The Sharjah Business and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) has officially launched the 11th Sharjah Light Festival, themed "Echoes of the Future", which will include a series of events and performances that will run until 20 February 2022 and are sponsored by Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Qasimi, a member of the UAE Supreme Council and Chief of Sharjah.
The opening ceremony was held at the University City Hall and was attended by representatives of the UAE's local and international media and a welcoming audience.
SCTDA Chairman Khalid Jassim Almidfa said at the event that the Festival of Lights is one of the original symbols of Sharjah's tourism industry, a tourist destination full of culture, art and heritage that all cater to the needs of tourists and are on a par with the world's leading popular attractions.
The SCTDA Chairman added: "We are immensely proud of what the tourism industry has achieved each year, thanks to the forward-looking vision and boundless support of senior leaders such as the Sheikh of Sharjah, which has been the foundation of Sharjah's development and progress over the past 50 years. Today, we will continue to work along this path with our partners in the emirates to uphold Sharjah's place on the global tourism map and secure its position in all areas. ”
The opening ceremony included a stunning light show that illuminated the University Town Hall Building, one of Sharjah's most famous landmarks and a testament to Sharjah's commitment to education and heritage. The opening ceremony recounted Sharjah's past and important milestones, highlighting the important role that the ocean and libraries play in everyday life. Subsequently, the opening ceremony shifted the perspective to the emirate's present, highlighting its achievements in education, art, astronomy, architecture, communication and the environment.
Over the course of 12 days, the Sharjah Light Festival will feature 10 spectacular performances for UAE and foreign visitors, with landmarks across the emirate illuminated at: Al Majaz Waterfront, University City Hall, The Holy Qur'an Academy, Sharjah Mosque, Al Noor Mosque, Al Hamriya Municipality building, government buildings in Kalba and the building of the Directorate of Human Resources in Kalba, Sheikh Rashid bin Ahmed Al Qasimi Mosque in Dibba Al Hisn and Al Rafisah Dam in Khorfakkan
In addition, the University City area will have a food truck area, which is located opposite the University Town Hall, and this year's "Festive Food Truck Area" will have more than 30 shops offering a variety of delicious dishes.