Day: May 21, 2026

Dubai , May 21 , 2026 : The Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) is bringing together theatre, live
entertainment, beachside adventures and community experiences across its destinations this
Eid Al Adha, with celebrations taking place at Al Qasba, Al Majaz Waterfront, Al Heera Beach
and Khorfakkan Beach.
Running from 27 to 30 May, the programme invites residents and visitors to experience
Sharjah’s festive spirit through connected family activities across some of the emirate’s most
popular leisure destinations. From canal-side entertainment and children’s workshops to
seaside storytelling, pirate-themed play zones and cultural activations, each destination will offer
a different Eid experience while contributing to one shared celebration across the emirate.
Pirate adventures arrive at Al Heera Beach and Khorfakkan Beach
The festive journey continues at Al Heera Beach and Khorfakkan Beach, where children’s
play areas will be transformed into immersive pirate-themed adventure zones under the title
“Land of the Pirates.” Taking place from 27 to 30 May, the experience will bring themed décor,
props and interactive zones to Al Heera Beach’s Kids Area in Cluster 2 and Khorfakkan Beach’s
Sadaf Kids Area.
Children will be able to take part in treasure-map workshops, arts and crafts activities, pirate
games and live performances, while roaming characters and entertainers interact with families
throughout the celebrations. The experience will also feature themed food and beverage
offerings, giving visitors a complete beachside adventure built around play, imagination and Eid
togetherness.
Masrah Al Qasba launches its 2026 family theatre season

This year’s Eid celebrations also mark the official launch of Masrah Al Qasba’s 2026 live family
theatre season, adding a new dimension to Shurooq’s festive programme. The season opens
with “Magic Phil: Staying Silly at Sea”, taking place from 27 to 30 May, combining comedy,
magic, storytelling and audience interaction.
The theatre experience will extend beyond the stage, with Al Qasba hosting themed Eid
activities inspired by the shows, creating a festive atmosphere before and after the
performances.
For theatre schedules and tickets, visitors can go to https://sharjah.platinumlist.net/event-
tickets/105868/magic-phil-staying-silly-at-sea. Updates are also available through @AlQasba
on social media.
Al Majaz Waterfront welcomes families by the water
At Al Majaz Waterfront, Eid will be celebrated through a lively family atmosphere around the
Kids Play Area and Splash Park. Visitors can enjoy live entertainment, children’s activities,
rides, games and open-air experiences throughout the holiday, making the destination a
welcoming space for families to gather, relax and celebrate by the water. Families can also view
shows displayed by the Sharjah Musical Fountain in the lagoon. Additionally, to take in
sweeping views of the skyline from the water, families can board wooden abra tours by Sharjah
Boats.
Community and culture add depth to the celebrations
Adding to the festive programme are community-focused initiatives that combine culture,
creativity and family engagement. The “Proud of UAE” initiative will bring visitors together
through a traditional band, face painting, wall painting and drawing activities, an interactive 360-
degree photo booth and a UAE National Pride Gallery, creating moments that celebrate national
identity and shared joy during Eid.
At Al Heera Beach, “Books by Al Heera Beach” will offer a quieter cultural experience by the
sea through a mini beachfront book fair organised in collaboration with Bookends. Open during
Eid from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM, the initiative will allow families to exchange books free of charge,
purchase affordable titles starting from AED 5, and enjoy children’s storytelling, including live
storytelling sessions with an author at 7:30 PM.
A connected Eid experience across Sharjah
Across its waterfronts and public destinations, Shurooq’s Eid Al Adha programme brings
together theatre, entertainment, culture and outdoor family experiences in one connected
celebration. Beyond Al Qasba, Al Majaz Waterfront, Al Heera Beach and Khorfakkan Beach,
families can also explore other Shurooq destinations during the holiday, including Al Noor
Island, Al Montaza Parks and Mleiha National Park, along with Shurooq-developed hotels and
nature retreats offering special Eid experiences.

Dubai , May 21, 2026 : Dubai Airports has prepared to welcome over 3,600 pilgrims during this year’s Hajj travel period, with nearly 59% of all UAE pilgrims passing through its terminals.

Hajj departure flights will operate until 23 May on services by Emirates, Saudia, flydubai and flynas. The Official Dubai Government Delegation departs today, 21 May.

An operational readiness plan, developed to ensure safe, coordinated and efficient passenger flow during travel peaks, was built in close coordination with airline and government partners including Dubai Police, GDRFA, Dubai Customs, the Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services (DCAS), dnata, Dubai Duty Free, the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA), the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and the Dubai Health Authority (DHA).

Preparations include dedicated check-in counters, assigned nearest departure and arrival gates to minimise walking distances for pilgrims, complimentary gift packs, multilingual Guest Experience Ambassadors, support desks, prayer rooms and Ihram changing facilities. Elderly pilgrims and those requiring additional support will benefit from expanded wheelchair availability, on-site health checks and ground assistance teams stationed throughout the airport journey. DCAS has also scaled up its on-ground presence to provide proactive medical support and respond to any health-related needs.

