Witness beloved buildings turning into an illuminated tribute to the rich culture and heritage of the region at the Sharjah Light Festival 2022. Returning for the 11th edition, the festival comprises a spectacular line up of shows and fun activities for all. This year’s celebration is expected to be bigger and better than ever and we’re going to tell you all about it. Keep reading to discover what the Sharjah Light Festival 2022 has in store for visitors this year.
ABOUT SHARJAH LIGHT FESTIVAL
With an extraordinary display of lights, colours and music, the Sharjah Light Festival is back and this time the theme is “Echoes of the Future“. Numerous internationally recognised artists from around the world have arrived at the cultural hub of the UAE to honour science, creativity and tradition. The exciting festival will continue till 20 February 2022
Initiated in 2010, the Sharjah Light Festival (SLF) is an annual arts festival, that features a series of light shows across the emirate. It is organised annually by the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, under the patronage of H.H. Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah.
This lights festival in Sharjah aims to showcase the emirate’s inspiring history, rich heritage and architectural achievements.
SHARJAH LIGHT FESTIVAL 2022 LOCATIONS
For 12 nights in a row, nine unique locations will be illuminated with spectacular lighting displays at the Sharjah Light Festival 2022. The locations are as follows:
- Al Hamriya Municipality
- Al Majaz Waterfront
- Al Noor Mosque
- Al Rafisah Dam
- Department of Human Resource – Kalba
- Kalba Government Building
- Holy Quran Academy
- Sheikh Rashid bin Ahmed Al Qassimi Mosque – Dibba Al Hisn
- Sharjah Mosque
- University City Hall
LISTS OF ARTISTS
Several local and international artists, musicians and light technicians participate in the event. Here is the list of the participants.
NAUAR BITAR
Nauar Bitar is a multimedia creative artist who has over 20 years of expertise in large-scale events, permanent theatrical productions and immersive 3D mapping projects.
ANUSHKA KALATSHEVA
Artist Kalatsheva is a Russian artist residing in Dubai who specialises in 2D sketch animations and 3D mapping colourful patterns. In Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Russia and Europe, Kalatsheva has worked on several notable international projects.
ROBERTO PALMA GUITERREZ
Palma Guiterrez is a Mexican light artist who produces amazing artwork by shaping, programming and projecting light throughout the space.
JAGARNATH
Jagarnath has worked on a variety of commercial projects, including 2D and 3D mapping, project management and motion graphics. The Burj Khalifa inauguration in 2010, the Dubai World Cup, the Hipa photography awards and Qasr Al Watan are his best works.
The other artists showcasing their talent at the festival are Abdelhamid Serghani, Rachid Jader and the Al Sayegh Creative Team.
SHARJAH LIGHT FESTIVAL SHOWS
This year, the Sharjah Light Festival returns to tell the stories of the emirate’s rich heritage with light and music as the UAE celebrates a spectacular 50 years and looks forward to the next 50.
If you want to catch these amazing light shows in Sharjah, the schedule is as follows:
- Dates: 9 to 20 February 2022
- Timings: Weekdays from 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm | Weekends from 6:00 pm to 12:00 am
And below we have listed the details of the individual shows themselves.
THE SPIRAL OF LIGHT
University City Hall is an appropriate setting for this storey that showcases the past and present of this beautiful emirate. The ‘past’ sections describe life in ancient Sharjah, while the emirate’s triumphs in education, art, astronomy, building and communication are depicted in the ‘present’ section.
- Artist: Nauar Bitar
- Location: University City Hall
BEAUTY BY CONTRAST
This exhibition highlights the grandeur of the emirate’s famous Al Noor Mosque. The show depicts the role of art as a means of communication and Islamic art as an elemental language of the universe across time and history.
- Artist: Artist Kalatsheva
- Location: Al Noor Mosque
DREAM OF THE IMPOSSIBLE
Dream of the Impossible is set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Al Rafisah Dam. This storey depicts how Sharjah and the UAE will rise above ancient challenges and achieve the seemingly unattainable with a commitment to heritage preservation.
- Artist: Nauar Bitar
- Location: Al Rafisah Dam
HUMAN ENERGY THROUGH HERITAGE AND HISTORY
In this show, the strength of creativity and evolution is reflected in brilliant colours and shapes. The geometric, arabesque patterns highlight the authenticity of Sharjah’s commitment to culture and values.
- Artist: Roberto Palma Guiterrez
- Location: Government Building, Kalba and Directorate of Human Resources, Kalba
THE LANGUAGE OF INFINITY
The Language of Infinity is a tribute to Islam that combines geometry, calligraphy and arabesque patterns while also questioning and speculating on the future of these Islamic patterns. Viewers are invited to interpret the digital creations that reflect the Holy Quran Academy’s architectural splendour.
- Artist: Jagarnath
- Location: Holy Quran Academy
A JOURNEY OF LEGACY
The Al Hamriya Area Municipality structure lends itself to a storey, A Journey of Legacy. It uses a combination of visually striking bursts of colour, geometric flowers and futuristic forms to embellish the building’s structural columns.
- Artist: Abdelhamid Serghani
- Location: Al Hamriya Area Municipality
Islam + Architecture + Heritage
This evocative show on the Rashid bin Ahmed Al Qassimi Mosque in Dibba Al Hisn uses traditional and contemporary elements to highlight the originality of the building.
- Artist: Rachid Jader
- Location: Rashid bin Ahmed Al Qassimi Mosque, Dibba Al Hisn
THE HARMONY OF ISLAMIC MOTIFS
The Sharjah Mosque’s exquisiteness is the subject of a storey that demonstrates the beauty and harmony of Islamic symbols. These unique and timeless symbols are highlighted by digital designs.
- Artist: Fouad Jader
- Location: Sharjah Mosque
SLF GALLERY
At the Al Majaz Waterfront, the SLF Gallery exhibits famous images of the Festival and Sharjah’s magnificent monuments. The illuminated show honours and celebrates the people, places, and accomplishments of Sharjah and the UAE.
- Artist: Al Sayegh Creative Team
- Location: Al Majaz Waterfront
The Sharjah Light Festival is more than just a light show. It’s a cultural fiesta aimed at bringing people together. Along with shows, there is a dedicated Food Truck Zone with over 30 restaurants serving local and international cuisines. So, don’t forget to make a trip to the Food Truck Zone, located opposite University City Hall. You can take your pick from authentic Emirati food, Middle Eastern dishes, burgers or any other international cuisines.
FAQs
Is there an entry fee to the Sharjah Light Festival?
No, all light shows are free to attend and open to all ages.
What’s the best way to see all the light shows?
City Sightseeing Sharjah has set up an exclusive bus route for all visitors to get the best viewing experience. You can call +971-6-556-0777 today to book a bus tour for the festival.
That is all we have about the fantastic Sharjah Light Festival 2022. Inspired by local culture and traditional stories, this year’s show is expected to attract thousands of visitors to the emirate.
Sharjah is known as the cultural capital of the UAE. There are many attractions to explore in the city. Here is the ultimate list of places to visit in Sharjah which guarantees a fun day with friends and family.
*Cover Image Credits: SLF’s official website
