The Sharjah Committee for the UAE's 44th National Day Celebrations organised the Operetta "Nation of Hope" yesterday at The Flag Island. The operetta was written by Emirati poet Mosbeh Ali Al Kaabi with music by composer Khalid Al Nasser, and performed by Emirati artists Hussein Al Jassmi, Jassem Mohammed, Arwa Ahmed, and Saudi singer Ismail Mubarak, and featuring Director Dr Mohammed Yousef.The show featured six musical performances, and revolved around the theme of "Spirit of the Union". It told the story of the establishment of the UAE and its development over four decades. It also reflects the heroism and sacrifices of the founding fathers of the UAE, most notably the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and depicts the sacrifices of the nation's martyrs who gave their lives for their country.
The operetta was attended by Sheikh Mohammed bin Humaid Al Qasimi, Director of the Department of Statistics and Community Development (DSCD), HE Khalid Jassim Al Midfa, Chairman of Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) and Chairman of Sharjah Committee for the UAE's 44th National Day Celebrations, HE Khamis bin Salem Al Suwaidi, Chairman of the Department of Suburbs and Villages Affairs, HE Marwan bin Jassim Al Sarkal, CEO of Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), HE Dr. Khalid Omar Al Midfa, Director General of Sharjah Media Corporation, and HE Tareq Al Naqbi, Director of the Sharjah Media Centre.The first act of the operetta illustrated the historical phases the UAE has passed through, with a focus on the importance of forts that formed the UAE's features and their role in defending the nation and protecting it against foreign attacks.The second act, titled "Gulf citizens" depicted the harsh life Emirati citizens experienced when traveling between GCC countries for trade. The second act also highlighted the strong connections and historical bonds binding all GCC citizens, and concluded with a song "We are Gulf citizens".
The third performance called "The Army of heroism" highlighted the history of the UAE Armed Forces since the establishment of the Union and their contribution to supporting vulnerable people. It also depicted the sacrifices of the Emirati youth for the nation. A number of national service recruits participated in this act, accompanied by military music and sound effects as well as displays of military exercises and command skills performed by the young men.The fourth act, titled the "Nation's Martyrs Parades of Glory", was performed by a group of children who were praying to Allah Almighty to reward the martyrs and place them in paradise. The audience then watched a video that depicted the heroisms of Emirati martyrs, who paid dearly and gave their lives in serving their country as part of the Restoring Hope Operation in Yemen. The video also carried a range of statements by Their Highnesses the Rulers of the Emirates in which they paid tribute to the brave martyrs.
The fifth act, called "My Mother UAE", demonstrated the strength and resilience of UAE mothers. It highlighted their important role in the upbringing of their children, and in encouraging them to join the armed forces. The act included a recorded video for His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah advising the mothers, children and spouse of the Martyrs to stay strong. The sixth act of the operetta called "Nation of Hope" portrayed the challenges and strengths of the UAE as well as the noble values and principles of loyalty. A group of young men, along with the audience, took the oath of allegiance, promising to continue to defend the oppressed against the oppressor. They also pledged to safeguard the nation and its gains and remain true to this allegiance and ensure that the UAE's flag flies high with glory.
HE Khalid Jassim Al Midfa, Head of the Sharjah Committee for the UAE's 44th National Day Celebrations, said, "The celebration of the National Day under the wise leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyn, and the Rulers of the Emirates, is an extension of the vision of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. We can recall his saying, ‘Our people should not forget their past and how their ancestors lived and experienced the pains of the past and the harshness of its conditions. Younger generations should be aware of the suffering of their ancestors. This awareness will make them more loyal to their country and always ready to defend its integrity and sovereignty’.”Al Midfa added, "This show is intended to let Emirati citizens and residents know more about the governance of the UAE, which has achieved 44 years of success in all areas of economic, social, industrial, agricultural and cultural life. This day is a celebration for all people living here, where they are provided with security and safety and wellbeing. It is a celebration for the homeland which considers the wellbeing and comfort of its citizens and residents as its main goal. The country has put all its resources into the service of its people and provided them with a safe and stable life.”The operetta saw a huge turnout of people of various nationalities who were united in their sense of pride and love for the UAE. It was a marvelous evening that lived up to the great national occasion observed by the UAE.