Sharjah festival throws spotlight on popular landmarks

SHARJAH // The annual Sharjah Light Festival, one of the emirate's most popular tourist attractions, will start next month.

Nine days of spectacular shows will begin on February 7 at 14 locations, with several new performances added to this year's calendar.

Mohamed Ali Al Noman, chairman of Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, said the festival would combine artists and technology to create a memorable experience for visitors.

"Many new artists and professionals will be employing the latest advances in technology to add several new and exciting shows to the festival this year.

"Using famous landmarks and monuments will help bring out the aesthetic beauty of Sharjah."

For the first time, two cities on the emirate's east coast, Kalba and Khorfakkan, will host their own light shows.

The historical Omar bin Al Khattab mosque in Khorfakkan and Sharjah University's campus in Kalba will be lit up each night of the festival.

Mr Al Noman said this year's event would put some of Sharjah's grand monuments and landmarks firmly in the spotlight.

"This tells the world the story of an emirate that is today recognised as the home of art and culture and which has earned itself a distinct place on the world tourism map.

"The latest feather in the emirate's cap is the recognition as the Capital of Arab Tourism for 2015."

Last year's Light Festival attracted more than 90,000 visitors and organisers expect a greater response this time.

All shows will take place between 7pm and midnight and are free to the public.

ykakande@thenational.ae