SHARJAH, 8 FEBRUARY, WAM / His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Salem bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, and in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, witnessed this evening in front of the University City Hall the launch of the activities of the twelfth edition of the Sharjah Lights Festival, which is being organized by The Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, during the period from the 8th to the 19th of February, in 13 locations of the landmarks, cities and regions of the Emirate of Sharjah.
His Highness the Deputy Ruler of Sharjah was received by Sheikh Majid bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Head of the Department of Suburbs and Villages Affairs, Sheikh Sultan bin Abdullah bin Salem Al Qasimi, Director of the Department of Statistics and Community Development, Sheikh Faisal bin Saud Al Qasimi, Director of Sharjah International Airport Authority, and Sheikh Salem bin Mohammed bin Salem Al Qasimi, Director of the Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, Sheikh Saud bin Mohammed bin Saud Al Qasimi, CEO of the real estate sector in Sharjah Asset Management, a number of senior officials, heads of government departments, and a group of artists and media professionals.
The opening ceremony began with the playing of the national anthem of the United Arab Emirates, and a presentation of a visual material about the festival’s march since its inception in the year 2011 AD, and its most prominent stations and topics that were dealt with through artistic light shows presented by artists from around the world.
Then Khalid Jassim Al Midfa, Chairman of the Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, delivered a speech in which he emphasized that the Sharjah Lights Festival continues the path of excellence and innovation, through the continuous updating of the visions, methods and ideas it presents, in addition to developing all technologies, in order to adapt to renewable changes and ensure the sustainability of positive results and outputs. Referring to the Authority’s keenness every year to renew performances, develop accompanying events, and attract the most famous international artists, to highlight the latest destinations and landmarks in the Emirate of Sharjah, as well as to provide more services to the public at each of the festival sites.
Al Midfa explained that the success of the festival is the result of the unremitting efforts, which are in line with the wise visions of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, and the support of His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah.
The Chairman of the Commerce and Tourism Development Authority noted that the festival has become an important event that the masses look forward to every year, to celebrate with it unforgettable memories, which are immortalized by thousands of publications on various social media platforms, which travel across borders to draw a smile and joy on the faces of millions of followers, expressing the Authority’s pride in what It verifies the festival’s achievements, whether in terms of its wide spread or positive reputation, and its tangible impact on the emirate’s tourism sector.
In the conclusion of his speech, Al Midfa appreciated the successful cooperation and partnerships in which the authority has invested, with government institutions and the private sector, which had an effective role in enhancing the authority’s progress and achieving its development goals.
He thanked the festival team and the local and international media for their efforts in covering the event and conveying its activities to the public in the best manner.
Then His Highness the Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and the attendees of the opening ceremony watched a dazzling light show with artistic details that reflect to the audience inspiring contents in a picturesque scene titled “The Pursuit of Hope and Success”.
The show carried the story of a girl who seeks through her journey in life to search for her latent energies and skills and to realize her dreams through the stages of her growth that witnessed her search for herself, the practice of activities and skills, the acquisition of science and knowledge, and access to many fields until she reaches a brilliant future.
His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Salem Al Qasimi, after the end of the show, received a souvenir presented by the Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, in appreciation of His Highness honoring the opening of the festival.
After the opening ceremony, His Highness the Deputy Ruler of Sharjah visited the “Village of Lights”, which extends over a total area of more than 19,000 square meters in front of the University City Hall. Drinks and sweets during the festival days.
His Highness inspected the Museum of Lights and the areas designated for games, recreational activities and live performances, which provide families with an integrated experience and an attractive entertainment destination, and aim to attract more than 60,000 visitors to the village during the festival days.
In its edition this year, the “Sharjah Lights Festival” presents performances and events in a renewed look, reflecting the distinctive urban character that characterizes the Emirate of Sharjah, and its ancient cultural identity that has strengthened its position as an attractive destination for tourists and visitors from everywhere, through distinctive light and artistic panels that will decorate the buildings and destinations of the Emirate of Sharjah. With the participation of 7 international artists and a creative group of emerging artists over 12 continuous nights.
The “Sharjah Lights Festival” returns this year to fulfill the passion of its fans with amazing performances that provide a distinctive cultural and creative entertainment experience with the participation of a group of international artists and emerging artists, and the event’s performances cover all parts of the Emirate of Sharjah.
The list of festival sites this year includes 13 distinctive sites, which are the University City Hall, Al-Adwaa Village, Al-Noor Mosque, Khalid Lake Corniche, Sharjah Mosque, Al-Majaz Waterfront, Sharjah Fort, Al-Hamriya Municipality Building, Al-Dhaid Fort, along with the Al-Rafisah Dam in Khorfakkan, and the Al-Rafisa Dam in Khorfakkan. The clock is in Kalba, the Sheikh Rashid bin Ahmed Al Qasimi Mosque in Dibba Al Hisn, as well as the headquarters building of the “Be’ah” company.
