SHARJAH LIGHT FESTIVAL OFF TO A SPECTACULAR START

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The new building of Sharjah Municipality is transformed by the magnificent light show celebrating the Capital of Islamic Culture 2014 theme.
The new building of Sharjah Municipality is transformed by the magnificent light show celebrating the Capital of Islamic Culture 2014 theme.

SULTAN OPENS 9-NIGHT FEST CELEBRATING ISLAMIC CULTURE AT NEW SHARJAH MUNICIPALITY BUILDING  

SHARJAH, February 8, 2014  — His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of UAE Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, officially opened the fourth annual Sharjah Light Festival today (Thursday, February 6) in the presence of Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) management, select VIP attendees and a captivated audience at the Sharjah City Municipality building.

Unveiled to the public for the first time, the newly built Sharjah City Municipality was gloriously lit up in a spectacular, colourful display for the first day of the festival, which runs daily until next Friday February 14th at 12 different locations throughout the emirate. Thousands of people attended the stunning evening ceremony, which saw H.H. Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi and SCTDA Chairman His Excellency Mohamed Ali Al Noman, give welcome speeches to mark the occasion.

Among others present were Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Thani, Adviser in the office of Sharjah Ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Saud Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Department of Central Finance, Sheikh Essam bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Media Centre, Sheikh Mohammed bin Humaid bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, other Sheikhs and Al Noman.

This year, the Sharjah Light Festival celebrates the Emirate’s status as the Capital of Islamic Culture 2014, with international artists taking inspiration from its traditionally influenced architecture and Emirati artistic techniques such as calligraphy.

The festival promises 9 nights of unforgettable experiences and will once again turn the spotlight on Sharjah’s celebrated monuments, historic landmarks and culture. A group of internationally acclaimed artists will use their creativity, 3D imagery and some of the most advanced and sophisticated lighting techniques to cast the emirate in a spectacular array of colours.

“The Sharjah Light Festival embodies the unique infusion between the fine taste of Islamic architecture and the innovative lighting technology that highlights the uniqueness of Sharjah’s cultural heritage,” said H.E Mohamed Ali Al Noman. “Through the shows now launched at 12 distinctive locations in the city and the east coast, the festival celebrates Sharjah’s status as the Capital of Islamic Architecture.”

His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi at the opening ceremony of Sharjah Light Festival.
His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi at the opening ceremony of Sharjah Light Festival.

The opening show transformed the new Sharjah City Municipality building into a modern-day icon, with intricate and precise shapes and formations displayed on the building’s facade.

“Our show tonight turns the municipality building into a spectacular artistic icon when the light shapes and formations are displayed on its interface,” continued Al Noman. “The building with all its precise details will be turned to one of the most beautiful Arab palaces.”

Each night, the Sharjah City Municipality building disappears under touches of vivid Middle Eastern colour and poems reflecting the aesthetics of Arab calligraphy for ten minutes per show. Outlines of Arabian horses and falcons are traced onto the lines of the building highlighting its distinct design.

“Today, Sharjah continues its efforts to confirm time and again its adherence to its deep-rooted Islamic maxims, rich cultural heritage and the authentic traditions of our fathers and grandfathers.

“We are delighted to extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to all those who have contributed in promoting the Sharjah Light Festival, including our partners as well as the media, who continue to show support and highlight this important event for Sharjah,” concluded Al Noman.

The Sharjah Light Festival takes place from 6 – 14 February 2014 at 12 different Sharjah locations. The event is free to attend and runs daily from 7.30pm.  A full programme of activities is available to view via the official website www.slf.ae

-ENDS-

  • Sharjah Light Festival is on social media:

Instagram: @shjtourism #SLF

Twitter: @Sharjahtourism #SLF

  • High resolution imagery is available via the below link:

Sharjah Light Festival 2014 dropbox

 

About Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA):

Established in 1996 by the Government of Sharjah, the SCTDA has been in the forefront of promoting and taking Sharjah to the world with its relentless efforts and unmatched enthusiasm. The Authority constantly explores possibilities and avenues of promoting and developing tourism and commercial sectors in the emirate through special events, activities and festivals at home and around the world. It pursues its goals by planning and drawing up strategic plans to promote and develop tourism sector in all its forms.  It conducts social and economic research and studies as well to evolve its strategies and pursue its goals.  And as part of its strategy to promote Sharjah, SCTDA participates in local, regional and international exhibitions, focusing on the factors of distinction and exclusivity.

The SCTDA works to raise public awareness locally, regionally and internationally about the unique features and strengths of Sharjah’s tourism product and leisure and investment destination. As a result, Sharjah has emerged as a favourite holiday destination for visitors from around the world, especially those from Europe and neighbouring Gulf countries

Sharjah has come to be recognised as the home of Arab and Islamic culture and civilisation, it was declared the Cultural Capital of the Arab world in 1998 by Unesco. Recently, the Arab tourism ministers’ summit in Cairo selected Sharjah as the Capital of Arab Tourism for Year 2015.

For press enquiries please contact:

Tariq Al Naqbi

Sharjah Commerce & Tourism Authority

T: +971 50 269 3333

E: [email protected]  

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Clarion India - News, Views and Insights about Indian Muslims, Dalits, Minorities, Women and Other Marginalised and Dispossessed Communities.

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