Tourism Breaking News
Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority announced plans to organise the 12th Sharjah Light Festival from 8 to 19 February 2023. The festival covers locations all around the Emirate of Sharjah over the course of 12 days, offering a busy agenda packed with light shows, art displays, and entertainment activities that cater to all visitors, individuals and families of all ages from the UAE and abroad.
The Authority revealed details of this year’s edition of the Sharjah Light Festival in a press conference held last night at the Light Village, opposite University City Hall in Sharjah, in the presence of His Excellency Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, along with officials and representatives of various government entities, and reporters from local and international media in the UAE.
Speaking at the conference, H.E. Al Midfa asserted: “Over the years, the Emirate of Sharjah has established itself as an exceptional family destination with an enormous and diverse range of tourist attractions and activities that cater to varying tastes and anticipate the aspirations of visitors to Sharjah from around the world. Guided by the forward-looking vision and directives of H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, the tourism sector in the emirate is moving steadily towards a bright future and sustainable economic growth.”
“By constantly renewing and reinventing itself, the Sharjah Light Festival has become a leading destination of its own and a staple event on the emirate’s annual agenda,” H.E. Al Midfa added. “Every year, the Festival returns with a different and attractive atmosphere, offering an enjoyable and entertaining experience for the public that captures the attention of both the local and international media. We, at the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, appreciate our partners from the government and private sectors for the notable role they play in the success of this event, and for their continuous support in strengthening Sharjah’s position on the global tourism map as a destination of first choice for major events and activities.”
“The Sharjah Light Festival has grown to become a platform for local and international artists to present dazzling light shows, music, and various effects, that tell stories of Sharjah’s cultural, intellectual, and historical heritage, and outlining the emirate’s aspirations and visions for the future, by shedding light – quite literally – on architectural destinations and buildings in Sharjah.”
H.E. Al Midfa went on to explain that the event returns this year with new offerings to meet the audience’s passion for captivating shows, which offer a creative, one-of-a-kind cultural entertainment experience, featuring seven international artists, along with a group of talented emerging local ones. The shows are held over a period of 12 days from 8 to 19 February 2023, with dazzling and colourful displays across 13 locations all around the Emirate of Sharjah.
The list of locations includes 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. Also on the list is the Light Village, which extends over a total area exceeding 19,000 square metres, and hosts 41 Emirati-owned small and medium-sized projects, offering visitors an array of food, drinks, and sweets. The Light Museum is also on the list, along with areas dedicated to games, entertainment activities, and live shows, providing families with an integrated experience and an attractive entertainment destination. The Authority aims to attract more than 60,000 visitors to the Village throughout the duration of the festival.
The Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority has also assigned a trained and experienced team to ensure optimal management, organisation, and implementation of the festival’s activities, with over 80 volunteers positioned across the festival’s locations to support visitors and help them enjoy a different and exciting experience.
The Sharjah Light Festival is sponsored by government and private entities in the emirate, including 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 include the Sharjah Government Media Bureau and the Sharjah Broadcasting Authority.
