Sharjah Tourism Authority Unveils Details of Sharjah Light Festival 2018

Press release

Published January 30th, 2018 - 11:12 GMT

Illuminated shows inspired by science, beauty & knowledge to decorate 18 leading locations for 11 days.

Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) has announced the details of the 8th edition of the Sharjah Light Festival, which will be held with the participation of an exciting lineup of top internationally renowned artists during its 11-day run, in 18 locations under the theme "Culture in Sharjah" from February 7 to the 17^th,2018. The details were unveiled during a press conference held (Monday, January 29, 2018) at Al Hisn Fort Museum in Sharjah.

In his speech, H.E. Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of the SCTDA, said that the Authority has worked over the past seven years to diversify the festival’s activities to boost the international image of Sharjah, as well as promote the emirate’s scientific, cultural, and artistic successes thanks to the vision and guidance of H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qassimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah.

He added: “Sharjah has the right to be proud of its achievements. Today, it has become the destination of science, art, literature, and culture. It is a unique tourist destination that attracts visitors from all over the world due to its rich cultural heritage and its world-class activities throughout the year. The SCTDA has been implementing strong efforts to boost Sharjah's position on the international tourism map by developing its potential and supporting all activities and initiatives that make Sharjah a rich, diverse, and unique tourism destination.

The festival will include 23 shows covering 18 popular locations in Sharjah, curated by more than 24 artists from 10 countries. The locations include: Dr. Sultan Al Qassimi Center for Gulf Studies; Sharjah University Campus Avenue; University City Hall; Sharjah Police Academy; Khalid Lagoon; Al Noor Mosque; Palm Oasis; the House of Justice; the Heart of Sharjah; Sharjah Fort (Al Hisn); the Supreme Council for Family Affairs; the Ammar Bin Yasser Mosque in Al Dhaid; Sheikh Rashid Bin Ahmed Al Qassimi Mosque in Dibba Al-Hisn; the Municipality of Al Hamriya; the Town Planning Department of Khorfakkan; Khorfakkan Municipal Council; Kalba Municipal Council; and the Directorate of Human Resources in Kalba.

The festival is sponsored by Sharjah Municipality, Sharjah Police Headquarters, Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority, Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority (SEWA), Sharjah Civil Defense Department, Sharjah Government Media Bureau. Sahara Centre and Mega Mall are partners, while the Sharjah Media Corporation is the media sponsor.

Background Information

Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority

The Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) was established in accordance with Emiri decree no. 5 for 1996, with the primary objective of promoting the emirate of Sharjah through planning and laying down strategies to promote tourism and commerce, undertaking activities to market and promote the emirate, and conducting appropriate market studies and surveys, including economic and social studies, and field studies and surveys.

As a public authority with a corporate body and independent budget, finance and administration systems, the SCTDA focuses on actively promoting the commerce and tourism activities within the emirate of Sharjah and increasing local, regional and international awareness of the emirate as a top tourism and commerce destination.

The SCTDA is committed to exploring and exploiting new and existing ways to promote the emirate, including participation in international exhibitions, conferences and other relevant events, and is also responsible for organising and hosting events taking place within Sharjah, including the annual Sharjah Water Festival and F1 Powerboat Grand Prix.