Latest news with #Bedouin-style
Al Etihad
11-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Al Etihad
Iconic Tanweer Festival returns to Mleiha this November in Sharjah
11 Aug 2025 18:11 SHARJAH (ALETIHAD)The second edition of Tanweer Festival is set to launch from November 21-23 this year to light up the desert of Sharjah. Following the success of its debut edition, the one-of-a-kind festival returns to the majestic dunes of Mleiha, bringing with it a renewed call for enlightenment through music, art, and shared human experience. Set in the breathtaking natural beauty of Sharjah's Mleiha region, this celebration of global unity is designed to ignite connection, understanding, and inner discovery through an unforgettable cultural journey under the stars. At the heart of Tanweer Festival is the visionary leadership of Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, whose passion for cultural dialogue 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. Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President and Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of American University of Sharjah (AUS) Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President and Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of American University of Sharjah (AUS), 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. What to Expect The festival grounds are carefully curated to reflect their 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. Leaving No Trace Sustainability remains a non-negotiable pillar of Tanweer Festival. It is a 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. 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.
Wales Online
14-07-2025
- Wales Online
The place with guaranteed sunshine you can travel to all year round from Cardiff
The place with guaranteed sunshine you can travel to all year round from Cardiff With warm weather, stunning beaches and some of the most fascinating historical sites in the world- there's nothing not to love Beach with parasols and blooming bougainvillea near Sharm el-Sheikh, Red Sea, Egypt. (Image: Veronica Bogaerts ) Travellers will be able to fly from Cardiff to Egypt all year round. If you are looking to seek a bit of sunshine at any point in the year, the direct flights to Hurghada, Cairo, and Alexandria are all an option direct from Cardiff Airport. Egypt offers year-round sunny weather, stunning beaches and a spot of soaking up ancient history - so it somewhere worth considering if you're after summer sun with plenty of options to combine your getaway with history, beaches, and ultimate relaxation. And while you might associate most travel to Egypt as being centred around the historical sights, there are plenty of exciting outdoor adventures to get involved with and some beautiful places to relax too. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What's On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here The year-round flights will be available from May 2026 to April 2027. The first flight to Hurghada will launch on May 2, 2026. And if you're wondering which places are the best to visit if you've never been, destinations like Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh, and Marsa Alam all offer breath-taking views over the Red Sea. There are plenty of luxury all-inclusive resorts, as well as great opportunities for snorkelling and scuba diving. If you are keen to explore more of the historical side, the pyramids of Giza are obviously a bucket list stop, and are the only ancient wonder of the world standing. You can see them on a visit to Cairo, and then there's also the sphinxes, temples and gold-filled museums around the city of Luxor. And if you're more of the adventurous type, then exploring the desert is definitely a must-do. Egyptian Red Sea resort city of Hurghada (Image: Mohamed El-Shahed/AFP via Getty ) There are loads of ways to soak up the scenery, from quad biking, camel rides, and Bedouin-style experiences that really show off the country's incredible landscape. Average monthly temperatures range from 17°C in January to 34°C in July and August, so the new year-round service will be a game changer if you're wanting to get there from Wales. TUI says its latest expansion plans mean there will be an additional 48,000 holidays available with TUI from Cardiff next summer. Article continues below You can book now or find out more information here.
Scottish Sun
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Forget Dubai, there's a new Emirate on the rise, with glorious beaches, affordable luxury hotels and a thrilling zipline
It's only an hour away from Dubai EASTERN PROMISE Forget Dubai, there's a new Emirate on the rise, with glorious beaches, affordable luxury hotels and a thrilling zipline IF you thought the UAE was all sky-high towers and five-star flash, then Ras Al Khaimah will make you think again. This rising star of the Emirates is where adrenaline meets luxury, mountains meet sea, and where your taste buds will thank you forever. Advertisement 18 One if the many fabulous beaches in Ras Al Khaimah Credit: Getty 18 Head inland for the incredible Jebel Jais desert sandstone mountains Credit: Alamy I explored this incredible emirate by air and land, through mountain and desert — and discovered why Ras Al Khaimah (RAK for short) deserves a firm place on your bucket list. My girlfriend Ayesha and I stayed at two unforgettable world-class resorts during our trip and tried just about everything RAK has to offer. After a relaxing first day, we kicked things off with a trip into the region's past at the Suwaidi Pearls Farm in Al Rams. Set on a calm stretch of coast, it's the UAE's only working cultured pearl farm and one of the coolest cultural experience ever. Advertisement After a boat ride through mangroves to the floating pearl station — watching camels walk along the shore on the way — I got a crash course in the ancient art, learned about traditional diving methods, and even cracked open an oyster myself (yes, there was a pearl inside!) 