The fifth annual Sharjah Light Festival opened with a high-profile ceremony organised by Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) at Al Qasba in the UAE emirate this evening.

The festival, which is the first event of its kind in the region, will run from February 5 to 13.

As always the festival takes place in 14 locations across the emirate offering a unique combination of light and music to create innovative three-dimensional designs on mosques, key landmark and heritage buildings. Apart from locations within Sharjah City, the festival will light up major sites in Khorfakkan, Dibba Al Hisn, Kalba and Al Dhaid in the emirate, showcasing the architectural splendour and cultural history that distinguishes Sharjah.

New locations include Masjid Al Taqwa at Al Majaz Waterfront, Al Majaz Amphitheatre overlooking the Khalid Lagoon, the Cultural Square in Sharjah city, Masjid Al Muhajerin in Dibba Al Hisn, University of Sharjah campus in Khorfakkan, and Masjid Ammar bin Yasser in Dhaid.

The festival also lights up the popular regular locations which include Al Qasba (Internal and External Facade), Masjid Al Noor, Central Souk, Sharjah University – Kalba, and Khalid Lagoon. Several new features and shows have added more charm to the festival this year, most notably Khalid Lagoon Corniche Light Design Show and Khalid Lagoon Giraffes’ Parade.  The Giraffes’ Parade is a narrative and theatrical performance that has been travelling across several cities around the world, including Zaragoza and Bilbao (Spain), Moscow (Russia), Rome (Italy), Toronto (US) and London (UK).

The dazzling displays of lights and innovative performances have been organised using the latest technology under the supervision of international experts with experience in similar festivals in France and Germany. Using 3D and 2D animation techniques, the festival highlights the beauty of Sharjah’s famous cultural icons through graphic designs, calligraphy and wide variety of colours, transforming these architectural landmarks into beautiful pieces of art. 

Moreover, the festival this year launches the celebration of the official announcement of Sharjah Arab Tourism Capital 2015, awarded to Sharjah at the 15th session of The Arab Council of Tourism Ministers in Cairo in 2012.

The Sharjah Light Festival has become an important event in Sharjah’s tourism calendar, attracting thousands of visitors and families from the GCC countries. – TradeArabia News Service