Tanweer Festival returns to Mleiha desert
The Tanweer Festival will return to the Mleiha desert in Sharjah from Nov.21 to 23, 2025.
The event follows the inaugural edition held last year and will once again take place in the Mleiha region, known for its natural and archaeological significance.
At the heart of Tanweer Festival is the visionary leadership of Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi, whose passion for cultural dialogue, spiritual growth, and sustainability inspired the festival's creation.
Driven by a belief in the transformative power of music, nature, and shared experiences, Sheikha Bodour envisioned Tanweer as a platform that transcends borders, connects communities, and nurtures a deeper understanding of our shared humanity.
The three-day festival will feature a programme that includes music, visual art, and cultural activities. It is intended to offer attendees a shared space for creative and social engagement.
The Tanweer Festival was initiated under the leadership of Sheikha Bodour.
Her focus on cultural dialogue, environmental sustainability, and community engagement served as the foundation for the festival's establishment.
Sheikha Bodour aimed to create a platform that brings together diverse audiences through music, nature, and collaborative experiences.
Sheikha Bodour recently commented, 'We are thrilled to bring Tanweer Festival back for its second edition, and this time, it's even more ambitious, immersive, and meaningful. Last year's debut was just the beginning of a journey that resonated deeply with so many people, and this year we are building on that foundation with a richer programme, stronger sustainability practices, and an even more powerful message of unity. I truly can't wait to welcome our growing community back to the Mleiha desert to continue this journey together.'
This year, Tanweer Festival, which translates to the festival of enlightenment, embraces the theme of 'What you Seek Is Seeking You,' a famous quote from Rumi, the 13th-century poet and mystic whose work transcends cultures, religions, and generations.
Through music and poetry, Rumi encouraged people to explore the depths of our inner selves, reconnect with the natural world, and find unity in diversity, values that lie at the very heart of Tanweer.
WAM
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Visionary leadership At the heart of Tanweer Festival is the visionary leadership of Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, whose passion for cultural dialogue, spiritual growth, and sustainability inspired the festival's creation. Driven by a belief in the transformative power of music, nature, and shared experiences, Sheikha Bodour envisioned Tanweer as a platform that transcends borders, connects communities, and nurtures a deeper understanding of our shared humanity. Ambitious second edition Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi recently commented, 'We are thrilled to bring Tanweer Festival back for its second edition, and this time, it's even more ambitious, immersive, and meaningful. Last year's debut was just the beginning of a journey that resonated deeply with so many people, and this year we are building on that foundation with a richer programme, stronger sustainability practices, and an even more powerful message of unity. I truly can't wait to welcome our growing community back to the Mleiha desert to continue this journey together.' Embracing the theme This year, Tanweer Festival, which translates to the festival of enlightenment, embraces the theme of 'What you Seek Is Seeking You,' a famous quote from Rumi, the 13th-century poet and mystic whose work transcends cultures, religions, and generations. Through music and poetry, Rumi encouraged people to explore the depths of our inner selves, reconnect with the natural world, and find unity in diversity, values that lie at the very heart of Tanweer. Curated festival grounds The festival grounds are carefully curated to reflect its holistic ethos. The Main Stage will be a multisensory arena with ambient lighting, ancestral music, and mountain-side projections. The Dome acts as the heart of community learning, hosting discussions and workshops, while the Tree of Life serves as a serene space for gathering and reflection. Nourish, the festival's culinary hub, offers organic, farm-to-table dishes including vegan, vegetarian, and traditional Bedouin-style BBQs. The Marketplace features handpicked artisans offering unique handcrafted items, while immersive art installations transform the desert into an open-air gallery. Commitment to sustainability Sustainability remains a non-negotiable pillar of Tanweer Festival. It is a no single-use plastic event with a dedicated reuse and recycle strategy, green waste composting, and zero-waste food and beverage services. Sustainability education will be woven throughout the festival, setting a new standard for eco-conscious cultural events in the region. With a 'leave no trace' approach, Tanweer ensures that its footprint is minimal, proving that large-scale gatherings can be deeply respectful of the land that hosts them. A Movement for connection Returning with a more dynamic and expressive identity, the second edition of Tanweer is a chance for individuals to step into the desert once more, giving them the opportunity to reflect, reconnect, and realign through the universal language of music. This is more than a festival; it is a movement for those who seek deeper meaning, community, and beauty in a world too often divided. Experience the magic Don't miss the Tanweer Festival 2025 and get ready to experience a mystical arena where the desert sings, the soul listens, and enlightenment awaits.
