This November, Tanweer Festival will debut in Sharjah’s Mleiha desert.
The music, art and poetry festival will invite visitors to gain a greater understanding of the arts through interactive experiences and live performances. Guests are invited to stay in the majestic desert and fully immerse themselves in the experience. Tanweer Festival was brought to life under the leadership of Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, who hopes to bring together people from all walks of life and create a wholesome, enriching, and celebratory environment. Here we find out more about what to expect from the festival and why it will help to further solidify Sharjah’s place as a cultural capital.
Congratulations on the upcoming Tanweer Festival – what is the vision and purpose of this festival?
The vision of Tanweer Festival is to create a transformative space where art, music, and poetry transcend boundaries and foster a deeper sense of connection and understanding between cultures. We see the festival as a beacon of creativity that encourages people from all walks of life to come together, share their stories, and celebrate our common humanity. Through this celebration, we aim to promote acceptance, respect, and peace in an increasingly fragmented world.
With the theme ‘Your Journey Begins Here,’ Tanweer Festival offers an immersive experience that goes beyond entertainment. It’s an opportunity for personal reflection and cultural exchange, where creative expression serves as a bridge between different identities and backgrounds. Our purpose is simple: to light the way toward a brighter, more harmonious future, using the universal languages of art and music to inspire deeper connections between people and cultures
What can visitors expect to find when they visit?
Visitors to Tanweer Festival can expect a truly immersive experience that ignites all the senses within the stunning natural backdrop of the Mleiha desert. The festival will feature an exciting lineup of performances, workshops, art installations, and activities that showcase a diverse range of artistic expressions. From captivating traditional music and dance, deeply rooted in heritage, to thought-provoking visual art and poetry, every element has been carefully curated to inspire and connect.
Guests will have the chance to participate in hands-on workshops, interact with artists, and explore interactive art installations. Our indigenous marketplace will offer unique crafts and local creations, providing a platform for artisans to showcase their work. To complete the experience, visitors can enjoy nourishing culinary delights that bring together diverse flavours from around the world.
Each moment at Tanweer Festival is designed to educate, inspire, and nurture a sense of community and connection, offering visitors a unique opportunity to engage with art, culture, and each other in meaningful ways.
How did the idea for this festival come to life?
It feels as though Mleiha itself has called for this festival. With its ancient history, this land has been a meeting place for countless generations, and it now longs to gather people once again—this time through the universal languages of art, music, and poetry. There is a timeless energy here, and Tanweer Festival was born from the desire to honour that spirit and continue Mleiha’s legacy of connection and exchange.
I am the daughter of the ancestors who inhabited this mystical land, and within my DNA lies a deep love and passion for art, culture, and books, along with a desire to bring people together. I believe these elements can unite us, especially at a time when we need each other the most.
While my passion for the arts played a role in shaping this vision, it’s the essence of Mleiha and its deep-rooted history that truly inspired the festival. This is not just about gathering people today—it is about tapping into the centuries-old tradition of storytelling and connection that has always thrived here. The support of the community, artists, and cultural institutions has brought this vision to life, turning Tanweer Festival into a platform where the past and present converge in a harmonious celebration of creativity and shared humanity.”
How do you believe music can connect different cultures and bring people together?
When music speaks, everyone understands. It is a universal language that transcends borders, cultures, and generations, carrying with it the power to evoke emotions and tell stories that resonate deeply within all of us. Music taps into the shared human experience—whether it’s love, struggle, or triumph—and through these emotions, it has the unique ability to connect people from vastly different backgrounds.
Traditional music, in particular, acts as a bridge between the past and present, preserving cultural heritage while uniting listeners through shared stories and values. The melodies, lyrics, and instruments carry lessons and wisdom across generations, reminding us of the common threads that bind humanity.
When we listen to music that stirs something within us, we are reminded of the universality of the human experience. It inspires empathy and understanding, allowing us to connect with one another on a deeper level. This is why music is such an essential part of Tanweer Festival—it brings people together, breaks down barriers, and fosters a sense of unity and belonging, no matter where we come from.
What were you looking for when selecting artists to be part of the event?
When selecting artists for the festival, we sought individuals who embody not only exceptional talent but also a deep commitment to cultural exchange and collaboration. It was essential to include a wide array of cultural backgrounds, and we aimed to showcase artists from different regions and traditions, ensuring that the festival represents a spectrum of musical styles and artistic expressions. We are not just celebrating music; but rather igniting a powerful movement of cultural connection and understanding that resonates across borders and beliefs.
Through a global gathering of extraordinary artists, we are proud to welcome the likes of Sami Yusuf, whose melodies inspire hope and unity, the enchanting Dhafer Youssef, who blends traditional sounds with contemporary innovation, the mesmerising performances of Hassan Hakmoun, whose Gnawa music transcends time. With each performance, from the rhythmic whirling of the Sema dancers, the evocative poetry of Nujoom Al-Ghanem, and the hypnotic rhythms of the Anas Handpan Orchestra, Tanweer Festival serves as a profound reminder that through the unifying ability of creative expression, we can echo a message of togetherness and human harmony.
How will the event showcase some of Sharjah’s beautiful sites?
