The Environment and Protected Areas Authority, EPAA, in Sharjah has announced details of the 18th annual Sir Bu Nair Festival, which will begin on 11th May at Sir Bu Nair Nature Reserve.
The announcement was made at a press conference held at the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Sunday, in the presence of Hana Saif Al Suwaidi, Chairperson of the EPAA, and a number of senior officials from government agencies and media representatives.
The three day festival will be held under the slogan, "Sea is our Life", and will include a multitude of heritage and environmental activities, events and programmes.
Hana Al Suwaidi, who is also Deputy Chairperson of the Higher Organising Committee, said, "The festival is an environmental and heritage event organised by the EPAA annually, and is considered one of the most important community events in the Emirate of Sharjah and the UAE. Now in its 18th edition this year, the festival is going from strength to strength."
She continued, "Thanks to the wise vision and directives of H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, the Emirate of Sharjah leads the way in celebrating its heritage and culture and protecting its environment and natural resources, and dealing with these assets as a treasure-trove for future generations, ensuring a glorious past and bright present for the coming generation."
Al Suwaidi added, "Over the past number of years, the Sir Bu Nair Festival has helped strengthen the reputation of this beautiful island, which was listed in the UNESCO World Heritage tentative List in 2012 in recognition of its environmental and cultural importance as the first natural site in the UAE. The festival has enhanced the environment protection practices and attracted a large number of heritage and ecotourism enthusiasts from inside the UAE and abroad.
A number of heritage and environmental activities and events are scheduled, including the coral aquaculture and traditional diving in collaboration with the Emirates Marine Environmental Group. Visitors will be invited to participate in the fishing activity organised by Sharjah International Marine Sports Club and Sharjah Sports Council, in addition to viewing the natural sea treasures at the Pearl Exhibition.

Source: WAM