Thousands to attend fundraising National Day show in Sharjah

More than 2,000 people will be permitted to attend the 49th National Day show in Sharjah - with proceeds from the spectacular event earmarked for good causes around the globe.

Emirati singer Hussain Al Jassmi will headline the concert at Al Majaz Amphitheatre on Thursday, December 3.

Organisers confirmed the venue, which can hold up to 4,500 people, will operate at half capacity in line with Covid-19 safety measures.

Humanitarian organisation, the Big Heart Foundation, will use the money from ticket sales to aid refugees and other needy communities across the globe.

Seasoned performer Al Jassmi will share the stage with a number of young Emirati artists, including Aryam, Jassim Mohamad, Faisal Al Jasim and Oraib, to chart the UAE's remarkable journey since its birth in 1971.

Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, head of Sharjah National Day Celebrations Committee, stressed that Covid-19 regulations will be strictly followed.

Hussain Al Jassmi expressed his delight at being involved in a show celebrating the rapid development of the UAE.

“I am very happy and look forward every year to celebrate all national occasions like this, especially the foundation of our nation and federation," he said.

"We feel immensely proud and patriotic and are justified in celebrating what we have achieved as a young nation, marching fast on the road of progress and prosperity.

“December 3 is a truly historic occasion as we celebrate with our people this important milestone in our beloved emirate, Sharjah, which enjoys a special place of love in our hearts. An Emirate that always smiles with grace and generosity."

The star is no stranger to big occasions.

He became the first Arab artist to take part in the annual Christmas concert at the Vatican in 2018 and followed that up with a starring role in the opening ceremony of the Asian Cup at Zayed Sports City a month later.

Last year, he wowed the crowds at the opening ceremony of the Special Olympics World Games in Abu Dhabi.

Tickets for the special concert are priced at Dh30, Dh50, Dh75 and Dh100 and can be bought online by visiting www.platinumlist.net.

The National Day show looks set to welcome one of the largest gatherings in a public venue in the Emirates since the coronavirus outbreak began.

While safety remains paramount in the fight against Covid-19, authorities are seeking to ensure the UAE's busy holiday season is marked in style.

Legendary rock band Kiss are to usher in 2021 with a dazzling New Year's Eve concert at Atlantis the Palm in Dubai.

Concert producer Dan Catullo is predicting around 2,000-3,000 attendees, a show representative told Variety magazine. For Covid security reasons, numbers will be limited to those staying at the hotel.

The UAE's traditional National Day show - to be staged in Abu Dhabi on December 2 without crowds - will deliver a stunning tribute to the UAE's rich natural resources.

It will be inspired by nature as the country's majestic mangroves take centre stage.

The sprawling forestry of the water is estimated to cover more than 150 square kilometres of the UAE coastline and is heralded as the green lung of the Emirates' cosmopolitan cities of Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

“The mangroves are a big piece of our heritage and are part of our country’s natural beauty and it was decided that they would aesthetically be a wonderful inspiration for the visuals of the event," said Khalfan Al Mazrouei, member of the organising committee for the 49th National Day celebrations

“The title of the show is Seeds of the Union and our mangroves represent the growth of the UAE – from a seed at the formation in 1971 into a full bloom we see 49 years later."