Sharjah Light Fest Signs Off In Style With A Spectacular Ceremony

Noman: Festival Celebrated Emirate’s Cultural Legacy And Attracted Hundreds Of Thousands Of Visitors

After nine nights of cerebral celebrations and countless experiences, Sharjah finally bid farewell to the third edition of the Light Festival on a grand note at a glittering ceremony and spectacular performance Friday night at the Central Souk overlooking the shimmering waters of Khalid Lagoon.

Addressing the select gathering of dignitaries, festival partners, support sponsors and members of media, HE Mohamed Ali Al Noman, Chairman of the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority said that the Sharjah Light Festival is a celebration of the emirate’s journey of excellence and achievements of its people.

“We celebrate our cultural heritage and legacy and shed light on our rich civilization, history and monuments to enhance the emirate’s tourism profile,” Al Noman said.

Talking of the spectacular success the Sharjah Light Festival has witnessed since it debuted three years back, the SCTDA Chairman said that the festival has whetted international interest in the emirate and all that it has to offer by way of its history, culture and identity. “The Festival attracted hundreds of thousands of visitors who came to watch the symphony of lights, images and colours combining creativity and beauty. The light of that experience will forever illuminate our imagination,” he said.

By hosting world-class events and festivals like the Light Festival, Al Noman emphasised, the SCTDA’s objective is to promote and project Sharjah as a unique global tourism destination, as envisioned by His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed AlQasimi, Member of Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah.

“As the curtain comes down on Sharjah Light Festival 2013, we hope we have succeeded in our efforts to reflect Sharjah’s cultural and heritage approach and showcase its best image as a centre of knowledge, education and culture through this year’s festival,” said the Chairman.

Al Noman thanked His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah for his constant support and patronage of the Light Festival. He also thanked and feted the festival partner, Nomada, and support sponsors, volunteers and members of media for their role in the success of the event.

On the sidelines of the ceremony, HE Mohamed Ali Al Noman, Chairman of SCTDA accompanied by HE Khamis Bin Salem Al Swaidi, Chairman of Districts and Villagers Affaires Department, and number of dignitaries opened a photo gallery than included more than 20 pictures from the Sharjah Light festival 2013 different locations around the emirate.

The Sharjah Light Festival 2013, the first of its kind in the region, attracted unprecedented response at all 14 locations spread across the emirate, including Khorfakkan and Kalba on the East Coast. This year’s festival celebrated the theme of the legendary Emirati and Arab passion for the sea and seafaring traditions and environment, including the wonderful marine life and creatures.

Not surprisingly, the festival struck a chord with the residents and international visitors and has been described by many as the “best and brightest Light Festival so far.”The festival sponsors and partners included Sharjah Police, Sharjah Municipality, Sharjah Civil Defence, Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority, Sharjah Transport, Zulal Water, Sharjah Contact Centre, Sharjah Media Center, Sharjah Media Corporation, Al Khaleej and Mega Mall.

Emirate:  Sharjah

Date: Feb 16, 2013

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