Tourism & Hospitality | Friday 23 January, 2015 12:48 am |

Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) announced today the fifth edition of Sharjah Lights Festival 2015, the first event of its kind in the region, which will run from February 5 to 13. Taking place across 14 locations in Sharjah, the event coincides with the announcement of the Sharjah Arab Tourism Capital for 2015.

SCTDA confirmed that the emirate is preparing to attract large numbers of visitors during the Festival period, mostly citizens and residents of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations. Sharjah is one of the most popular destinations for tourists from the Gulf region in view of its potential as a unique tourist and family entertainment destination.

The Sharjah Lights Festival offers a unique combination of light and music to create innovative three-dimensional designs using state-of-the-art techniques that consume minimal power. The captivating artwork created as part of the festival on major buildings highlight the historical heritage of Sharjah and its Islamic architecture. The event supports the tourism sector in Sharjah and enhances its status as a worldwide tourist destination.

Sharjah will celebrate the Year 2015 at many levels and in all its festivals and activities this year. SCTDA has invited the world to visit Sharjah and discover its glorious heritage and charm as it ushers in the Sharjah Light Festival once again.

For nine magical nights, from February 5 to 13, the spotlight will be on the emirate as it glows in all its resplendent glory, creating a beautiful and harmonious blend of tradition and modernity. The Sharjah Light Festival this year includes 14 locations across the emirate.

Several new locations have been added to the Sharjah Light Festival sites this year. These include Masjid Al Taqwa at Al Majaz Waterfront, Al Majaz Amphitheatre overlooking the Khalid Lagoon, the Cultural Square in Sharjah city, Masjid Al Muhajerin in Dibba Al Hisn, University of Sharjah campus in Khorfakkan, University of Sharjah campus in Kalba, and Masjid Ammar bin Yasser in Dhaid.

Among the most popular and regular Light Festival attractions, Al Nour Mosque once again stands out with its dazzling beauty and intricate design. Al Qasba Internal and External Facades, Central Souk and Al Majaz Waterfront (along with Masjid Al Taqwa) are other popular SLF sites.

Sharjah Light Festival 2015 also offers several new features and shows. The two new attractions to watch out this year are the Khalid Lagoon Corniche Light Design Show and Khalid Lagoon Giraffes’ Parade.

Sharjah Light Festival succeeded over the past years to attract thousands of visitors and families, who flocked to attend the coolest presentations designed specifically for buildings and landmarks in Sharjah. SCTDA is marketing the festival at the regional level, through promotional campaigns organized across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). It is also promoting the event internationally through its participation in important tourism events.

The Sharjah Lights Festival 2015 has received the support of Sharjah Municipality, Sharjah Transport, Sharjah Police Headquarters, SHUROOQ, Zulal, Directorate of Public Works, Sharjah Civil Defence Department, and SEWA as Co-sponsors. Nomada is the Partner of the event while Al Khaleej, Sharjah Media Corporation and Channel 4, 107.8 FM are the Media Sponsors.