and its culture with the most eloquent words. The play took the audience on a journey through time, documenting the history of Al Hira, with regard to the movement of Al Qawasim.
The people of Al Hira were famous for their courage, generosity and wealth. They were interested in sciences, arts, and literature, and a group of wise men, philosophers, writers, and poets excelled among them. Poetry gatherings, dialogues, and literary meetings were held in Al Hira.
His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah extended thanks and appreciation to all those participating in the play for their efforts in presenting the play at a distinguished level.
Sharjah has been actively promoting tourism projects in the Emirate over the past few years, with Al Hira one of the many developments unveiled.
In 2022, the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) announced the development of Al Hira Beach, the city’s longest beach, extending for a length of 3.5 kilometres.
Last week, the Sharjah Ruler also approved the Emirate’s 2024 budget of $11.1 billion, which has been earmarked to facilitate the implementation of various infrastructure and science projects, boosting business and tourism, and achieving food security.
