Commemorative coins marking the opening of the Khorfakkan amphitheater
On December 14, 2020, His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, inaugurated the Khorfakkan Amphitheater, designed in a style blended with historical Roman architecture and Islamic design. His Highness cut the traditional ribbon to officially open the amphitheater and then toured its facilities and services. He also watched a documentary about the construction phases of the Khorfakkan Amphitheater.
In this regard, the Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates announced the issuance of commemorative gold and silver coins to mark the opening of the Khorfakkan Amphitheater, starting from Monday, February 22, 2021. The bank has introduced two different denominations to commemorate the event, made of silver and gold.
As for the gold coin, 100 pieces weighing 50 grams each were issued in a denomination of 5000 dirhams. The coin bears the name of the United Arab Emirates Bank in both Arabic and English, and features the inscription "Khorfakkan Amphitheater Commemorative Coin." The opening year, 2020 AD (corresponding to 1442 AH), is also included. The obverse of the coin depicts the Khorfakkan Amphitheater, while the reverse features Arabic inscriptions in Thuluth script around the edges in a circular pattern. These inscriptions are from the words of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi.“We humans are mortal, but the theater will remain as long as life endures.”The words included the name of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi in the same font style.
As for the silver coin, 1000 coins were minted, each with a denomination of 100 dirhams and weighing 40 grams of pure silver. They bore the name of the United Arab Emirates Bank in both Arabic and English, and included the inscription "Khorfakkan Amphitheater Commemorative Coin." The opening year, 2020 AD (1442 AH), was also added. The obverse of the coin featured an image of the Khorfakkan Amphitheater, but from a different perspective than the gold coin. The reverse of the coin was inscribed with Arabic calligraphy in Thuluth script, including words by Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi.” O people of the theater, I have taken upon myself the burdens of the theater and I promise you that I will bear them forever. If I err, guide me, and if I falter, support me.”The name of Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al-Qasimi was inscribed at the end of the text.
The Central Bank aims, through the issuance of these commemorative coins, to highlight prominent historical and cultural landmarks that will enhance the historical and touristic standing of the UAE and the Emirate of Sharjah. The Central Bank also stated that all commemorative gold and silver coins have been delivered to Sharjah Islamic Bank, and therefore these coins will not be available for purchase at the Central Bank's headquarters or branches.
The Khorfakkan Amphitheater embodies a prominent artistic addition to the cultural landmarks in the Emirate of Sharjah. The construction of the amphitheater, which is the largest development project in the city, came on the slope of Al-Sayda Mountain facing the beach of Khorfakkan city, to allow visitors to see the nature of the city from the perspective of a semi-circular amphitheater. The amphitheater has a Roman character in its construction, and enjoys stone facades that include 234 arches and 295 columns that give the amphitheater Islamic geometric dimensions and historical depth in a contemporary way.
The amphitheater, which was built on a total area of 190,000 square feet, is distinguished by keeping pace with the latest technological systems in lighting and sound, and is unique in its design that can accommodate 3,600 spectators, and includes a cooling system that ensures efficiency and the possibility of its use throughout the year by visitors, and the holding of various events for the people of the region in particular and the UAE in general.
After the inauguration of the projects, His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah witnessed the screening of the epic historical film “Khorfakkan,” produced by the Sharjah Broadcasting and Television Authority, which tells the story of the heroism of the people of Khorfakkan, based on the historical work of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah (Khorfakkan’s Resistance to the Portuguese Invasion).
The film, directed by Irishman Morris Sweeney and British director Ben Malle, revolves around a series of heroic historical situations embodied by the people of Khorfakkan in repelling the Portuguese invasion that swept through the region in 1507 as part of the campaign led by the Portuguese naval general Afonso de Albuquerque, and the work tells the story of the city over 27 years.