Pilgrims are advised to arrive at least four hours before departure and to carry all required travel documents, including Hajj permits and vaccination certificates, and follow documentation guidance issued by the relevant authorities.

Pilgrims are expected to return between 30 May and 2 June, and will be welcomed with dedicated arrival arrangements, including separate baggage belts for Zamzam water.

Ajman , May 21, 2026 :  Thumbay Group today broke ground on the UAE’s first private veterinary teaching hospital and college, a project that will care for both small and large animals under one roof and train the next generation of veterinarians on home soil. The ceremony took place at Thumbay Medicity, Ajman, in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of the Emirate of Ajman and Chairman of the Ajman Executive Council, who served as Chief Guest, alongside Dr. Thumbay Moideen, Founder President of Thumbay Group.

Until now, advanced veterinary care and formal veterinary education in the UAE have largely depended on public institutions or overseas study. Thumbay Veterinary Hospital and Thumbay College of Veterinary Medicine close that gap. The hospital will treat companion animals such as dogs, cats and exotic pets, as well as large animals including horses, camels and livestock. A dedicated teaching farm is planned as the next phase, giving students hands-on training in production animal medicine, herd health and farm management.

The college operates under Gulf Medical University (GMU), the flagship academic institution of Thumbay Group. More information on GMU and its admissions process is available at gmu.ac.ae.

A new chapter for the UAE

Dr. Thumbay Moideen, Founder President of Thumbay Group, shared the vision behind the project:

“When we started Thumbay nearly three decades ago, the goal was simple — bring world-class healthcare and education to the UAE so families would not have to look elsewhere. Today we extend that promise to the animals who share our homes, our farms and our heritage. Thumbay Veterinary Hospital will deliver the same standard of care our human hospitals are known for. The college will give our students a UAE-based pathway into a profession the region urgently needs. The farm will follow soon, completing a true teaching environment from clinic to field.”

Prof. Manda Venkataramana, Chancellor of Gulf Medical University, spoke about the academic ambition of the new college:

“A veterinary education is only as strong as the cases students learn from. By co-locating the hospital, the college and a working farm, we are giving every student a learning environment that few institutions globally can match. Our curriculum is built around clinical exposure from year one, evidence-based practice, and research that responds to the realities of this region — desert species, working animals, food-producing livestock and the companion animals so beloved by UAE families.”

Programs offered

Thumbay College of Veterinary Medicine launches with the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) as its flagship program — a comprehensive degree built around clinical exposure, evidence-based practice, and research grounded in regional realities. The curriculum prepares graduates to work across companion animal practice, equine and large animal medicine, food-producing livestock, wildlife, and public health. The college also plans to introduce more short term programs and other programs in the future, Admissions and program details are available at gmu.ac.ae.

Training centres and collaborators

The college runs in collaboration with a network of veterinary hospitals, specialty centres, research institutions and industry partners across the UAE and internationally. These tie-ups give students rotations across the full spectrum of veterinary practice — from companion animals to falcons, camels, equines and livestock:

• Thumbay Veterinary Clinic — in-house clinical training base

• Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Veterinary Education and Research — academic and research collaboration

• Royal Veterinary College, London — globally recognised veterinary school partnership

• Sharjah Equine Hospital, UAE — equine medicine and surgery rotations

• Sharjah Falcon Hospital, UAE — avian and falcon medicine, a regional speciality

• UAQ Camel Breeding Center, UAE — camel medicine, reproduction and herd health

• City Vet Hospital Groups — multi-site companion animal practice exposure

• ABC Feed Factory, UAE — animal nutrition and production industry partnership

• Don State University, Russia — international academic and research collaboration

The hospital is being built to international standards with dedicated wings for small animal care, large animal care, surgery, diagnostic imaging, intensive care, Laboratory and isolation. A teaching farm with stables, livestock pens and field facilities is planned as a phased addition, ensuring students rotate through the full spectrum of veterinary practice before they graduate.

Sharjah , May 21, 2026 : Expo Centre Sharjah , Organized as part of the Eid Al Adha celebrations, the shopping fair features a wide range of products from leading international brands. Garments, footwear, perfumes, handbags, fashion accessories, and many other products are on display, attracting large numbers of visitors and families preparing for Eid shopping.

The exhibition, which runs from the 20th to the 31st of this month, also includes entertainment activities and gaming zones for children. The venue has been designed to provide a festive atmosphere where families can enjoy shopping as well as spend quality time together.

The fair will remain open from 3 PM to midnight on Fridays and from 11 AM to midnight on all other days. Officials at Expo Centre Sharjah say the exhibition provides an excellent opportunity for shoppers to buy premium international brands at the lowest prices.

The exhibition is drawing visitors from different parts of the UAE and is emerging as one of the major Eid shopping attractions of the season. Combining shopping, entertainment, and family activities, the Eid Al Adha Exhibition is creating a vibrant festive experience for residents and visitors alike.