The "Sharjah Light Festival 2024" concluded its 13th edition, which achieved significant attendance, attracting more than 1.2 million visitors from February 7 to 18 at 12 locations and landmarks across the Emirate of Sharjah. This edition saw wide participation from small and medium-sized national projects, totaling 80 projects throughout the emirate compared to 41 in the previous edition, representing a growth of 95%. There was also an increase in volunteer participation, surpassing all previous editions, reinforcing the community's interest in and success of the event.
The closing ceremony of the festival, organized by the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority under the generous patronage of Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, took place at the "Al-Hamriya Central Market," featuring a 3D light show titled "Where the Past Meets the Future," projected onto the three facades of the market, showcasing authentic elements of Emirati identity, heritage, and modern technology, illuminating the past while connecting it to the present.
Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, stated, "Over 12 days, the festival achieved significant successes that reinforced Sharjah's image and its status in the awareness of residents, visitors, and tourists alike, enhancing its role as a vibrant global city characterized by its rich artistic and cultural fabric, fulfilling Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi's vision for the emirate to be more than just a place to live but a world-class tourist destination."
He added, "The festival's successes were evident in the large numbers of attendees and visitors from within and outside the emirate who enjoyed a breathtaking visual-light experience that enveloped Sharjah, as well as in the level of collaboration and partnerships among the emirate's institutions and authorities, which confirms the alignment on the vision and purpose of the events and activities hosted by the emirate, highlighting Sharjah's position on the global tourism map as one of the most important and diverse destinations."
At the end of the event, the Authority honored the partners of success for the 13th edition of the Sharjah Light Festival, including "Sharjah Islamic Bank and Beeah Group as strategic sponsors," along with the Sharjah Municipality, Sharjah Police General Command, Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority, Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority, Sharjah Airport Authority, Sharjah University City, Sharjah Heritage Institute, Sharjah Volunteer Center, the Civil Aviation Authority, and the Sharjah Civil Defence Authority, as well as media sponsors, teams, volunteers, and a number of distinguished national project owners that participated during the festival days.
