SIB launches 41st anniversary of Union with rich variety of events

The programme, featuring a series of heritage and traditional events and national songs dedicated to love for the nation, its leaders, and people, kicked off in the presence of SIB group managers, section heads and staff, as well as a crowd of Emirati citizens and residents.

The front yard of the Sharjah Islamic Bank Tower was decorated with the portraits of Their Highnesses the Rulers of the UAE and national flags.

The SIB management began the celebration with a wonderful flag rising, as Emirati citizen Eissa Al Bloushi expertly raised the flag by flying a kite, while being accompanied by the National Anthem.

A number of activities were organized, including folklore band performances and traditional breakfast that was served to visitors. A heritage contest was organized for the bank's employees.

Al Naham Band performed various national songs and chants specially dedicated to National Day, praising the merits and qualities of the UAE's leaders and the nation's many landmark achievements. The audience joined the band in singing and chanting their love for the nation and pledge of allegiance to the Emirates leadership. A young Emirati boy, Ibrahim Al Obaidli, also performed a song titled 'The country of Goodness' amid the applause of the audience.

In a show of respect to the memory of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, a group of students from Omar bin Abdul Aziz School performed an Operetta titled 'Spirit of the Union' which chronicled the success story of the UAE as it has grown from a small collection of Trucial States to a country proudly ranked among the world's developed nations.

The operetta revolved around the development achieved by the UAE since the Union was established 41 years ago by the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the contribution his wise leadership made in the UAE becoming a leading country known for its achievements and prosperity, a march that is being continued by Their Highnesses the Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the UAE.

Speaking on the occasion, Mohammed Abdullah, SIB CEO, said, "National Day is one of the most important and beloved occasions for both Emirati citizens and expatriate residents. It is a celebration of the story of a nation that does not know the word impossible - a nation that has built its own civilization and gained world admiration. As we celebrate the 41st anniversary, we promise our leaders and people to make every possible effort to raise the status of our country and project its bright image, limitless potential, and exceptional national qualifications."

Sharjah Islamic Bank has allocated two prizes (Kuluna Khalifa - We All Khalifa Watch), to the best two winners in a photo contest on Instagram social network site for best national photographs taken by participants during the period of the National Day celebrations.

A third one of these watches which feature a very nicely made genuine camel leather watch strap with (We All Khalifa), the UAE flag and the names of the seven emirates inside the analog display, will be given to one of the browsers of the SIB's blog on Twitter who will answer a question related to the heritage of the UAE. The lucky winner will be selected by a draw.

Sponsors and cooperating bodies were honoured and group memorial pictures were taken in celebration of the great occasion. The participants toured the Heritage Village, organised annually by the bank and took part in the 'Take Picture for Yourself' event, which combined modern photography and the spirit of heritage.

As part of the National Festival, a corner to productive families was organized in cooperation with the Sharjah Economic Development Department. A traditional food corner was also organised where different popular Emirati dishes were made and served to visitors, while musical shows and folk songs were also performed by Emirati folklore bands during the event, among other activities.