Shurooq erects 123 metre-high flagpole

The Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), in collaboration with the Sharjah Department of Public Works and a number of government bodies and departments, is constructing a 123 metre-high flagpole on Flag Island to mark UAE’s 41st National Day. The island is located opposite the area previously known as “Montazah Al Jazeera” facing the governmental buildings in the emirate of Sharjah. The flagpole in the Flag Island is considered to be the 7th tallest flagpole in the world, according to Shurooq. The flagpole will be completed on the 25th November with the flag set to be raised on December 2nd, the UAE’s 41st National Day. On the occasion, Shaikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of Shurooq commented: “The Flag Island project has been undertaken under the directives of His Highness Dr. Shaikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, as a monument to Sharjah’s astounding progress. The UAE as a nation has a great deal to be proud of; in a relatively short time we have built a country that is successful, prosperous, and full of opportunity for all. This National Day, the emirate of Sharjah will be sharing their pride in the Emirates by raising the UAE’s national flag on one of the tallest poles in the world. I look forward to seeing our citizens’ hearts’ fill with admiration and joy at the symbol of our patriotism proudly displayed for all of Sharjah and the world to witness.” Shaikh Khalid Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Department of Public Works, said, “We are extremely delighted to join hands with Shurooq in the construction of Flag Island, which carries great national meaning in addition to being a new tourism destination in the Emirate. We have exerted our utmost efforts to complete the project within the set time frame so that the launch will coincide with the nationwide celebration of the UAE’s National Day”. Marwan bin Jassim Al Sarkal, Shurooq CEO said: “The flagpole installation process is half way through, and hopefully will be done as per schedule to be ready for our special celebration of the National Day this year.” Al Sarkal added: “The flagpole is designed to be the centrepiece of a tourist attraction that will eventually include an open amphitheatre, art gallery, shops, restaurants and cafes. The pole is to be transported to the location in 12-metre pieces and then assembled in place. And the nation’s iconic flag will be raised on the 41st National Day to celebrate the birth of the Emirati nation.”