The creativity and cultural talents of the members of Sharjah Youth, an affiliate of Rubu' Qarn Foundation for Creating Leaders and Innovators, took centre stage at the Manarat Watan (Beacon of the Nation) ceremony held on November 26 – 27 at the Al Jawaher Reception and Convention Centre in Sharjah.

Organised by Sharjah Youth, the two-day event aimed to highlight and celebrate skills and artistry of their members in a variety of fields including arts and culture, science and technology, entrepreneurship, sports and life skills.

Sharjah Youth orchestra

Sheikh Saqr bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Sports Council, attended the event, which began with a live performance of the UAE National Anthem by the Sharjah Youth Orchestra, the first Emirati youth orchestra established only six months ago that aims to scout for and train young local musical talents, introduce them to a wide range of musical repertoire, and teach them to play different instruments under the guidance of accomplished musicians.

A video screened at the event showcased Sharjah Youth’s ongoing efforts and programmes designed to nurture young talents and foster their creativity and innovation while also highlighting the achievements of its members in the various activities and training courses facilitated by the organisation.

Manarat Watan Operetta

A key highlight of the inaugural ceremony on November 26 was the Manarat Watan operetta performed by around 200 members of Sharjah Youth, including members of Sajaya Young Ladies of Sharjah and Sharjah Children. The performance revolved around Sharjah Youth’s achievements and reflected the participants’ love and attachment to the UAE.

The 4-part operetta started with a welcoming act. The second act highlighted the achievements of Sharjah Youth members, while the third focused on values of tolerance in the UAE society. The fourth and final act told the story of Rubu' Qarn Foundation for Creating Leaders and Innovators.

Through its well-crafted musical and stage performances and acts, the operetta reflected Sharjah’s position as a guiding beacon for youth, and a pioneering model in all fields of knowledge and arts.

At the ceremony, Sheikh Saqr bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairman of Sharjah Sports Council, congratulated the UAE’s leadership, and community on the occasion of the National Day. He also congratulated His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, on receiving the “Order of the Mother of the Emirates” in recognition of his efforts in supporting humanitarian and community causes.

Sheikh Saqr Al Qasimi said: “On this special day, we extend our thanks and appreciation to His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, and his wife, Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs, for supporting the younger generations and paving the way for them to be active citizens and vital contributors to the development of our country."

Fatima Mohammed Musharbak, Acting Director of Sharjah Youth, said: “In line with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, we have always been committed to providing youth with all the tools they need to excel. Sharjah Youth is committed to empowering them with skills that unlock their true potential, their entrepreneurial capabilities, scientific and technological strengths, as well as their abilities in sports, language, and life skills.”

She added: “By placing their implicit trust in us, parents have been our partners in our success story. We are proud to work with them to achieve the vision of the Rubu' Qarn Foundation.”

“Today, our youth are not merely receiving knowledge, they are transferring that knowledge to their peers,” she continued. “The second day of the ceremony will, therefore, see our members conduct various workshops themselves to demonstrate their skills to the members of the public,” she continued.

Showcasing the youth’s talents

Day two of Manarat Watan on November 27 unfolded with a range of stage performances including puppet and shadow shows, as well as training workshops in these art forms. Sharjah Youth members also offered workshops on manga art, acrylic painting, sand painting, and mandala art.

At the science and technology platform, young members conducted a wiring and electrical workshop, and another on the basics of robotics building and programming using VEX, EV3 and NAO systems.

The sports platform saw members present freestyle sports and demonstrate their skills in taekwondo, judo, table tennis and badminton.

A special youth session was also held for members of the Sharjah Youth Parliament. The ‘Reading Street’ activity, on the other hand, was modelled on a human library where visitors and participants could hear about famous achievers and personalities in the fields of self-development, literature, humanities, history, science and technology. 

Sharjah Broadcasting Authority supported the event as Media Sponsor while Nomada was the Support Sponsor.