His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah, attended the opening of the fourth edition of the Al Bader Festival. He emphasised the importance of instilling the values of the noble seerah of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in future generations. He also underlined the significance of following the Prophet’s path and preserving his blessed legacy. The festival, held under his patronage in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture at the Fujairah Creative Centre, coincides with the Prophet Muhammad’s birth anniversary.
The event was attended by Sheikh Dr. Rashid bin Hamad Al Sharqi, Chairman of the Fujairah Culture and Media Authority; Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad bin Saif Al Sharqi, President of the UAE Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation; His Excellency Dr. Omar Habtoor Al Darei, Chairman of the General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat; and His Excellency Mubarak Al Nakhi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture.
Exhibitions and Cultural Engagement
H.H. Sheikh Mohammed toured exhibitions organised alongside the festival, including The Glow of Maqamat and Al Burda. During his visit, he viewed artworks created by international participants, each reflecting the beauty of the Prophet’s noble biography through Islamic artistic expression. He stressed the attention given by the Emirate of Fujairah, under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, to initiatives that reinforce noble values, promote good morals, and encourage cultural dialogue among nations. This vision, he noted, is rooted in human values, tolerance, and the principles of coexistence derived from Islam.
Dr. Hamad Al Buqaishi, Secretary General of the Al Bader Initiative, explained during the opening ceremony that this year’s edition offers diverse creative activities. These highlight the life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and celebrate Islamic arts in multiple forms. He added that the festival gathers artists, creatives, and specialists in literature and art to enrich its program with events aligned with its mission.
Artistic Showcase and Participation
The opening ceremony featured a visual presentation retracing the festival’s journey since its launch. It also included a theatrical operetta titled The Miracles of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), performed by Fujairah students under the supervision of the Dibba Society for Culture, Arts, and Theatre. The operetta was directed and produced by Ibrahim Al Qahoumi, Hamad Al Danhani, and Saeed Suleiman.
The ceremony was attended by His Excellency Dr. Ahmed Hamdan Al Zeyoudi, Director of the Office of the Crown Prince of Fujairah; Her Excellency Asma Al Hammadi, Acting Assistant Undersecretary for the Creatives Development Sector at the Ministry of Culture; and several directors and officials from across Fujairah and the wider UAE.