Strategic partnership between SCTDA and Etisalat to launch Sharjah-Etisalat Water Festival 2008

According to the terms of the venture, Etisalat would act as a title sponsor for the event, held by the authority for the period of 2-13 next December. The festival includes water related activities and water shows performed by international performers at the end of the final round of the Formula-1 Powerboat Championships.

The announcement came at a speech read by Sheik Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qassimi, President of Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, at a press conference set up by the authority to announce the launch of Sharjah-Etisalat Eater Festival. The press conference was attended by Mr. Abdul Aziz Taryam, General Manager for Etisalat in northern Emirates, as well as a number of other VIP's, event sponsors and local and Arab media.

Sheik Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qassimi made notice of the importance of the authority's partnership with Etisalat, saying:

"We cherish this venture because it really represents the collaboration between government and the private sector in the UAE to support the country regionally and internationally by launching important and distinct festivals and events. This harmony between the authority and Etisalat marks Etisalat's confidence in the Sharjah emirate, and the Commerce and Tourism Development Authority's ability to launch quality events in support of tourist attractions in the emirate of Sharjah, in particular, and in the UAE in general."

"Due to Etisalat's distinguished reputation, both regionally and internationally, there's no doubt that naming this year's event the "Sharjah-Etisalat Water Festival" reinforces the importance of the event. We are extremely proud of this partnership, and we hope that it will continue for years to come in the form of the Sharjah Water Festival. We hope that we will be partners in success, bringing the UAE to the fore, for the whole world to admire," added Sheik Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qassimi.

H.E Abdul Aziz Taryam General Manager, Northern Emirates Region - Etisalat, also noted the importance of the partnership with Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, through a speech read at the press conference, to launch the Sharjah-Etisalat Water Festival alongside the UAE's celebrations of the 37th National Day, saying, "During the past years, Etisalat's name has been attached to many outstanding events including sports, economic, tourism and social activities within UAE. This reflects the company's commitment to support the various activities that take place in the UAE, and our strong belief in the importance of supporting the development of our society."

He added, "The Sharjah - Etisalat Water Festival 2008 is one of the most important sports and tourism events on the UAE calendar. Today, we can see a significant development in the festival's endeavor. It has turned from a specialist Formula 1 Powerboats championship to an international sports and tourism event that hosts various entertainment activities including aqua shows and water skiing."

"The festival has also transformed from a sports event eagerly awaited by high adrenaline sport lovers to an entertainment event that attracts families from Sharjah and all over the UAE. The festival organizers have succeeded in expanding the appeal of the event through innovative ideas and through introducing new activities in the event, such as The Wave Village which is expected to attract more families who are looking for fun and entertainment," he said.

Mr. Taryam went on to say, "Etisalat has always been, and still, the leader in supporting events in different types of fields, and indeed all sectors of society. Etisalat has also reached new heights with social work and responsibilities, and has gone even further in serving individuals and the collective. This sets up a huge example in contributing to the continued and sustainable growth."

Mr. Taryam concluded his speech by saying, "Finally, I would like to thank you all again and express my gratitude in being with you today. I hope that this year's edition of Sharjah - Etisalat Water Festival will achieve even more success than the years before."

Sharjah-Etisalat Water Festival is held on the banks of Khaled Lagoon and Al Majaz Park, where Mouj Land is situated. Activities for the festival include; Sharjah Balloon Festival, acrobatic shows, fireworks and carnival shows, in addition Khaled Lagoon shows, such as Aquafantasia, Water skiing activities and the most anticipated event of all, the final round of the Formula 1 Powerboat World Championships Sharjah Grand Prix 2008.