Sharjah: A new UAE landmark symbolising national pride, in the
form of a massive flagpole, as inaugurated in Sharjah on National Day on Sunday
by His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council member
and Ruler of Sharjah.
The 123 metre flagpole development, touted as the world’s seventh
tallest, was officially opened on the new Flag Island destination opposite the
old Al Jazeera Park.
Feelings of patriotism ran high as live TV coverage of the ceremony
showed a giant UAE flag being raised to the apex in the presence of Shaikh
Sultan and other top government officials and VIP guests.
It took 11 minutes for the flag to reach its final hoisted position at
the flagstaff’s top.
41 Sharjah Police officers and 41 UAE military personnel (their number
was selected to reflect 41 years of UAE independence) took part in the
flag-raising ceremony after the Sharjah Ruler activated an e-button for its launch.
A number of onlookers and seafarers waving UAE flags gathered nearby.
Shaikh Sultan honoured Al Mezka during the event.The idea for Flag
Island was submitted by Mudhir Al Mezka, a resident who had called in during a
popular live programme – Al Khat Al Mubasher – that often sees Shaikh Sultan
address callers.
Meanwhile, Shaikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of Sharjah
Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) presented the Sharjah Ruler a
gift containing flagpole memorabilia.
Shurooq in collaboration with the Sharjah Department of Public Works
and other government bodies started work on the project just weeks before
National Day.
Plans for similar flagpoles have been initiated in the northern
emirates as part of renewed government enthusiasm to promote symbols of
national unity and pride.
The Sharjah flagpole is of the same height as the one in Abu Dhabi. A
slightly shorter flagpole is also installed in the Union House in Dubai.
The race against time to erect the newest one in Sharjah was taken on
by Trident Support, which has constructed the world’s tallest free-standing
flagpole in Tajikistan.
Flag Island is located opposite the area previously known as Montazah
Al Jazeera, facing the line of government buildings along the creek extending
from Khalid Lagoon.
The flagpole is designed to be the centrepiece of a tourist attraction
that will eventually include an open amphitheatre, art gallery, shops,
restaurants and cafes.
A design symbolising the unity of the seven emirates is located at the
flag’s base.
Afterwards, the road along Mamzar lagoon was bumper-to-bumper with a
National Day parade led by police marshalls and joined by well-wishers.
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