Shurooq Displays Pride in UAE's Achievements and Honours its Sacrifices

The UAE’s rich heritage and unique culture formed the backdrop to Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq)’s 45th National Day celebrations, which took place on Tuesday at Flag Island in Sharjah. Attending the programme of activities at the popular Emirati national monument was HE Marwan bin Jassim Al Sarkal, CEO of Shurooq and a number of section heads and staff from the government-affiliated organisation.

Shurooq’s National Day celebrations saw the ‘Sougha’ initiative showcase local crafts that have defined the UAE’s culture through the ages, while media personality Ali Al Salloum and poet Ahmed Al Ghafli gave speeches highlighting the depth of feeling that Emiratis have for their nation and the sentiments of pride and glory that both citizens and expatriates express towards the country. The duo underlined the importance for leading organisations to support the approach laid by the Founding Fathers and for following in their footsteps to press ahead with the country's drive towards advancement and development.  

"Shurooq is extremely proud to commemorate the anniversary of the establishment of the union and to honour the dear sacrifices made by the Founding Fathers who have secured a place for the UAE among the world’s foremost nations. National Day is a very special occasion for Emiratis and for expatriate residents. It is a reflection of the people's loyalty to their country and its wise leadership, most notably President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan; His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-president and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai; His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and Their Highnesses the Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates," said HE Marwan Al Sarkal.

Shurooq’s celebrations for the UAE’s 45th National Day preceded its honouring of yesterday’s (Wednesday) Martyrs Day, which saw HE Al Sarkal and other representatives travel to Flag Island to take part in the nation’s one-minute silent prayer for martyrs at 11:30am.

Referring to the event, Al Sarkal said: "Commemoration Day takes its place alongside National Day as the most important date in the UAE calendar as it pays tribute to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for this nation and for humanity. As the Holy Quran says about martyrs: ‘And reckon not those who are killed in Allah's way as dead; nay, they are alive (and) are provided sustenance from their Lord’. Our martyrs are the noble symbol of our nation and the dignity of its people. We owe an incalculable amount to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice and given their lives for our great nation.”

Shurooq is an independent government entity that facilitates partnerships and connects investors with the right opportunities to do business. The Sharjah body seeks to promote Sharjah as an investment, tourism and commercial destination and is committed to improve the quality of life for Emiratis and residents. The organisation strives to provide a fertile entrepreneurial environment where businesses can flourish and ideas thrive. Since its inception in 2009, Shurooq has worked to encourage investment in Sharjah by adopting the best international standards in providing services and facilities that help attract investors from the region and beyond.