Latest news with #AlJada
Gulf Today
2 days ago
- Gulf Today
Hamriyah beach, Al Jada welcome hundreds on Eid
Since the first day of Eid Al-Adha, Hamriyah Beach and its coastal park have welcomed citizens, residents, families, and tourists of various nationalities in a festive scene reflecting the joy of Eid amidst nature. The atmosphere was marked by elegance, warmth, and continuous preparations by Hamriyah Municipality, that mobilised all its resources and staff to ensure the success of the occasion and provide a comprehensive experience for beachgoers. The municipality implemented a precise operational plan, including pre-Eid cleaning, beautification, and rehabilitation of beach and park facilities, equipping them with top-tier services while highlighting the area's aesthetic and tourist appeal. Enhanced public safety measures were also enforced, including a fully activated marine rescue system. Municipality teams warmly greeted visitors with flowers and symbolic gifts, and dedicated accessible facilities for people of determination and the elderly. Municipality teams warmly greeted visitors with flowers and symbolic gifts. Mubarak Rashid Al Shamsi, Director of the Municipality, stated that teams worked diligently to create a joyful atmosphere at Hamriyah Beach during Eid, adding that they provided an ideal environment for visitors by enhancing services and intensifying efforts to ensure their comfort, as cleaning and maintenance teams operated round-the-clock to maintain the beach's cleanliness, while security and safety teams were organised to manage the crowds. He also highlighted the preparation of public facilities, including restrooms, seating areas, umbrellas, and green spaces, along with designated visitor pathways to ensure easy access and enjoyment of the festive atmosphere. Additionally, floating chairs were provided for the elderly and people of determination, solidifying Hamriyah's position as the premier destination in Sharjah offering such inclusive services. Al Shamsi emphasised that the high turnout at Hamriyah Beach during Eid reflects the excellence of the services provided and the municipality's commitment to creating an attractive and inclusive environment for all. He added that as the sun sets on the third day of Eid Al-Adha, visitors left Hamriyah Beach carrying beautiful memories and happy moments spent amidst stunning natural surroundings. They affirmed that the beach has become a primary destination for families and individuals during holidays and special occasions, offering a unique blend of comfort, entertainment, and seamless organisation, he added. Meanwhile, Al Jada of Sharjah attracted Eid Al-Adha celebrants in Sharjah, as families and children flocked to the vibrant, modern waterfront to enjoy a diverse array of activities blending entertainment, culture, and arts in a festive atmosphere. The area witnessed a large turnout from the public starting in the early afternoon, with plazas and green spaces filled with visitors who found the place an ideal spot for celebration and memorable family moments. Performances on the main stage kicked off with live artistic displays, which captivated both children and adults, including an engaging dance show and synchronised movements, amid lively interaction from the kids. The event also featured an interactive workshop corner for children, which transformed into a creative hub. Young participants gathered around tables to colour sculptures and craft artistic pieces, while parents joined in, capturing moments with photos and videos, adding a joyful family ambiance to the space. On the other side of Al Jada, families and young people gathered around water fountains and gardens, enjoying the evening breeze and music, which heightened the festive spirit. The area also hosted roaming performances and diverse acts which brought delight to attendees. Recently, Bee'ah, the Middle East's sustainability pioneer, joined forces with the Hamriyah Free Zone Authority (HFZA), to successfully launch the first phase of a state-of-the-art Waste Permit Portal, the first of its kind in Sharjah. The advanced portal is part of a range of 15 services that Bee'ah will be providing HFZA with, through a partnership that will recognise the company as an environmental solutions service provider for the free zone. The HFZA Waste Permit Portal is the first platform in Sharjah that utilises blockchain technology to validate, process and store transactions.
Khaleej Times
21-02-2025
- Khaleej Times
Look: UAE photographer spends 1 week in wooden box to capture elusive 'big cat'
For Khalid Al Hemeiri, photography is more than just a passion — it's a way of immersing himself in nature and documenting the emotions of the wild. The Emirati wildlife photographer is showcasing breathtaking images at the Xposure Photography Festival, running until February 26, held at Al Jada in Sharjah. Khalid embarked on his photography journey in 2008, experimenting with different genres before falling in love with wildlife photography in 2010. 'In the UAE and Gulf countries, we do not have much wildlife, so I started by capturing images of gazelles and other local animals,' he said. His first transformative experience came when he traveled to South Africa. 'That thrill was something I had never experienced before. At that time, I was not a professional, nor did I have high-end gear, lenses, or a camera,' he said. The trip was a turning point, inspiring him to take a big leap into serious wildlife photography. He then set his sights on Kenya, a prime destination for wildlife enthusiasts. After capturing the diverse wildlife of Africa through his lens, Khalid was ready for new challenges. 'I wanted to explore animals in different terrains,' he said. This desire took him to the Himalayas, where he spent 13 days in freezing conditions hoping to photograph the elusive snow leopard. 'It was hazy and snowing, so I couldn't capture it, but I saw it,' he said. His pursuit of rare wildlife led him to Alaska in search of the Alaskan leopard, Grizzly Bear and deep into the South American jungles, which he describes as the 'Mecca of animals'. There, he photographed jaguars, bears, and the rare maned wolf. One of his most grueling expeditions was in the Siberian region of Russia, where he spent a week confined to a 6x6-foot wooden box in sub-zero temperatures, hoping to capture an image of the elusive Amur leopard, 'the rarest big cat in the world.' Despite his perseverance, he could not spot it. 'The gigantic cat is every wildlife photographer's dream. I still haven't captured it, but I will return to Russia for another attempt,' he said. His desire to photograph the massive Siberian tiger also remains unfinished. 'The conditions were the same, living in a small box in freezing temperatures — but the tigers remained out of sight. I will go back to Russia for this as well,' Al Hameri said. Khalid estimates that he travels to at least eight countries every year, solely for photography. His dedication has even taken him to the North Pole to capture its unique wildlife. 'My favourite animal is the snow leopard, and I am happy I could finally capture photos of it,' he said. One of his most harrowing experiences occurred in Alaska when he had a near-fatal encounter with a grizzly bear. 'I was lying down near a pond to get the best shot as the bear hunted for fish. As soon as it caught a fish, it started walking toward me. My colleague retreated, but I remained still. It came within a metre of me,' he recounted. 'Thank God, it did not attack, and I was saved.' Looking ahead, Khalid plans to embark on an expedition to Antarctica, where he hopes to capture the unique wildlife that thrives in the icy wilderness. From penguins to seals and the Antarctic whales, he is determined to capture the raw beauty of the continent.
