The Sharjah Police have declared that all festivities including New Year's Eve fireworks are prohibited. This action is a "sincere expression" of support for the people of Gaza, where more than 20,000 people have died in the Israel-Hamas conflict. All "institutions and individuals" have been urged by the police to cooperate and abide by the notification. Late on Tuesday, the Sharjah Police issued a warning on Facebook, threatening legal action against anyone who disobeys the restriction. The fines that infringers will face were not made clear by the police.
Every year, Sharjah welcomes the new year with pyrotechnics above Al Majaz Waterfront that linger for several minutes. In an effort to demonstrate solidarity with Gaza, the Emirate has postponed a number of festivals and activities. The Tanweer Sacred Music Festival, scheduled for Mleiha in Sharjah, has been rescheduled for an indeterminate period of time. Following developments including the revocation of a prize given to a Palestinian author and declarations made by the fair's organisers, the Emirates Publishers Association (EPA) and the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) announced their withdrawal from the Frankfurt International Book Fair. Due to comments made by its creator on the situation in Gaza, Spartan Arabia cancelled a race in Khor Fakkan, Sharjah, and severed its relationship with its parent firm.
