As part of the agenda for Xposure International Photography Festival 2024, the Sharjah Press Club organised a series of field trips for local and international media representatives and photographers from around the world. These tours showcased many landmarks and events within the Emirate of Sharjah giving attendees a broad perspective of the emirate and ample opportunity to capture the scenery, architecture, and happenings through their lens.

Falling under the umbrella of the Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB), who are the organisers of the annual Xposure 7-day festival, the club q participants to Sharjah’s initiatives aimed at enhancing their experiences and promoting cultural and intellectual connections.

Sharjah Heritage Days

The media journey started at the “Heart of Sharjah,” a cornerstone for heritage preservation and the most extensive restoration effort for historical areas in the city and the region. Participants had the opportunity to experience authentic Emirati architecture, historic buildings, museums, traditional markets, and archaeological sites, providing a unique understanding of Sharjah’s rich history and how, through this project, it has blended the past, present, and future.

Guests were also able to experience the “Sharjah Heritage Days,” an event orchestrated by the Sharjah Institute for Heritage, held annually in the city’s heritage area along the Sharjah corniche. This event allowed participants to immerse themselves in the emirate’s history and tradition, notably through food, architecture, attire, and lifestyle, complete with the customs and traditions that depict the rich cultural heritage passed down through generations.

Sharjah Media City

As part of the diverse tour, the media visitors were introduced to Sharjah Media City (Shams) and had a chance to explore their facilities. As a leader in the media and creative industries in the region, and as a digital free zone entity, Shams provides cost-effective solutions that support startups, small and medium enterprises, and freelancers within media sectors supporting them in establishing their presence and pursuing their entrepreneurial ventures.

Sharjah Grand Mosque

As part of the day’s agenda, the guests had the opportunity to visit the Sharjah Grand Mosque, a spectacular showcase of Islamic architecture that serves as a contemporary tribute to Islamic art. The mosque, renowned for its incorporation of Arabic calligraphy to craft artistic compositions, gave participants the chance to revel in the mosque’s detailed designs, exploring additional art forms such as sculpture and woodwork, with a focus on intricate arabesque patterns. The mosque’s innovative design boasts 81 domes and two towering minarets, each standing at an impressive height of 75 metres. This unique architectural masterpiece positions the Sharjah Grand Mosque as a prime cultural tourism destination within the country.

‘Sharjah Cinema Days’ at Jebel Buhais

The group also had the chance to experience the ‘Sharjah Cinema Days’ event held at the geological park in Jebel Buhais, located in the Emirate’s central region. This cinematic festival, hosted by the ‘Funun Foundation,’ offers a creative platform for filmmakers and the creative industry, aiming to empower them and enhance the artistic and cultural landscape of Sharjah, the United Arab Emirates, and the wider region.

Photographers and journalists, among the guests, lauded the Xposure International Photography Festival and its organisers, the Sharjah Government Media Bureau, for their commendable efforts in promoting communication, dialogue, and cultural exchange. They expressed gratitude for the chance to immerse themselves in Sharjah’s vibrant diversity, gaining valuable insights into the city’s initiatives, natural beauty, art, culture, and rich heritage.