‘Fakhrak Ya Watan’ musical set to raise the bar for cultural entertainment on the UAE’s 45th National Day

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, on the occasion of the 45th National Day, the UAE is set to witness the biggest musical produced by Emiratis in the country’s history. Fakhrak Ya Watan (nation’s pride), is set to take place this 1 December 2016 at a custom-built venue, developed by Lighthouse Productions, opposite Julphar Towers in Ras Al Khaimah.

Led by Director Mohammad Al Amri and Ali Al Khawar, alongside Terry Miranda and his team at Lighthouse Productions, the musical will feature over 600 dancers, singers, actors, and poets of all ages, uniting for the grand celebration of the country’s rich history, culture, and of course, its leaders. Among the popular Emirati artists and singers performing at the show are Eida Al Menhali, Oraib, Fouad Abdel Wahed and prominent actors Samira Ahmed and Habib Ghuloom.

Ali Al Khawar, Lyricist and Poet says, "Writing for Fakhrak Ya Watan was indeed a great honour. Every Emirati is proud of this nation and its leaders, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and their brothers the rulers of the emirates. On this occasion we see the pride of Emiratis in their country and the country's pride in its people."

The exclusive theatrical production will comprise a total of 15 scenes alongside a fireworks display and a special tribute extended to the founding father and rulers of all the emirates. Additionally, composer Khalid Nasser ensured there was a unique variety of music in the production. He says, “I sought after blending the different Emirati arts and beats by adding some special touches when it came to drum beats and percussion, which in turn created a new sound that will captivate the audience while remaining a recognizable Emirati beat. This was very important as this patriotic production falls on an occasion that is very near and dear to our hearts as Emiratis.”

Performers include over 800 Emirati folk artists including 200 young female students from schools across the emirate. Fakhrak Ya Watan will not only place Ras Al Khaimah on the regional map for National Day but will also highlight the UAE’s capabilities for developing local talent in the international arena. The musical will also be the first Emirati show to be recorded with a 360degree camera, making it available to view in VR.

“Last year, we couldn’t accommodate the number of people who came to view the show and Lighthouse Productions has taken that into consideration for this year’s venue,” says Director Mohammad Al Amri. “Their team perfectly complements ours and together we are putting on a wonderful show with a variety of musical and theatrical sets that include elements of graphics and animation to represent the greater opportunities that lie ahead for Emirati talent.”

Terry Miranda, Managing Director of Lighthouse Productions, adds, “With the enviable support of the UAE’s visionary leaders, there is a burgeoning platform for national artists to push their musical and theatrical culture forward on the grandest of scales. Productions like Fakhrak Ya Watan will inevitably lead to the UAE becoming a true destination for cultural theatre and entertainment, and we try our best to make every show unique and memorable for our audiences.”

Director of Choreography Obaid Ali adds, “This is the least we can do to celebrate this special occasion, considering everything the UAE has given us. National Day brings us all together to commemorate the country’s journey; it is a day that unites us all and allows us to share and spread the happiness we feel.”

The one-hour show is open to the public and will commence at 7:30pm. Gates will open at 4pm and entrance is free for all. For more information, follow the conversation through #FakhrakYaWatan or visit www.lighthouseproductionsme.com.