18 David found a gem in an oyster shell at the Suwaidi Pearls Farm in Al Rams. 18 Live the Bedouin lifestyle at Bassata Desert Village 18 Dune safari ride at Bassata Village Advertisement It's relaxing and an authentic, way to learn local heritage. From the sea to the sands, next stop was the Bassata Desert Village, where we dived headfirst into Bedouin-style adventure. We tried our hand at dune bashing, camel riding and sandboarding, and enjoyed some Arabic coffee around the campfire. After dark, the village transformed into a colourful spectacle of belly dancers, fire breathing acts and local food, all enjoyed under a sky full of stars. Think Marrakech meets Mad Max, with shisha on tap. Then came the big one — the Jebel Jais adventure day. The towering Hajar Mountains dominate the skyline in RAK, and it's here you'll find the Jebel Jais Flight – officially the world's longest zipline, stretching a wild 2.83km across mountain ravines. Advertisement I was strapped in like Superman, then off I went — flying at up to 160km/h above jagged cliffs and deep valleys. First look at Royal Caribbean's new private island in Mexico with world's longest lazy river Loyal to Royal The views were unreal, the adrenaline unmatched. Rather embarrassing Go Pro footage has it all, including my screams. All that flying builds up an appetite, so next up was lunch at 1484 by Puro, the highest restaurant in the UAE (yep, it's literally 1,484 metres above sea level). The views are as tasty as the food. I went for a barbecue chicken pizza and truffle fries with mountain air and a side of total awe. If you want to eat with your head in the clouds, this is your spot. Advertisement On your way back down the mountain you can get into full survival mode at the Bear Grylls Explorers Camp. 18 David braves the Jabal Jais experience – the world's longest zipline Credit: David Robson 18 Fly through the mountains at the Jabal Jais zipline 18 Stunning views from 1484 by Puro restaurant in Ras Al Khaimah Credit: David Robson Advertisement 18 David soared over land sea and mountains on his light aircraft flight Credit: Alamy This place is part outdoor boot camp, part wilderness school, all hosted in RAK's stunning rocky terrain. You can learn how to build shelters, light fires, rock climb, and navigate using just nature. The UAE's first cross-emirate adventure trail has also been launched in Ras Al Khaimah, connecting mountains, wadis, and deserts, promoting sustainable tourism and immersive cultural experiences across RAK and neighbouring emirate Fujairah. On the final day, I ticked off one more epic activity — a 30-minute flight over Ras Al Khaimah with Jazirah Aviation Club. Advertisement Sitting in a light aircraft with the wind in my face and the sun rising over the coast is something I'll never forget. We cruised over mangroves, beachside resorts, desert plains and the city skyline. It's peaceful, beautiful, and the perfect end to a high-octane trip. GO: RAS AL KHAIMAH GO: RAS AL KHAIMAH GETTING THERE: Fly Glasgow to Dubai from £642pp return. See STAYING THERE: Rooms at the Rixos Al Mairid, start from £192 a night, all inclusive. See and prices at Doubletree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island, start from £152 a night, half board. See Six nights all-inclusive at the 5H Rixos Al Mairad Ras Al Khaimah is from £1,572pp leaving Glasgow on November 12 and a week half board at the 5H Doubletree By Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island is from £2,745 for a family of three, flying from Glasgow on September 28. See MORE INFO: For more on visiting Ras Al Khaimah see Of course, no adventure is complete without a luxurious place to kick off your shoes. Our first base was Rixos Al Mairid, and let me tell you, it's a showstopper. We stayed in a beachfront suite, and from the moment we stepped inside, it felt like a private slice of paradise. Advertisement The villa opened up into a large, airy living space with floor-to-ceiling windows that bathed the room in golden light. A plush sofa, espresso machine, and curated minibar made it hard to leave. The bedroom was just as dreamy — a king-sized bed with cloud-like pillows, blackout curtains for lazy mornings, and sliding doors that led straight to our private terrace and onto soft white sands. The five-star resort spans 1.5km of private beach with 466 rooms, suites, and villas. The food here was incredible, but the standout? The burger at Toro Loco. Hands down, the best burger I've ever had. Perfectly grilled, juicy, and devoured in record time. Advertisement 18 The beahcfront Rixos Al Mairid was luxurious but relaxed 18 Dreamy bedroom at David's suite with direct beach access Credit: David Robson 18 The burger at the Toro Loco restaurant is not to be missed Credit: David Robson Later that night we dined at Orient, their Turkish restaurant where mezze and slow-cooked meat were served with breathtaking views over the Arabian Gulf. Advertisement It's not just food that impresses at Rixos — the jungle gym and kids' zones are brilliant for families, and they even host celebrity-led workout classes for guests looking to break a sweat in style. There's also a small football pitch next to the main saltwater pool — ideal for an impromptu kickabout with the kids or a quick game at golden hour. The resort has just unveiled a brand-new entertainment stage which we unfortunately missed. It will bring acts from around the world. So if you like your beach days with a side of glitz, this is the place. Our second stop was the family-friendly DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa on Al Marjan Island — a firm favourite for sun-seekers with kids. Advertisement There's an onsite water park, loads of beach activities (paddleboarding, volleyball and jet skis), tennis courts and other activities for those looking to keep active. 