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Sharjah, the third-largest emirate in the United Arab Emirates, boasts a rich and diverse cultural heritage. Annually, it hosts the magnificent Sharjah Light Festival, which showcases its achievements, values, and vision through the captivating medium of light.
A collaborative effort among local and international artists, musicians, and light technicians who come together to illuminate Sharjah, the festival has returned in 2024 running from 7 February to 18 February, with the Light Village being already open to the public.
Explore further on Wego to uncover the offerings of the Sharjah Light Festival.
Table of Contents
What is the Sharjah Light Festival?
The Sharjah Light Festival spans over 10 days, showcasing grand light installations and projections that honor the emirate’s accomplishments, culture, and heritage. Spearheaded by the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA), the festival extends invitations to globally recognized artists for participation.
Comprising two primary highlights, the Sharjah Light Festival includes the mesmerizing Light Shows and the bustling Light Village.
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Sharjah Light Festival Light Shows
The Sharjah Light Festival’s Light Shows entail expansive light installations and projections that brilliantly illuminate the emirate’s landmarks and venues, crafting a breathtaking visual extravaganza.
Date & timings
Sharjah Light Festival’s mesmerizing Light Shows will be held across Sharjah from 7 February to 18 February 2024, at the following timings:
- Sunday to Wednesday from 6 PM to 11 PM
- Thursday to Saturday from 6 PM to 12 AM
Shows
The following are some of the enchanting Light Shows that will take place at the Sharjah Light Festival:
Enchanted Dimensions
Image © Sharjah Light Festival
An enthralling exhibition at Sharjah’s Al Noor Mosque, where art, tradition, and technology come together in a visually striking presentation, this immersive visual arts show seamlessly merges Islamic heritage with state-of-the-art technology, honoring the intricacies of geometry, mosaic, and arabesque.
Visitors can witness the dynamic transitions between thematic elements, enhanced by modern special effects that take center stage, translating the interplay of light, intricate reflections, and the essence of beauty into a truly unique experience. The Al Noor Mosque becomes a living canvas, where tradition meets innovation, resulting in a profound depiction of peace and artistic brilliance
Waves of Reflection
Image © Sharjah Light Festival
Presenting a mesmerizing kinetic light display situated in the heart of Al Majaz Waterfront, offering a captivating vista of Sharjah city, the ‘Waves of Reflection’ is composed of dynamic light elements. This installation seamlessly blends art and technology to evoke wonder and contemplation.
As evening falls over the waterfront, ‘Waves of Reflection’ springs to life, illuminating the surroundings with vibrant hues that sway in harmony with gentle movements. Each sequence of lights is intricately choreographed to mirror the city’s lively spirit, capturing the essence of Sharjah.
Engaging viewers with its kinetic dynamics, ‘Waves of Reflection’ fosters a reflective atmosphere, presenting a visual symphony that resonates with Sharjah’s vibrant pulse
Luminous Guardians
Image © Sharjah Light Festival
Transcending ordinary boundaries, the ‘Luminous Guardians’ is a captivating installation that beckons observers on a reflective journey through the essence of Sharjah’s cultural and protective ethos. Illuminating the architecture with a choreography of light, it subtly pays tribute to the profound inner experiences. Each beam and pattern weaves a narrative of community potential, strengthening societal foundations.
Embodying radiant expressions of ideals that fortify societal foundations and propel towards a future filled with promise, ‘Luminous Guardians’ culminates in a luminous symphony mirroring the city’s aspirations and its people’s collective rhythm. It emerges as a guiding light of shared memories and future aspirations
The Luminous Guardians show is scheduled to be held at the Sharjah Police Headquarters.
Echoes of Al Dhaid
Image © Sharjah Light Festival
Set amidst the historic Al Dhaid Fort in Sharjah, this profound artistic journey offers a philosophical exploration. Delving into interconnectedness, cultural heritage, and the universal essence of human existence, at its core, the spectacle presents an immersive narrative intertwining Emirati legacy with timeless truths about humanity.
Through skillful manipulation of light and shadow, the ancient fort is transformed into a vibrant canvas that speaks to the soul.
