The Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) today hosted a special ceremony at the Golf and Shooting Club, Sharjah, to honour the partners and sponsors of Sharjah Water Festival 2014, which was held from 17 to 20 December.

The ceremony was organized in the presence of HE Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Director General, SCTDA, and a number of dignitaries, Sharjah government officials and local and regional media.

Welcoming the guests, HE Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Director General, Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority said the Sharjah Water Festival in its eighth year had been a resounding success. Over the past eight years the Festival has reaffirmed the pride of place Sharjah has come to enjoy as a leading tourist destination known for its popular international festivals that attract tourists and families from across the region and the world, he said. 

 The Authority is sparing no effort to promote Sharjahs tourism product by offering world-class services, events and activities throughout the emirate, making Sharjah an unforgettable stay and experience for all our guests, Al Midfa added.

Thanking the emirates leadership, Al Midfa said: We couldnt have achieved this success without the vision and wise leadership of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and the constant support of His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah.

Al Midfa said the Authority is committed to take its success further by constantly exploring new ways to excel and develop the various festivals and events it hosts every year.  

The Authority has been taking part in top international tourism exhibitions and industry events to showcase Sharjah as a leading global tourism destination and target new tourism markets around the world, he added.

The Director General said the Authority is delighted to honour all the hard work and efforts that went into making the Sharjah Water Festival a success, and added that the Festival was successful in attracting thousands of families to Al Majaz Waterfront and the Khalid Lagoon. 

The event featured numerous family fun activities and world-class performances such as the extreme water sports, as well as fireworks over four nights. As always, the Grand Finale of the UIM F1 H20 World Powerboat Championship, the Sharjah Grand Prix, was the highlight of the Festival, Al Midfa added.

On behalf of the SCTDA, Al Midfa thanked all Sharjah government departments, private sector organisations, event sponsors, and members of media for their continuous support and cooperation in presenting a bright image of Sharjah before the world. He also commended the SCTDA staff and volunteers for their efforts that contributed to the success of Sharjah Water Festival 2014.

The Sharjah Water Festival was distinctly different this year with several new features, entertainment and family fun activities, especially Extreme Water Sports. Sixteen highly skilled performers combined their amazing skills and prowess with machine to use jet skis, kiteboards, fly boards and speedboats, creating a breathtaking spectacle in the waters of Khalid Lagoon.  The Sand Sculptures section was another major attraction at Al Majaz Waterfront especially for children.

The Sharjah Water Festival turned into a huge carnival every night with Roaming Musicians Shows that added to the celebrations. Mouj, the SWF mascot, was particularly popular with the children.

The Heritage Village at Al Majaz Waterfront celebrating the best of Emirati traditions and heritage was another big draw. Divided into three sections, the Heritage Village helped visitors discover the rich heritage of the UAE and explore and experience the popular culture, customs and traditions of the ancestors. The high point of the Sharjah Water Festival was the grand finale of the UIM H20 F1 World Powerboat Championship, which took place on 18 and 19 December at the Khalid Lagoon.  The Sharjah Grand Prix once again attracted sports enthusiasts from all over the country and the region.  Veteran driver Philippe Chiappe representing team China took the first place in the Sharjah Grand Prix and was crowned the 2014 World Champion.

The Sharjah Water Festival, 2014 sponsors and event partners included Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority, Shurooq (Sharjah Investment and Development Authority) Sharjah Municipality, Sharjah Police Headquarters, Department of Seaports and Customs, Sharjah, Sharjah Road and Transport Authority, Civil Defence Department, Sharjah, Sharjah Museums Department, Co-Sponsors Al Zahra Hospital, Media partners: Sharjah Media Corporation and Al Khaleej newspaper and official airline Air Arabia.