We are honoured to have the festival set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Mehlia Desert, a landscape steeped in history and cultural significance. This majestic location has long been a crossroads of civilisations, where ancient trade routes once flourished, allowing diverse cultures to converge and exchange ideas. As visitors gather in this enchanting setting, they will not only experience the beauty of the natural world but also connect with the rich heritage of Sharjah, one that the Mehlia Desert embodies. The festival will showcase this historic relevance through performances that echo the traditions of the past while embracing contemporary expressions, echoing inspiration from the desert’s timeless spirit, and creating an atmosphere that honours both the land and its stories.
Accommodation options at the festival include add-on experiences such as a “bring your own tent” pass for those who prefer more traditional camping, a “rent-a-tent” pass with options for 2-person, 4-person, and 6-person setups for added convenience, and luxurious Glamping options for a more comfortable stay. Additionally, there are numerous hotels, retreats, and resorts in close proximity, providing a variety of lodging choices to suit every preference and budget.
We will also be facilitating a number of unforgettable add-on activities in the area, including horse riding, access to the Mleiha Archaeological Centre, and guided tours of the archaeological sites and the renowned Valley of the Caves, as well as paragliding for the more adventurous, providing an unforgettable perspective of the expansive landscape. Additionally, moongazing will offer a unique and tranquil experience, allowing visitors to marvel at the beauty of the night sky in peaceful surroundings.
The festival is reinforcing Sharjah’s position as the cultural capital of the UAE – how do you see Sharjah has progressed in this sector in recent years?
Sharjah has always been a beacon of culture, where history, tradition, and innovation coexist harmoniously. Over the years, it has solidified its place as the cultural capital of the UAE, becoming a hub where artistic expression and heritage thrive side by side. What sets Sharjah apart is its unwavering commitment to nurturing creativity while preserving its rich heritage, creating a space where both past and present are celebrated.
In recent years, Sharjah has made great strides in this sector, attracting global recognition for its cultural initiatives, from art exhibitions and book fairs to heritage festivals. The Tanweer Festival is a continuation of this journey, adding another chapter to Sharjah’s cultural story. By blending ancient wisdom, traditions, and contemporary artistic interpretations, Tanweer aims to inspire future generations through the transformative power of art and cultural exchange.
Tell us a little about the sustainability angle of the event.
At Tanweer Festival, sustainability is not just an initiative but a core principle that we believe is as essential as our dedication to artistic expression. We are deeply committed to creating an event that reflects both cultural vibrancy and environmental consciousness. Through our eco-friendly practices, we aim to reduce our ecological footprint and inspire others to follow suit.
We have carefully curated every aspect of the festival with sustainability in mind. From requiring all vendors to use eco-friendly materials and packaging, ensuring that everything from food containers to merchandise bags contributes to environmental preservation, to setting up recycling and waste separation bins throughout the venue, we are dedicated to minimising waste. These efforts enable attendees to dispose of refuse responsibly, while our waste management partners ensure that materials are recycled and composted offsite.
In addition to supporting local artisans and vendors who prioritise sustainable practices, our workshops aim to ignite creativity while educating participants on the importance of living in harmony with nature. Through these efforts, we strive to show that sustainability and art are intertwined, encouraging festival-goers to reflect on their own role in protecting the environment.
Metaphorically, we believe that we are all a piece of the larger puzzle that connects humanity and the planet. By working together, we can form a complete picture—one where culture and nature coexist in balance. Tanweer Festival is an invitation to experience this harmony, knowing that while enjoying the festival’s magic, you are also contributing to a more sustainable future for everyone.
What more would you like to see happen to increase Sharjah’s footprint in the arts and culture industry?
Sharjah is globally recognised as a cultural hub connecting East and West, where diverse traditions and ideas come together. We are already making significant strides in the arts and culture sector, and I believe that by continuing to foster collaboration between local and international artists and relevant stakeholders, we can further solidify this position on the world stage.
Events like the Tanweer Festival play a crucial role in this effort. By bringing together diverse voices from across the globe, these cultural gatherings not only celebrate creativity but also create a platform for meaningful exchange and dialogue. Through these initiatives, we can continue to nurture the rich ecosystem of arts and culture that Sharjah has built, ensuring that it remains a beacon of creativity and collaboration.
What’s a message you would send to our readers on why they should visit the festival.
If you want to feel the desert breeze on your skin, gaze at the stars under the clear skies of Mleiha, and stand in the presence of a mystical land where human beings have walked for thousands of years while being enchanted by the mesmerising music of Tanweer’s artists, then Tanweer Festival is where you need to be. Set against the awe-inspiring backdrop of the Mleiha desert, the festival offers an immersive experience that awakens all your senses and transports you to a place where art, music, and poetry transcend boundaries.
Inspired by the timeless wisdom of Jalal Al Din Al Rumi and captured in the theme ‘Timeless Echoes of Love and Light,’ Tanweer Festival invites you on a journey of discovery. From soul-stirring musical performances and thought-provoking art installations to hands-on workshops, every moment is designed to ignite your imagination and foster connections across cultures.
Join us at Tanweer Festival for an unforgettable three days of creativity and reflection. Let the ancient spirit of Mleiha and the power of artistic expression inspire and unite us, reminding us of our shared humanity beneath the stars!
The inaugural Tanweer Festival is set to debut in the Mleiha desert, Sharjah, from 22nd to 24th November 2024.
