Latest news with #UniversityCityHall
Khaleej Times
06-02-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Sharjah Light Festival returns with 4 new locations after a year of preparation
From February 5 to 23, landmarks across Sharjah will be illuminated with stunning light displays as the Sharjah Light Festival returns for its 14th edition. With four new locations added across the emirate this year, the spectacular Festival took almost a year to prepare. With a massive yearly turnout, the festival not only captivates visitors but also provides a valuable platform for small businesses in the 12 locations, offering them greater exposure and support in their ventures, a top official told Khaleej Times. Last year, the festival attracted over 100,000 visitors, and it continues to play a key role in promoting local enterprises while showcasing the city's cultural and architectural beauty. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. The Light Village, opposite University City Hall, is open daily from 5pm and closes at midnight from Sunday to Wednesday, while it's open until 1am on weekends. Spread out across various spots in Sharjah; the festival features mesmerising light shows and light-related installations that highlight each unique location. Supporting SMEs Chairman of the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority Khalid Al Midfa told Khaleej Times that the Light Village is a very important aspect of SLF since it supports SMEs by giving them exposure during the festival. 'Sales are important, but entrepreneurs who have a vision and want to grow in the future see the power of participating in such platforms like the Light Village, not only due to the sales but due to the exposure.' Last year, the Sharjah Light Festival saw more than 100,000 ticketed visitors. Two years prior, when entry to the light village was free, Al Midfa said there wasn't a good return on investment for the small businesses, so they chose to introduce tickets for certain visitors. 'We gave a space for people who wanted to eat or drink or pay for an experience to visit the light village, so that was a better mix for us.' Al Midfa noted that around 60 SMEs were chosen out of 300 applications this year. Reputation of Sharjah The festival not only gives a chance for local businesses to gain traction and prosper, but it also helps with the UAE's overall tourism goals of transforming the country into a premier global tourism destination. Because the exposure for SLF is huge, Al Midfa said that this gives an opportunity to promote the emirate as the cultural capital of the Arab world. He said, 'We are very happy with the diversity of events we have and how strong of an effect it has on the reputation of Sharjah and its perception.'
What's On
31-01-2025
- Entertainment
- What's On
The stunning Sharjah Light Festival returns this February
Ever scrolled through the 'Gram and seen those beautiful photos of Sharjah illuminated by colourful lights? No, it isn't the works of AI, the photos are very much real and are a part of the Sharjah Light Festival which takes place annually during the winter season. Now in its 14th year, the Sharjah Light Festival will start shining its lights on Wednesday, February 5 until February 23, 2025. During the festival, facades of iconic cultural and tourist sites and landmarks in Sharjah will be illuminated in a snap-worthy, mesmerising art display created by renowned artists. Expect to see a celebration of creativity and heritage in the form of lights, colours and music at beloved landmarks. Take a look at the video above for a sneak peak of what to expect. This year, the dazzling festival takes place under the theme 'Unity of Light'. Now these landmarks are already quite stunning in their own way, but they will be further enhanced at the festival using an interplay of lights, music and a dynamic narrative articulating the emirate's past, present and future aspirations. At the moment, we don't have a list of landmarks where the Sharjah Light Festival will take place, but we will keep you up to date when we find out. Last year, the sites included General Souq – Al Hamriyah, University City Hall, Al Noor Mosque, Sharjah Mosque, Al Majaz Waterfront, Sharjah Fort, Kalba Clock Tower and more. Excited to visit to snap up your own photo at the festival? Here are some tips… We spoke to two popular photographers here in the UAE, @alphaspotting (Mo Azizi) and @tgfromdubai (Ihsan Salhia). Ihsan Salhia highlights that it's important to not go in and immediately start clicking photos. He said, 'Keep in mind that the lights are moving and have patterns. It's important to take your time, study the patterns and see how long it takes for them to move before you click the snap button.' He added if one can afford it, get a fast lens where the iris can open wide to allow more light in – an F2.8 or better. Another piece of equipment both photographers agreed on is a tripod adding it will help get a sharp image. Mo Azizi also suggested a 1-second exposure or less and told us that bumping up the ISO is fine if needed. He also suggested a timer as it will help reduce any shaking, especially when taking a long exposure shot. Most importantly, both photographers stressed the need to enjoy the show and have fun. As Mo Azizi, put it, 'The Sharjah Light Festival is absolutely stunning. Don't just stand there taking photos, as you will forget to admire the show for its beauty.' For more information, visit Featured image: left @alphaspotting, right @tgfromdubai Article images: Supplied > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
