There is an exciting buzz in the air at Sharjah’s vibrant outdoor leisure destination, The Flag Island, as children and families throng in large numbers, and where the sounds of music and laughter, joy and happiness brought vibrant energy, that could only mean one thing – the much awaited ‘Evenings at the Island’ is back for the second edition, and is on until tomorrow Saturday, 9 November from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

On its launch yesterday, 28 public and private entities as well as UAE-based SMEs drew crowds with an array of F&B offerings, arts and crafts, and other unique, custom-made products and services. People got in step to the beat of folk music and traditional dances; children flocked to participate in a host of edutainment activities; the aroma of cooking filled the air; and visitors discovered that shopping for handmade and other exclusive products will be a big part of their experience.

The event was inaugurated by Sheikh Khalid Bin Humaid Al Qassimi, Chairman of Board of Directors at Emirates Creative Association and in the presence of Lt Colonel Ahmed Al Marri, Director of Community Police Department, Sharjah Police, in addition to other VIPs from the entities participating in the event.

The SMEs are dealing with customers directly, drawing insights from their demands, and looking to increase their market presence with this new-found knowledge in a fun-filled environment.

Nineteen public and private entities are showcasing innovative, high-energy events to keep up with the mood of the evening. Sharjah Police Headquarters has roped in the services of “Salem & Salama” to educate kids about first aid; Etisalat has competitions galore with prizes for the winners; while Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority (SEWA) is drawing in crowds with ‘Kahroub & Katoura’, characters from a puppet show it is staging.

The Sharjah Museums Authority (SMA), which is also showcasing their initiative ‘Museums Express’, a bus that was converted into a mobile showroom containing miniature replicas of the museum’s collections. The unique initiative aims to encourage entrepreneurs and owners of SMEs to think outside the box to come up with innovative solutions.

While Ajman Business Women Council is wooing crowds with its range of heritage products and home-made traditional dishes, other entities taking the cultural route include 1971 Design Space with its workshop on wood handicrafts and the ‘Fash cultivate’ exhibition featuring design pieces inspired by the date palm; while Sharjah Institute for Heritage shines light on Emirati traditional games. My Gym is providing children with various interactive sports activities.

Sporting is certainly a top attraction at ‘Evenings at the Island’, as evidenced by rowing competitions and a marine sports exhibition hosted by the Marine Sports Club; a luxury cars show by Supercars Majlis; and a motorcycle parade starting from Al Dhaid Flag Square to the Flag Island by Bikers Barza UAE and Spartan Riders. In addition, the various entities under the umbrella of the Sharjah Sports Council have a host of live shows and sporting activities, including show jumping, chess and marine sports, to entertain the crowds.

You can learn about recycling techniques at the UAE Creators Team in collaboration with Emirates Creative Association, in addition to (ECA) is presenting activities for children on The Flag Island Amphitheater in collaboration with Taryam American Private School, and visitors can partake in a live watercolor show with the International Water Color Society, and Knowledge with Borders (KWB) to provide books and coffee platform in Al Manahel library, as audiences can also learn how the Sharjah Foundation to Support Pioneering Entrepreneurs (RUWAD) is providing financial and technical assistance to support SMEs in Sharjah.

On the opening day, youngsters from Al Sundus Kindergarten in traditional dress put on a performance for attendees and social media influencer, Hazza Al Ketbi, inspired visitors with a motivational talk about his personal journey. An awareness lecture on first aid by experts from Sharjah Police Headquarters was also delivered, followed by a talk by Saeed Al Blushi, Founder of Snackat Café, who highlighted the importance of SMEs in UAE.