18 Aerial view of Hilton Doubletree on Marjan Island, Ras Al Khaimah Credit: David Robson 18 The pirate ship waterpark at Hilton Doubletree on Marjan Island Credit: David Robson 18 Bright and spacious rooms at the Double Tree by Hilton on Al Marjan Island Advertisement 18 Meze Restaurant served modern Turkish delights 18 Delicious food at Sanchaya restaurant Credit: David Robson And when it's too hot outside? No problem — there's a spacious indoor pool to cool off in. The rooms were bright, modern, and designed for comfort, with balconies that opened onto sea views and sunsets worth pausing for. Advertisement Food-wise, the Meze restaurant brought a modern Turkish twist to classics, while Sanchaya, their lively Asian eatery, hosts a night brunch that's basically a party with plates. We tucked into sushi, spicy noodles, spring rolls, szechuan chicken and cocktails — all to the beat of a live DJ. It was the perfect mix of laid-back and lively. I left RAK with sand in my shoes, photos on my camera roll, and serious thoughts about coming back for a fortnight next time. Advertisement Ras Al Khaimah has everything you could possibly want from the UAE — but with fewer crowds, more soul, and a serious sense of adventure. Move over Dubai, there's a new emirate on the rise.
What's On
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- What's On
Sharjah's Tanweer Festival is back this November for a second edition
The second edition of Sharjah's Tanweer Festival is back this November, making a home in the breathtaking beauty of Mleiha Desert from November 21 to 23. After a smash-hit success debut, the unique celebration of all things culture and collectively human is offering a carefully-curated programme of happenings to get stuck into. The conception of Tanweer comes from the mind of one woman – Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, daughter of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah – and as such, the festival flanks the same passions for art, culture, connection and global unity that she carries. Tanweer aims to unite festival goers in a beautiful synergy of understanding and appreciating the power of art, music, culture and sustainability through cultural dialogue, spiritual enlightenment, shared experiences and a global belonging. This year's theme for the festival – What you Seek Is Seeking You – is one of the most popular quotes from 13th-century poet and mystic Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Rumi, a literary, spiritual and philosophical figure of such a magnetic influence that transcends borders. Rumi's disposition reflects what Tanweer is all about. He preached a Sufi way of life and living wherein one must learn to forego their affections for the material world in order to truly reconnect with the inner self and the natural world. The bigger picture is always about the community as a whole. Here's what to expect… The festival grounds have been divided into different areas, each serving a different purpose. The Main Stage will be a multisensory arena with ambient lighting, ancestral music, and mountain-side projections. The Dome is the core of community learning and will host discussions and workshops. The Tree of Life will be a serene space for gathering and reflection. For food, Nourish, the festival's culinary hub, will offer organic, farm-to-table fare including vegan, vegetarian, and traditional Bedouin-style BBQs. If you're looking to shop or take home some souvenirs, The Marketplace will feature handcrafted items, each one uniquely made by artisans handpicked for the festival. All around, immersive installations will convert the dunes into an open-air gallery. Sustainability at Tanweer Sustainability lies at the heart of the festival and remains a pillar of its ethos. The entire festival will be a no single-use plastic event with a dedicated reuse and recycle strategy, green waste composting, and zero-waste food and beverage services. Throughout the festival, visitors will be educated about the aspect of sustainability, setting a new standard for eco-friendly events in the region and displaying respect for the land that is hosting it in a bid to show that such an arrangement is possible. While you're there Tanweer is great for all the culture crawlers and art aficionados, but there's loads more to do in this part of the cultural capital. You can take guided tours to Valley of Caves, explore Mleiha's rich and fascinating history going back thousands of years at Mleiha Archaeological Centre, go horseback riding and even paragliding. Discover more amazing things to do in Sharjah with our guide here. Tanweer Festival, Mleiha Desert, Sharjah, Nov 21 to 23, @tanweerfestival, Images: Supplied > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
Sharjah 24
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Sharjah 24
Tanweer Festival returns to Mleiha in November
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.
