Al Qasba Celebrates 5th Anniversary Of The Etisalat Eye Of The Emirates

Festivities mark the establishment of a three-year partnership between Al Qasba and Etisalat

Al Qasba—the premiere tourist, cultural and entertainment destination in the emirate of Sharjah—hosted a series of events marking the 5th anniversary of one of the city’s landmark attraction the Etisalat Eye of the Emirates (EEOE). The celebrations were held at Al Qasba on the night of April 14th, inclusive of both a public parade as well as a private ceremony attended by HE Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qassimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA), and distinguished guests from private and governmental sectors at 8:30pm. Those in attendance enjoyed special live performances, and the annual anniversary fireworks show held over the destination’s waterfront.

Celebrations this year also highlighted the formalization of a three-year strategic partnership between Al Qasba and Etisalat, which was first discussed by the two groups back in July 2008. For Etisalat, the partnership includes the sponsorship and branding of the Eye of the Emirates attraction and a portfolio of related events to be held at Al Qasba during the three-year period.

H.E Marwan Jassim Al Sarkal, CEO of the Al Qasba Development Authority, says that a larger promotional and marketing campaign throughout the UAE is also underway to reinforce the Al Qasba/Etisalat partnership. He is optimistic about the future of Sharjah’s entertainment and tourist potential as businesses at Al Qasba see profits coming back in and an increase in visitor numbers compared to previous months.

According to the latest report by the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA), the tourism industry in Sharjah has retained its leading position on the global tourism map with visitors increasing 9% in the second half of 2009, bouncing back from a 15% decline in the first half of the year.

“It is good to see the entertainment industry thriving once again as we celebrate the anniversary of one of Sharjah’s most iconic landmarks,” comments Al Sarkal. “Our partnerships with companies like Etisalat have gone above and beyond our expectations, and we look forward to strengthening these collaborations in our future work.”

H.E Abdul Aziz Taryam, General Manager, Northern Emirates Region – Etisalat said that Al Qasba has proven over the years to be one of the major touristic attractions in the region with thousands of visitors from across the globe enjoying the various attractions and facilities. Taryam also expressed his encouragement to such partnerships which are of high importance to Etisalat especially through having Etisalat’s branding on the highest Ferris wheel in the region.”

“This affiliation is part of our commitment to the vision of H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, and H.H. Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, who call to increase the collaboration between organizations working in Sharjah to boost the overall development of the emirate.” added Taryam.

The Etisalat-Eye of the Emirates offers 360-degree aerial views of the Buheira cornice and nearby lagoons and landscape. The 60 meter high wheel is the largest in the region and was originally designed in the Netherlands. It has 42 cabins that can carry 336 passengers at a time.
 

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