Sharjah’s cultural calendar is set to welcome another event: the Tanweer Festival. Here’s everything we know about it.
Photo: Courtesy of Tanweer Festival
Calling all art, music, and poetry lovers! The UAE’s cultural capital city, Sharjah, is set to host the debut of Tanweer Festival from November 22 to November 24—spanning across three days in the Mleiha desert.
Envisioned by Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, the festival is set to bring forth a new addition to the city’s bustling cultural scene while simultaneously connecting different audiences through a variety of art forms. “Tanweer Festival embodies Sharjah’s vision of using art, culture, and creativity to inspire a more united, compassionate world,” says Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi.
Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi. Photo: Courtesy of Tanweer Festival
“We envision Tanweer Festival as a transformative experience that honors diverse cultures and traditions while igniting a communal spirit of creativity and connection,” she tells Vogue Arabia. “As we welcome artists and audiences from around the world, Tanweer celebrates the richness of our heritage and the bonds that unite us all.” The inaugural festival is set out to be an all-encompassing experience —under the theme “Timeless Echoes of Love and Light,” inspired by Jalal al-Din Al Rumi. The event will feature fun workshops, a marketplace with local crafts, immersive art installations, many food outlets and witness musical performances by talented artists from the region and globally.
Photo: Sami Yusuf. Courtesy of Tanweer Festival
Some of the musicians kicking off the event will include Azerbaijani-British international composer Sami Yusuf, Senegalese musician Senny Camara, Anas Alhalabi, who will lead the Anas Handpan Orchestra, and a collaborative performance by oud player Ziyad Sahhab and artist Julien Breton curating light calligraphy.
Senny Camara. Photo: Courtesy of Tanweer Festival
On the second day, guests will be welcomed to experience performances by “Journeys of Light,” an initiative by Kamal Musallam that aims to encourage collaboration among artists from around the globe. Followed by “Constantinople” led Kiya Tabassian and Ghalia Benali. In the evening, attendees will be able to witness an orchestral Qawwali performance—a unique fusion of Sufi poetry and Indian classical dance by composer Rushil Ranjan, vocalist Abi Sampa, and choreographer/dancer Aakash Odedra. Following these, there will be many other performances on the second day by talents from around the world that seamlessly blend genres and cultures together.
Dhafer Youssef. Photo: Courtesy of Tanweer Festival
The last day of the festival will be headlined by Dhafer Youssef, along with other musicians and poets like Hassan Hakmoun, Baraka Blue and Nujoom Al Ghanem. For performances, guests can witness Fadi Rifaai, Zahi, and Sandu, who are well known for enmeshing traditional rhythms with contemporary styles. Along with them, Day 3 will also be graced by heritage bands from Al Malad, Al Wailyyah, and Al Liwah, who aim to highlight the beauty of their rich heritage through special performances.
Photo: Courtesy of Tanweer Festival
And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Tanweer Festival’s three day schedule comes packed with countless experiences. From breath work, handpan tutorials, and Sufi whirling, to light calligraphy and sound immersion, the event promises an unforgettable time.
For more information on Tanweer Festival and the workshops, click here.
