Tourism & Hospitality | Monday 16 February, 2015 12:19 am |

The fifth edition of Sharjah Light Festival, organized under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, concluded with a grand closing ceremony organized at the Al Majaz Amphitheatre last evening, The ceremony brought the curtains down on nine nights of dazzling displays of light organized by Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA), from February 5 to 13, 2015.

The closing ceremony was organized in the presence H.E. Mohammed Ali Al Noman, Chairman of SCTDA, and H.E. Khalid Jassim Al Midfa, Director General of SCTDA, government officials and sponsors and representatives of the local and Arab media.

On this occasion, H.E. Al Noman said in his speech: “We say goodbye to the fifth edition of the festival that decorated buildings at 14 locations in our emirate with amazing designs and works of art using the latest techniques in light display. Over nine nights, the emirate was the scene of glamour and entertainment, treating visitors to dazzling artistic displays and dramatic graphics and light shows accompanied by live music.”

H.E. Al Noman pointed out that during the nine nights of the festival, Sharjah attracted thousands of visitors from all over the world, who enjoyed charming tours of the emirate, getting to see its most prominent historical and architectural landmarks. “Today, as we bring the curtains down on this edition of the festival, we look forward to welcoming you here again to more nights of glamour and beauty,” H.E. Al Noman added.

The Chairman explained that SCTDA will organize more events and festivals this year, especially since Sharjah has been named the Arab Tourism Capital 2015. “We aim to create more great moments and raise greater expectations for a more dazzling festival that will continue to make history.”

H.E. Al Noman further stressed: “All the success we have achieved are based on the vision and directives of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, which inspire all of us to put in more efforts to promote the emirate's tourism offerings and raise their standards further.”

H.E. Al Noman stated that since its inception, Sharjah Light Festival has been a key element of the tourism sector in Sharjah, helping promote its prominent attractions at global events. “Over time, the festival has established the emirate as a leading family tourism destination through its unique offerings of innovative events,” the Chairman added.

During the closing ceremony, H.E. Al Noman and H.E. Al Midfa honored all the sponsors of the festival and the artists who performed at the various shows as well as representatives of the local, Arab and international media for presenting a bright image of the event before the world.

The fifth edition of Sharjah Light Festival covered 14 locations in Sharjah, including Al Qasba (External Facade), Al Qasba (Internal Facades), Al Majaz Waterfront, Cultural Square, Masjid Al Noor, Central Souk, Sharjah University – Kalba, Masjid Al Taqwa, Al Majaz Amphitheatre, Masjid Al Muhajerin in Dibba Al Hisn, Sharjah University Khorfakkan, Masjid Ammar bin Yasser in Dhaid, Khalid Lagoon Corniche Light Design Show, and Giraffes’ Parade on Khalid Lagoon.

The innovative shows at the festival turned every location of the festival to stunning pieces of art, catching the attention of thousands of visitors from inside and outside the UAE. The shows featuring a blend of tradition and modernity, showcased the exquisite architectural landmarks of Sharjah’s buildings, and highlighted the cultural aspects of the different areas of the emirate using 2D and 3D animation, including graphics and calligraphy designs. Visitors were transported to a world of vibrant colors and beautiful designs, created by a group of world’s leading artists and experts in this field, using the latest technology with minimal use of energy.

Sharjah Light Festival 2015 coincided with the official announcement of Sharjah Capital of Arab Tourism for 2015, during the opening ceremony of the festival. On the occasion, H.E. Dr. Bandar bin Fahd Al Fahid, President of Arab Tourism Organization, presented the Capital of Arab Tourism 2015 title to representatives of the SCTDA, which aims to utilize this achievement to strengthen Sharjah’s position on the tourism map of the region and attract more visitors to the emirate. The SCTDA will work this year on establishing a wide range of special workshops and events, designed to promote the tourism sector and raise the efficiency of its employees in all areas.

The Sharjah Light Festival 2015 was organized with the support of Sharjah Municipality, Sharjah Transport, Sharjah Police Headquarters, Shurooq, Sharjah Civil Defence Department, the general secretariat of awqaf, and mega mall as co-sponsors. Nomada was the Partner of the event while Sharjah Media Corporation and Channel 4, 107.8 FM were the Media Sponsors.