Sharjah Light Festival 2025 in United Arab Emirates

The Sharjah Light Festival is a dazzling celebration of light and art that has become a magnet for photographers and culture enthusiasts worldwide. This annual event transforms the emirate into a canvas of vibrant colors and stunning projections, blending Sharjah’s rich heritage with cutting-edge technology. The third-most populous city in the United Arab Emirates hosts the festival every February. It highlights Sharjah's most famous landmarks, displaying colorful lights synchronized to music. The event features local talent and internationally renowned artists.

Launched in 2011, the festival showcases Shajah's beautiful architecture, focusing on cultural motifs and historic tales to modern designs. Over the years, standout highlights have included intricate projections on the University City Hall and captivating reflections on the Al Majaz Waterfront, leaving visitors in awe. Stunning displays also illuminated Sharjah Mosque, Al Noor Mosque, Al Rafisah Dam, and others. The displays can be seen from 6 pm to 11 pm on weekdays and from 6 pm to midnight on weekends.

Festival Locations

Sharjah Mosque

The majestic Sharjah Mosque, one of the largest in the UAE, serves as a stunning centerpiece for the festival. Its intricate Islamic architecture is brought to life with colorful projections, emphasizing the beauty of its domes and minarets while narrating stories of tradition and modernity.

Al Noor Mosque

Al Noor Mosque, perched by Khalid Lagoon, is another iconic site for light displays. This exquisite structure is adorned with kaleidoscopic designs that emphasize its Ottoman-inspired architecture. The serene waterfront adds an ethereal charm to the nightly spectacle.

University City Hall

The University City Hall is a perennial favorite for its grandeur and versatility as a projection surface. Each year, the hall becomes a beacon of artistic expression, displaying elaborate narratives that celebrate knowledge, culture, and the emirate’s progressive vision. All displays blend together traditional elements, dramatic polychromatic bursts of color, and futuristic forms to celebrate the achievements of the past and the promising future of Sharjah.

Al Majaz Waterfront

This vibrant leisure destination is not only a hub for families and tourists but also a centerpiece of the festival. The waterfront’s serene lagoons and fountains serve as a backdrop for light and laser shows that create magical reflections and an immersive atmosphere.

Al Rafisah Dam

Nestled in the Hajar Mountains, Al Rafisah Dam offers a breathtaking natural setting for the festival. The light projections here emphasize the harmonious blend of Sharjah’s natural beauty and cultural innovation, creating a unique visual experience against the dam’s cascading waters.

Sharjah Light Festival has been celebrating art, science, heritage, and creativity, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors. The festival is more than a visual feast—it’s a celebration of Sharjah’s status as a cultural and artistic hub in the region. Each installation tells a story, inviting visitors to explore the emirate’s heritage, architecture, and forward-thinking ethos.