Fujairah Collage

Fujairah Collage
Some distinctive landmarks in Fujairah

Friday, November 11, 2011

Opening Night at the Al Saif Sword Championship and Fujairah Heritage Festival

Final Preparations

By mid-afternoon exhibitors were still arriving at the heritage village and getting their stalls set up with crafts to display or sell.

Later some cafeteria owners were getting their BBQ grills warmed and Emirati women were beginning to cook tasty bread and other treats on their hot plates and pans.

Children dressed in heritage gear arrived by buses ready to display their dancing and singing.

Camels, horses and ponies arrived by truck from Bithna and were readied for riding on the opening night.

It was a clear blue sky and the Fujairah Fort looked a treat. The grandstands around the saif (sword) arena were nicely covered. The new seating arrangement helps spectators feel they are close to the action.

Some had stayed away, opting to come tonight (Friday) when the sword competition gets underway but those in attendance were treated to some displays from the swordsmen.

There have been so many applicants to the sword championship that qualifying rounds have been extended and this was in action last night.

Friday Night 11 November 2011

The heritage activities get underway at 5pm but the bull butting may be starting at 4pm.

The sword championship gets underway at 9pm.

Tonight’s program (but you never know what else they throw into the event’s calendar!): Al Saif Championship, Bull butting, folklore shows, fishermen songs, school shows, cultural/heritage quiz, photography competition, raffles….

Check the program and stay posted by clicking LIKE on the Al Saif Competition Facebook Page.

Take a Look

Some photos from the opening evening are posted in this photo album.

Geoff Pound

More Fujairah news, information and photos are posted on the Fujairah in Focus Facebook Page.

Image: Some of the girls waiting to do the traditional songs and dances.

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