Huge Response To Shows In Khorfakkan And Kalba

Sharjah Light Fest puts East Coast in focus

Sharjah is keen to turn the tourism industry’s focus on the East Coast to boost the local economy and generate greater economic opportunities in the region, said HE Mohamed Ali Al Noman, Chairman of the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority. “With its rugged landscape, beautiful beaches and a long coastline, the East Coast has immense potential to attract a large number of regional and international tourists,” said he.

This came during his visit on Saturday to the cities of Khorfakkan and Kalba on the East Coast which have for the first time become part of the Sharjah Light Festival 2013, being hosted by the Authority for the third year. Al Noman visited the historical Masjid Omar bin Al-Khattab in Khorfakkan and the University of Sharjah Campus in Kalba to inspect the shows and arrangements for the Light Festival shows bringing out the aesthetic beauty of the Islamic architecture. Khorfakkan mayor Saeed Allay Al Naqbi and Kalba mayor Abdallah Al Yammahi and other dignitaries of the East Coast were present on the occasion. Al Noman said that he was encouraged by the huge response to the SLF shows, put together by some of the most accomplished international artists and technical experts, in Khorfakkan and Kalba.

Underscoring the significance of including Khorfakkan and Kalba this year, Al Noman said that the SLF 2013 shows in the two cities bring the focus on the East Coast which is known for its natural beauty, largely untouched environment and great holiday getaways.

Al Noman said the Authority has been trying to highlight the East Coast’s position on the global tourism map by hosting special events and activities such as the Khorfakkan F1 Nations Cup Powerboat Championship. He hoped that the addition of the two new sites to the SLF calendar this year would bring the focus on the two beautiful cities on the East Coast and diversity of the tourism sector in the emirate, attracting more visitors from across the region and beyond.

Since the theme of this year’s Light Festival is sea and marine environment, drawing attention to the East Coast which has had a long and strong seafaring tradition including fishing and diving which are enjoyed even to this day is significant. The visitors to the region can enjoy various marine activities, fishing, diving and water sports throughout the year.

The SLF shows have renewed interest in the East Coast with the residents and foreign visitors looking up the historical Masjid Omar Bin Al-Khattab in Khorfakkan for the aesthetics of the Islamic architecture. The ancient mosque and the University of Sharjah campus in Kalba have been transformed by the medley of lights and colours, totally captivating the visitors.

The response to the SLF shows all across the emirate has been overwhelming. In addition to Khorfakkan and Kalba, the Light Festival is being celebrated at 12 venues across Sharjah -- Al Qasba External and Internal Façades, Sharjah Hisn (Fort), Masjid Al Noor, Cultural Palace Square, Al Majaz Waterfront, Khalid Lagoon, Masjid Al Majaz, Courthouse Complex, Central Souk, Sharjah Consultative Council and Kuwait Square and Sharjah International Airport. All shows are free and held daily from 7pm to 11pm and until 12 midnight during weekends. 

Emirate:  Sharjah

Date: Feb 10, 2013

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