UAE's Sharjah bans New Year's Eve firework displays in support of Gaza

In an expression of solidarity and humanitarian cooperation with the people of Gaza, Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates has banned all New Year’s Eve fireworks displays and celebrations. A statement from Sharjah Police outlined the prohibition of fireworks celebrations and displays, emphasising that the decision is a gesture of “genuine solidarity and humanitarian cooperation with the brothers in the Gaza Strip.” The decision was announced in a Facebook post by Sharjah police, warning on Tuesday that legal measures would be taken against those found violating the ban. Sharjah is the UAE’s third-largest emirate by size and population behind Abu Dhabi and Dubai. There are seven emirates. The UAE forged ties with Israel in 2020 in a move that paved the way for other nations to build relations with Israel. The Gulf regional power has repeatedly called for a humanitarian ceasefire in the war in Gaza, however, condemning Israel’s bombardment and invasion of the enclave. It has also condemned Hamas for the Oct. 7 attack that started the war and called for the release of hostages taken captive that day into Gaza by the Palestinian Islamist group. Sharjah’s decision on New Year’s Eve fireworks appeared to be limited to that one emirate, as public celebrations continue to be advertised in the country’s other emirates. The UAE’s showpiece New Years Eve fireworks display are typically held in Dubai, the country’s most populous emirate and a regional tourism hub, centred around landmarks such as the Burj Khalifa and the palm tree-shaped artificial island, the Palm Jumeirah. With inputs from agencies.