Sharjah Ruler Inaugurates New Building for Sharjah Scout Mission

Photo: Sharjah Government Media Bureau

His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, the Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, officially opened the new building for the Sharjah Scout Mission (SSM) on Thursday. The ceremony also marked the beginning of the 10th International Scout Gathering, which will be hosted by SSM until February 17. The theme for this year’s gathering is "Scouting and Sustainable Development."

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Upon his arrival at the new building, His Highness unveiled a commemorative plaque, which marked the official opening of the facility. He also signed a scarf featuring the event's logo and took photos with the organizing committee members, showing his support for scouting activities.

After the ribbon-cutting ceremony, His Highness toured the new facility, which includes several key areas. These include administrative offices, educational spaces, sports facilities, meeting rooms, a theater, and a reception area. He learned about the services available to scouts and how they can benefit from these resources.

The ceremony began with the UAE national anthem and was followed by verses from the Quran, creating a moment of respect and reflection.

Abdullah Saeed Al Suwaidi, the general supervisor of the organizing committee, expressed his gratitude to His Highness for inaugurating the building and attending the opening of the scout gathering. He emphasized how important His Highness's continuous support has been for scouting activities in Sharjah. Al Suwaidi also highlighted the significance of the 10 international gatherings held over the past 22 years, which have helped establish Sharjah as a central hub for scouting activities.

Al Suwaidi mentioned that the 10th International Scout Gathering involves 80 countries and 300 participants, showing the global reach and influence of the event. He also emphasized the importance of the gathering's theme, which focuses on cooperation and friendship among young people worldwide. The theme also highlights how scouting contributes to achieving sustainable development.

Dr. Hani Abdel Wahab, the Secretary-General of the Arab Scout Organization, thanked His Highness for his ongoing support and recognized Sharjah's efforts in youth development. He praised international gatherings like this one for providing thousands of young people with knowledge and the values of tolerance.

A scout from Poland, Robert Dominik, spoke to the participating delegations. He discussed how the international scout gathering helps prepare individuals and promote cultural exchange, which in turn supports sustainable development.

The ceremony included a scout presentation titled "One-Day Camp Activities." This presentation showcased scouting's key principles, such as teamwork, cooperation, and overcoming challenges, which are central to the scout experience.

At the end of the ceremony, His Highness was presented with a commemorative gift from the organizing committee. He was also honored with the "Arab Scout Merit Medal," which is the highest award given by the Arab Scout Organization. This medal recognizes his exceptional support for scouting. Additionally, His Highness received the "Arab Scout Sword," a special token of appreciation for his significant contributions to scouting activities.

Before the ceremony ended, His Highness met with the delegations attending the 10th International Scout Gathering. He thanked them for their efforts in organizing the event and welcomed them to Sharjah. He also took commemorative photos with the participants, marking the importance of this international gathering in Sharjah.

The new Sharjah Scout Mission building includes several facilities designed to support the scouts. These include a main council for VIPs, a reception area, administrative offices, training rooms with audio-visual equipment, a multipurpose theater, a scout coordinator’s office, and a gym.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by several important figures, including Sheikh Mohammed bin Humaid Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Department of Statistics and Community Development; Sheikh Salem bin Mohammed bin Salem Al Qasimi, Director of the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority; Dr. Abdullah Belhaif Al Nuaimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Consultative Council (SCC); and many other senior officials and distinguished guests.