RAK celebrates sixth anniversary of the appointment of Sheikh Saud as Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler

A mass wedding, traditional song and dance performance, screening of a documentary and a photo exhibition marked the elaborate festivities which witnessed huge public turnout, including both nationals and expatriates.

Scores of children, dressed in national colours and carrying portraits of Sheikh Saud, lined up on both sides of the walkway to the Expo Centre and showered flower petals as Sheikh Saud arrived. A giant hot air balloon bearing the UAE flag and photographs of the country's leaders took to the air as the sheikh entered the venue.

Emirati youth danced in circles and revelled in throwing their swords high into the air and catching them while elders from various folklore societies beat drums and sang praises to the emirate's leadership. A Shohouh performance and traditional Zurfa dance by the members of the mountain tribes of Ras Al Khaimah added variety to the function.

The major highlight of the function was the mass wedding of 86 nationals which was sponsored by Sheikh Saud, who undertook all the marriage expenses.

"It is a happy occasion for all the people of Ras Al Khaimah as we celebrate the progress and transformation that Sheikh Saud has brought in to the emirate during the last six years. The event is even more joyous for me as Sheikh Saud's benevolent gesture of sponsoring the mass wedding has made it possible for me and other Emirati youth to enter marital life without the huge expense associated with a wedding,"

said Mohammed Ahmed Al Ehremi who got married at the function.

A documentary highlighting the key development milestones the emirate has achieved under the leadership of H.H. Sheikh Saud was screened at the function. The photography exhibition showcased various facets of Sheikh Saud's leadership and the progress achieved in various fields.

A dinner banquet was also held in honour of the bridegrooms. The function ended with a dazzling display of fireworks.

The event was attended by Sheikh Omar bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Chairman of RAK Ruler's Private Affairs Department, Sheikh Ahmed bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Chairman of RAK Customs and Ports Department, Sheikh Salem bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman of RAK Civil Aviation, Sheikh Mohammed bin Kayed Al Qasimi, Vice Chairman of RAK Economic Development Department, heads of departments, prominent businessmen and friends and relatives of bridegrooms.