Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, the 12th Sharjah Light Festival, organised by the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA), kicked off tonight (Wednesday, 8 February 2023) and is set to continue until 18 February, covering 13 locations across the Emirate of Sharjah.

The festival launched with an opening ceremony the Authority organised at University City Hall in Sharjah, in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Salem bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, and His Excellency Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of the SCTDA, along with a number of officials from the emirate, representatives of various media outlets in the UAE, and visitors to the event from the UAE and abroad.

The opening ceremony included a dazzling light show titled Chasing the Light, a story of finding that flicker of light in the shadows, the silver lining and the efforts we take to keep the flame of curiosity high.

This year’s edition of the Sharjah Light Festival presents performances and events in a new format, highlighting the emirate’s unique urban and architectural character, as well as its cultural identity, which have positioned it as an attractive destination for tourists and visitors from around the world. Mesmerising light shows and art displays will adorn buildings and destinations across the Emirate of Sharjah, with seven international artists taking part alongside a group of emerging creative artists.

Speaking at the launch event, H.E. Al Midfa asserted that: “Sharjah Light Festival continues on its journey of excellence and innovation, continuously updating its visions and ideas, developing the technologies it relies on, and adapting to new developments, in order to ensure sustainable, positive results. With that in mind, the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority is committed, with every edition of the festival, to reinvent its performances, develop side events, and attract world-renowned artists, all in an effort to highlight the latest destinations and landmarks in the Emirate of Sharjah and provide more services to the public at each of the festival’s locations.”

H.E. Al Midfa explained that the festival’s success is the result of the Authority’s tireless efforts, which are in line with the vision of H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and the boundless support of H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, and Chairman of the Sharjah Executive Council.

“The Sharjah LightFestival has become a leading event that the public looks forward to every year to create unforgettable memories, immortalised in thousands of posts on various social media platforms that travel across borders and bring joy to millions of followers,” H.E. added. “Here in Sharjah, we take pride in all our achievements, and celebrate the festival’s popularity and good reputation,which had a tangible positive impact on the domestic and international tourism sector in the emirate.”

H.E. Al Midfa lauded the close partnerships that the Authority has built with government entities and the private sector, which played a significant role in supporting the SCTDA to achieve its development goals. H.E. went on to thank the team behind the festival,as well as local and international media for their efforts in covering the event and sharing its activities with the public.

The Sharjah Light Festival returns this year to meet the aspirations of its fans with dazzling performances that create a distinctive cultural and creative entertainment experience. The festival’s activities cover various parts of the Emirate of Sharjah, 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 BEEAHGroup.

The list also includes the Light Village, which extends over a total area exceeding 19,000 square meters, 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 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; BEEAHGroup; 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.

For more information and to check the dates of the light shows and events, please visit the Festival’s official website: www.slf.ae