SHARJAH, 8th February, 2023 (WAM) — Sheikh Abdullah bin Salem bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, in the presence of Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, witnessed, on Wednesday, in front of the University City Hall, the launch of the activities of the 12th edition of the Sharjah Light Festival (SLF).
The festival is organised by the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, from the 8th to the 19th of February, in 13 locations of the landmarks, cities and regions of the Emirate of Sharjah.
The opening ceremony began with the playing of the national anthem of the United Arab Emirates, and a presentation of a video about the festival’s march since its inception in the year 2011, through artistic light shows presented by artists from around the world.
Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, delivered a speech in which he emphasised that the Sharjah Light Festival continues the path of excellence and innovation, through the continuous updating of the visions, methods and ideas it presents, in addition to developing all technologies, in order to adapt to renewable changes.
Al Midfa highlighted that the success of the festival is the result of the unremitting efforts, which are in line with the wise visions of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and the unlimited support of Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah.
Al Midfa stated that the festival has become an important event that the masses look forward to every year, to celebrate with it unforgettable memories, which are immortalised by thousands of posts on various social media platforms, traveling across borders to draw smiles and joy on the faces of millions of followers, adding that the authority is proud of what has been achieved.
Al Midfa appreciated the successful cooperation and partnerships that the authority has invested in, with government institutions and the private sector, which had an effective role in enhancing the authority's progress and achieving its development goals.
He also thanked the festival team and the local and international media for their efforts in covering the event and conveying its activities to the public in the best manner.
Then the Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and the attendees of the opening ceremony watched a dazzling light show with a picturesque scene.
Sheikh Abdullah bin Salem Al Qasimi, after the end of the show, received a souvenir presented by the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, in appreciation of attending the opening of the festival.
After the opening ceremony, the Deputy Ruler of Sharjah visited the "Light Village", which extends over a total area of more than 19,000 square metres in front of the University City Hall. In addition to inspecting the light museum and the areas designated for games, recreational activities and live performances, which provide families with an integrated experience and an attractive entertainment destination, and aim to attract more than 60,000 visitors to the village during the festival days.
In its edition this year, the Sharjah Light Festival presents performances and events in a renewed look, reflecting the distinctive urban character that characterises the Emirate of Sharjah, and its ancient cultural identity that has strengthened its position as an attractive destination for tourists and visitors from everywhere, with the participation of 7 international artists and a creative group of emerging artists over 12 continuous nights.
The Sharjah Light Festival returns this year to fulfill the passion of its fans with amazing performances that provide a distinctive cultural and creative entertainment experience with the participation of a group of international artists and emerging artists, and the event's performances cover all parts of the Emirate of Sharjah.