Arts, Musuem & Culture

Sharjah Light Festival transforms 13 landmarks into glowing art canvases across emirate 4

The 15th edition of the Sharjah Light Festival is transforming major landmarks across the emirate into large-scale visual showcases through projection mapping and creative light installations, reinforcing the emirate’s position as a regional hub for cultural events and public art.

Organised by the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, the annual festival brings together international artists who use advanced lighting technologies and digital storytelling to create immersive outdoor experiences. The festival runs until February 15, while the accompanying Light Village attraction continues through February 22.

A total of 13 locations are participating this year, each featuring a distinct artistic theme that blends architecture, technology and narrative-driven design.

Al Majaz Waterfront features interactive light experience

At Al Majaz Waterfront, the installation Pulse of Belonging uses flowing light patterns across structures and open areas to create a shared visual environment for visitors. The setup is designed to encourage interaction and photography, positioning the site as a central gathering point during the festival.

Sharjah Fort hosts wish-based projection mapping show

At Sharjah Fort, an interactive projection work titled Call For A Wish invites visitors to contribute spoken wishes that are digitally captured and transformed into animated visuals displayed on the fort’s façade, combining heritage architecture with participatory technology.

Aljada installation focuses on memory and design motifs

At Aljada, the Threads of Memory installation layers ornamental light compositions across surfaces, using warm colour palettes and rhythmic sequences to reflect themes of familiarity and heritage-inspired design language.

House of Wisdom presents story-driven 3D projection

At the House of Wisdom, Light Between Words uses 3D projection mapping to depict a symbolic journey from silence to expression and from isolation to belonging, aligning with the venue’s knowledge and culture focus.

Other illuminated festival locations

Additional participating sites include Khorfakkan Waterfall, Dibba Al Hisn Mosque, and Al Dhaid Fort, each featuring customised light concepts that highlight architectural character and cultural context.

Officials say the festival attracts tens of thousands of visitors each year and plays a key role in promoting Sharjah’s cultural tourism by combining art, heritage and technology in accessible public settings.