12th edition of Sharjah Tourism’s “Sharjah Light Festival” receives 1.3 million visitors

The Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) has concluded its programme for the Sharjah Light Festival 2023, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, from 8 to 19 February 2023 in 13 locations across the Emirate of Sharjah.

His Excellency Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of the SCTDA, said: “The efforts, plans, and initiatives of the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority aim to develop and advance the tourism sector, in line with the directives of our wise leadership, represented by H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and his continuous support for the tourism sector in the emirate. The objective is to cement Sharjah’s reputation as a prominent destination on the global tourism map, offering visitors a distinctive mix of events, destinations, and innovative projects that meet all aspirations and enrich the tourism experience throughout the year.”

H.E. Al Midfa noted that the 12th edition of the festival achieved remarkable success, adding to the emirate’s successful track record of organising major international events that attract tourists and families from all around the world. Every year, the Sharjah Light Festival reports a remarkable growth in visitor numbers to all locations, H.E. added, revealing that this year, the festival welcomed nearly 1.3 million visitors.

The Light Village also welcomed large crowds of individuals and families, estimated at more than 148,000 visitors, to great media fanfare, H.E. Al Midfa continued, applauding the efforts made by all partners, entities, media outlets, content creators, social media influencers and various teams that contributed to the event’s success.

The festival’s light shows dazzled audiences in locations all across the emirate, namely; University City Hall, Al Noor Mosque, Khalid Lagoon Corniche, Sharjah Mosque, Al Majaz Waterfront, Sharjah Fort (Al Hisn), Al Hamriyah Municipality building, and Al Dhaid Fort. Also on the list are Al Rafisah Dam in Khorfakkan, Kalba Clock Tower, Sheikh Rashid bin Ahmed Al Qasimi Mosque in Dibba Al Hisn, and the headquarters of the BEEAH Group.

The list also includes the Light Village, which extends over a total area exceeding 19,000 square meters, and hosted over 40 Emirati-owned small and medium-sized projects, offering visitors an array of food, drinks, and sweets. The Light Museum is also part of the SLF attractions, located at the Light Village, along with areas dedicated to games, entertainment activities, live shows, and much more.

At the conclusion of the Sharjah Light Festival, the SCTDA honoured the event’s partners, which included government and private entities in the emirate. The list of partners consisted of Sharjah Municipality; Sharjah Police General Command; Sharjah Civil Defence Authority; Sharjah Electricity, Water, and Gas Authority; Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority; BEEAH Group; Sharjah Airport Authority; University City of Sharjah, and the Sharjah Institute for Heritage.

Meanwhile, media sponsors included the Sharjah Government Media Bureau, Sharjah Broadcasting Authority, and Zee Entertainment Enterprises, along with team members, volunteers, and owners of national projects who took part in the festival.