The Light Festival in Sharjah is a mesmerizing eventfull of festivity and glamour, tradition and culture blended with a sense of innovation. If you are in Sharjah, during the Light Festival,you will be amazed at the wonderful installations, architectural designs and also interactive displays of art. In short, Sharjah gets transpired into a magical dreamscape during the festival. The festival is held in the month of February.
It is wonderful to watch the city draped in lights. It is also a great blend of culture, art and technology when the lights are used to tell stories on the canvas of the city’s landmarks. If you are interested, book your Sharjah tour during the festival and get alive with the stories in vibrant colours and lights.
History
The Sharjah Light Festival began in the year 2010 and has become a part and parcel of the culture and tradition of Sharjah since. Every year hundreds and thousands of visitors visit Sharjah for being a part of this cultural festival and to get involved in the wonderful Illumination all over the city.
Places where you can enjoy the Sharjah Light Festival
If you are planning to visit Sharjah during the Light Festival you may visit a few spots that are noted for their celebrations and ornate decorations. Here is an account of such place that you may visit.
1. The Al Noor Mosque
The Al Noor Mosque turns into an enchanted land with its artistic installations and parks. It is a land of colours. The location of the Al Noor Mosque is wonderful with the Al Majaz waterfront in the background. The whole architecture of the mosque is draped with lights. Special relevance is made to the Islamic motifs and that creates a spectacular presentation. You may take a walk all around the garden and also visit the Butterfly House nearby. The mosque remains open 4 pm to 11 pm, Sunday to Wednesday and from 4 pm to 12 pm, Thursday to Saturday.
2. Corniche of Khalid Lagoon
There is yet another of the festival of lights location along the corniche of Khalid Lagoon. You may start from the Al Noor Mosque and come all the way to the Al Qasba Canal. There is an art walk along the way that exhibits paintings of Sharjah school children. There is also a stunning exhibit of lights all along the way that transforms the area into a sylvan atmosphere.
3. Al Rafisah Dam
There is an astonishing light show at Al Rafisah Dam while you are on your way to Khorfakkan. You may avail of the Khorfakkan Ring Road and reach the venue, following the signals and stop just before the Hawd Al Bid’ah Lake. It is heartwarming to know that the illumination here tells the story of a man who creates something that’s going to last a long time. He works at somethings that will help humans and animals in the long run. This is such an innovative idea that it makes the onlookers spellbound. The timing of the light festival is tentatively between February 8th and 19th.
4. The Al Hisn Fort
The Al Hisn Fort light decorations are majestic. It tells the story of human perseverance and fortitude. The light show talks about the strength of people when they work in unison with each other. This is a great teaching for the humankind that is manifested in the light décor that is mesmerizing to all.
5. The largest mosque in Sharjah
The largest mosque in Sharjah which is located at the crossing point of the Emirates Road E611 and the Sharjah Kalba Road, E102 is redolent with the beautiful colours and the patterns and motifs and speaks volumes for the magnificent architecture. This is a must visit place during the Sharjah Festival of Lights. The Mosque timings are 4 pm to 11 pm, Sunday to Wednesday and Thursday to Saturday, 4 pm to 12 pm.
6. Kalba Clock Tower
It is wonderful to know that the Kalba Clock Tower celebrates the Blue Hour, when the day changes to night. The Kalba Clock Tower on Al Wahda Street E99 undergoes a mesmeric change during the magical Blue Hour. The sky is enveloped in blue hues and the light is reflected on the tower too. It is an hour of timelessness and quintessential beauty as the total ambiance is charged up with the blue hue all over. The date is fixed to February 8 to 19, while the timing is as follows: Sunday to Wednesday the tower remains open 4 pm to 11 pm and Thursday to Saturday it is 4 pm to 12 pm.
7. The Al Hamriyah Municipality
The Al Hamriyah Municipality which is located on Al Ittihad Road, E 11 also has its own story to tell during the light festival. This place is in celebration for living in a land that is there for its people and allows them to live in a protective and secure environment. This is a wonderful tribute by the Municipality.
8. The Al MajazWaterfront
The Al Majaz waterfront light festival has a wonderful theme the Echoes of Dawn and the place is lit up with 150 LED lights. The patterns cater to the Islamic geometrical patterns and creates a wonderful experience that is magical. The Al Majaz waterfront timings are the same as those above.
9. The University City Hall
The University City Hall theme is called “Chasing the Light” and it tells an enriching story of a girl who grows up with hope and inspiration. This show at Sharjah will surely inspire you with hopes and aspirations.
10. Masjid Sheikh Rashid Bin Ahmed Al Qasimi
Masjid Sheikh Rashid Bin Ahmed Al Qasimiis on the eastern side of UAE in Dibba Al Hisn. This is a must visit on your itinerary and the captivating details of the architecture along with the Islamic pattern makes it worth a visit, especially during the Light Festival.
11. The Flag Island light festival in Sharjah
The Flag Island light festival in Sharjah is a journey through light. The island with all its installations and sculptures is transformed into an enchanting place. There is a story told by each of the structures. It is a blend of creative elements and the technology involved. It is a visual treat to all who sees it and a mesmerizing experience as well for all.
12, The Central Souq
The Central Souq in Sharjah is a great place to visit. The market has light decorations and historic architecture that decorates the place. The warm glow of the lights in the illuminated by lanes add to the drama and the magic of the place.
If going to Sharjah, then don’t forget to check places to visit in Sharjah at night and Sharjah city tour which should be in your list to explore this beautiful city.
Date and Timing
The dates for the light festival in Sharjah are 8th February to 19th February 2025.
The timings are:
- Sunday to Wednesday 4.00 PM to 11.00 PM
- Thursday to Saturday – 4.00 PM to 12.00 AM
Conclusion
Thus, the Sharjah Light Festival is a great celebration. If you are in Sharjah in February, include the places exhibiting the light shows on your itinerary and be sure to visit them. It is a memory of a lifetime to feel the vibrant power and energy of this spectacular luminous celebration all around.
