ART EVENT Sharjah Light Festival 2016 Set To Dazzle With Over 23 Beautiful Shows

Masjid Al Noor / Courtesy of Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA)

SCTDA revealed the details of the festival this year during the Sharjah Light Festival 2016 Forum and Press Conference organized by the Authority at Al Qasimia University in the presence of H.E. Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of SCTDA; H.E. Dr. Rashid Al Leem, Chairman of Sharjah Electricity & Water Authority (SEWA); Sheikha Jawaher Bint Abdullah Al Qassimi, Director of FUNN Sharjah Media Arts for Youth & Children, and Sharjah International Children’s Film Festival (SICFF); and Sheikha Nawar Al Qassimi, Public Programming & Outreach Officer of Sharjah Art Foundation. Other personalities present on the occasion included Carole Purnelle, Co-founder of creative studio OCUBO in Portugal; and Franc Aleu, internationally renowned artist from Spain, as well as representatives from a number of government agencies in Sharjah, and the local and international media in the country.

The Forum, held before the press conference, discussed the prestigious milestones achieved by Sharjah to emerge as the cultural capital of the region, and highlighted the key role of Sharjah Light Festival in promoting the emirate’s tourist destinations and strengthening its position on the world tourism map.

From the Sharjah Light Festival 2016 Forum / Courtesy of Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA)

Addressing the press conference, H.E. Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, stated that the theme for the sixth Sharjah Light Festival is ‘Travel Across Time’, reflecting SCTDA’s commitment to excellence and development. He said the festival will bring to life new creative ideas inspired by the architecture of Sharjah, using three-dimensional lighting techniques, to take visitors on a journey around the world and highlight the beauty of the emirate’s landmark buildings, he added.

H.E. Khalid Jasim Al Midfa / Courtesy of Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA)

H.E. Al Midfa pointed out that Sharjah Light Festival has expanded its reach to new locations to enable all residents and visitors to enjoy the shows featured in the festival. The new locations are Al Qasimia University, Masjid Al Qasimia, University City Hall, Planetarium, Jubail New Market, Supreme Council for Family Affairs in Sharjah, Cultural Palace, Kalba Corniche Park, Government Buildings Al Akd Al Fareed St. Dibba Al Hisn, and selected buildings at Buhairah Corniche.

He added that the festival will also light up other major buildings and tourist landmarks such as Al Qasba (Internal Facades), Masjid Al Taqwa (Al Majaz Waterfront), Al Majaz Amphitheatre, Cultural Square, Masjid Al Noor, Sharjah University – Khorfakkan, Masjid Ammar bin Yasser in Al Dhaid, presenting several surprises and new creative designs this year.

Al Qasba / Courtesy of Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA)

Al Majaz Amphitheatre / Courtesy of Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA)

H.E. Al Midfa attributed the success of SCTDA in organizing prestigious festivals and events to the wise leadership and vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler Sharjah. "Led by the direction of our leadership, Sharjah Light Festival has over the years come to occupy a prominent position in the calendar of events in the region, attracting thousands of visitors and families every year from inside and outside the UAE," H.E. Al Midfa said.