Sharjah shines light on history, culture, future

sharjah — Arabian tradition and Islamic culture have literally come into light in Sharjah now, with 14 different locations across the emirate lit up for the annual Sharjah Light Festival.

A must-see for residents and visitors alike, this year’s edition of the festival opened on February 2 and will run until February 11.

“Some of Sharjah’s architectural landmarks, mosques and historic buildings were brought to life, highlighting not just the glorious past and aesthetic qualities of Sharjah’s architectural landscape but also its bright future,” Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, chairman of Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA), told Khaleej Times.

“Each year, a new element is added to the light festival,” continued Al Midfa, who said that visitors should not miss the Light and Sound Show at Dr Sultan Al Qasimi Centre for Gulf Studies for its “interactive component.”

“Aside from the Light and Sound Show, visitors can change the template and digital mapping by adding

Aside from the light and sound show, visitors can change the template and digital mapping by adding three elements into the show, like mosaic or sand. Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, chairman, Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority

three elements into the show, like mosaic or sand. They can also change the facade and control the music and background,” Al Midfa added.

Time travel

Visitors can also go into Time Travel or get “light inspirations for the future” when they visit Sharjah’s University City Hall.

The 10-minute show is divided into two parts, starting with ‘time travel’, where visitors are taken into a magic ride over rolling sand dunes, rising sun and flying Pegasus, all of these accompanied by classical Arabesque music. Then, the viewers have to put on 3D glasses as the next part of the show titled ‘light inspirations for the future’ features dancing pillars and buildings zapped by virtual wormholes; facades turned into techno walls and the electro dance music adding more vibe into the bright 3D lights.

For those who are looking for a more ‘romantic show’, the Light Tunnel at the Palm Oasis is the perfect place, where people can go under a canopy of lights. Khaleej Times caught up with Sharjah residents James, Anne and Kaye on Tuesday night and they said the place is at its ‘Instagrammable’ best for taking pictures to post on social media. The Al Noor Mosque — the first mosque in Sharjah to open its doors to tourists — and the nearby Al Taqwa Mosque were also turned into ‘colourful mosques,’ signifying the cultural diversity and synergy in the UAE.

Aside from the light show, there is also a nightly (at 9pm) festival parade along the Khalid Lagoon Corniche. Artistes and show masters conjure a parade called ‘Three Elephants Pass By.’

Meanwhile, organisers said sustainability is also on the agenda of the festival. Al Midfa explained: “All the lights and projectors we are using have passed certification for environmental compliance . We also switch off the surrounding lights so the net result is that we save 50 to 60 per cent of the power in that area because all the other lights, which require more electricity than the projectors, are off.”

angel@khaleejtimes.com

Photos by M. Sajjad Colourful lights transform the Dr Sultan Al Qasimi Centre for Gulf Studies building at University City into a fairy tale-like setting, during the 7th edition of the Sharjah Light Festival. —

Artists perform during the festival parade, while pulling along a lit-up elephant float at Khalid Lagoon.

The Tunnel of Light at the Palm Oasis is the the perfect selfie spot with its shimmering light curtain effect.

The University City Hall gets a green makeover with floral and botanical elements projected onto it.

Children stand mesmerised by the light show at the Cultural Palace building in the emirate.