Celebrating resilience and growth reflects the enduring spirit of the desert and its people. Going beyond a mere recounting of history, it contemplates the passage of time and the interconnectedness of life. Traditional cultural elements such as the ayyala and nasha’at dances serve as symbols of life’s cyclical nature and the shared rhythms that bind generations together
Other shows
Several other Light Shows will be hosted across Sharjah during the Sharjah Light Festival. Some of these include ‘A Treasure Trove of History’ at Dibba Al Hisn City, ‘A Sublime Canvas’ at Sharjah Mosque, ‘Radiant Illuminations’ at Khalid Lagoon, ‘Jewel of Al Rafisah Dam’ on the waters of the Al Rafisah Dam and more.
Each location promises a unique and distinctive experience for visitors as they witness architectural and landscape transformations through light art. These Light Shows showcase themes such as progress, excellence, unity, and diversity, highlighting Sharjah’s achievements and values.
Please refer to the official Sharjah Light Festival page for more information on Light Shows being held at the Sharjah Light Festival.
Sharjah Light Festival Light Village
The Light Village, a family-friendly destination at Sharjah’s University City Hall, offers a diverse array of activities and attractions related to the festival.
Ranging from over 50 mobile food trucks offering a wide array of delectable international and local cuisines, accompanied by various retail choices to numerous activities, including a digital padel, an Immersive Gallery featuring a mirror ball exhibition, and a ball pit, the Light Village will not only cater to the needs of Sharjah residents and visitors but also support youth initiatives and national projects to stimulate the national economy.
Date & timings
Sharjah Light Festival’s Light Village will be open to the public from 1 February to 18 February 2024, at the following timings:
- Sunday to Wednesday from 5 PM to 12 AM
- Thursday to Saturday from 5 PM to 1 AM
Activities & attractions
The following are some of the activities and attractions available at the Light Village:
SLF Eats & Shops
Image © Sharjah Light Festival
The Light Village at the Sharjah Light Festival will feature more than 50 vendors showcasing a variety of international and local cuisines, inviting visitors to savor familiar comfort foods and discover enticing new flavors, ranging from burgers and salads to specialty coffees. Mouthwatering delights from diverse cuisines will be on offer for 18 memorable nights.
Moreover, visitors will have the chance to explore a distinctive shopping experience with retail stores joining the festivities at the Light Village this year.
Please refer to the official Sharjah Light Festival page for more information on SLF Eats & Shops at the Sharjah Light Festival.
Light installations & experiences
Image © Sharjah Light Festival
Enhancing the food and beverage offerings at the Sharjah Light Festival, the festival showcases numerous mesmerizing light installations. Positioned across from University City Hall, visitors can enjoy a vast array of engaging activities and entertainment options,
Experience an Immersive Gallery, featuring captivating conceptual light-inspired exhibits. Traverse the Hypersonic multimedia tunnel, where dynamic passage effects and animations, alongside important messages, are created using light strips. Engage in the Play Zone, brimming with interactive games. Marvel at the Bubble-Texture Inflatable Spheres, a dazzling compilation of transparent spheres glowing with rainbow hues against the sky.
Please refer to the official Sharjah Light Festival page for more information on Light installations and experiences at the Sharjah Light Festival.
Sharjah Light Festival tickets
Sharjah Light Festival tickets can be purchased from the official Sharjah Light Festival ticketing website. The following are the ticket categories available:
Single Entry – Adult
A Single Entry ticket for adults can be purchased by individuals over the age of 12 at USD 2.83. The following are some of the features of this category:
- offers any say single entry
- no re-entry once the ticket is validated
- free entry for kids aged 11 and below
- free entry for POD’s and senior citizens above 60 years of age
Season Pass – Adult
A Seasons Pass for adults can be purchased by individuals over the age of 12 at USD 34.01. The following are some of the features of this category:
- single entry each day from 1 February to 18 February 2024
- no re-entry on the same day once the ticket is validated
- free entry for kids aged 11 and below
- free entry for POD’s and senior citizens above 60 years of age
Add ons
The add-on tickets include:
- single entry (adult over 12 years of age): USD 8.50
- single entry (kids 11 and below): USD 4.25
Please refer to the official Sharjah Light Festival website for more information on tickets.
