Sharjah Light Festival 2025: History & Best Places to Watch

Sharjah Light Festival is a mesmerizing annual event that is the major highlight in the city that you must watch! This event gives a great insight into the city’s rich heritage and modern innovation that combine to form a stunning light display, immersive projection, and artistic performances across the iconic landmarks. You will find every detail of this amazing festival in this full guide!

History of Sharjah Light Festival

The Sharjah Light Festival was initiated in 2010 by his Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah. It has developed over time and is today one of the biggest light Festival celebrations in the area. This is an annual event where Sharjah’s key buildings such as Al Noor Mosque, University City Hall, Al Kasba, and others are lit by bright light shows, 3D projections, and cultural shows. It has advanced so much that it attracts International artists and experts from various countries to contribute to making such beautiful sight displays during the festival.

This 2024 Sharjah Light Festival was an even more fascinating event that leveled up from last year’s fab. Continuing with the success of previous programs, this year’s festival featured a unique form of projection mapping that was accompanied by dance, drama, and other forms of art that can give a glimpse into the art, culture, and history of Sharjah. Due to shows in different areas, this year’s edition was set to expand its position as one of the most beloved annual events in the UAE.

Best Places to Witness the Light Festival!

There is no one place where this festival takes place. The entire city is lit up for this festival. We at Visit Dhow Cruise Dubai bring the list of the best places where you can witness the Sharjah Light Festival come alive to its fullest!

1. Al Noor Mosque

The famous Al Noor mosque is one true beauty that is even more beautiful during the festival. Its relatively large domes and minarets have beautiful lights that reflect Islamic architecture. The mosque’s background is ideal for the colorful play of lights in the great Islamic design. Hence, it has become one of the most popular places where visitors will get to see most of the magic. It will be advisable for one to take some great pictures of this marvelous spectacle.

• Address- Corniche St, Al Majaz 1
• Dates- February 7 to 18
• Timings- Sunday to Wednesday- 6 PM to 11 PM, Thursday to Saturday- 6 PM to 12 AM

2. Khalid Lagoon Corniche

Khalid Lagoon Corniche is one of the most popular places among locals and tourists and the light festival brings charm to it. During the light shows, the reflection is on the calm lagoon waters. Yet, this is one of the best places to take a casual stroll to admire the festival lights. The environment of cool breeze and lights all around makes it perfect for relaxation and great shots for insta-worthy moments.

• Address- Khalid Lake, Al Majaz, Sharjah
• Dates- February 7 to 18
• Timings- Sunday to Wednesday- 6 PM to 11 PM, Thursday to Saturday- 6 PM to 12 AM

3. Al Rafisah Dam

Al Rafisah Dam is situated in the hills near Khorfakkan and offers a unique festival experience with the natural surroundings is a perfect choice. The dam has a peaceful flow of water surrounded by towering mountains that come alive with bright colorful light projections which make them seem like a dream. It’s a perfect venue for those willing to have a less crowded show yet a spectacular festival.

• Address- Wadi Wshee, Sharjah
• Dates- February 7 to 18
• Timings- Sunday to Wednesday- 6 PM to 11 PM, Thursday to Saturday- 6 PM to 12 AM

4. Sharjah Al Hisn Fort

The historic Sharjah Al Hisn Fort is transformed into a lively narration of the city’s actual past during the festival. The concept of projecting light plays out a story of the history of Sharjah entirely on the façade of the fort using the exposed old stone walls. In presenting Sharjah’s narrative to its visitors, color, light, and tradition take the visitors through the timeline of Sharjah.

• Address- 123 Al Rolla St, Al Ghuwair, Al Gharb, Sharjah
• Dates- February 7 to 18
• Timings- Sunday to Wednesday- 6 PM to 11 PM, Thursday to Saturday- 6 PM to 12 AM

5. Sharjah Mosque

The described building is one of the largest mosques in Sharjah and this large facility is transformed during the festival. Projections here work marvelously to enhance the gigantic domes soaring slender minarets and other features that stand out with painted strokes. What is nice about a visit here is that it can be done for both spiritual and visceral experiences.

• Address- Al Suyoh Suburb, Al Riqaibah, Sharjah
• Dates- February 7 to 18
• Timings- Sunday to Wednesday- 6 PM to 11 PM, Thursday to Saturday- 6 PM to 12 AM

6. Kalba Clock Tower

Located in the beautiful town of Kalba the Kalba Clock Tower turns into an artistic pallet during the light festival. Its plain and elegant construction glows with cheerful and artistic projections making the tower look like a modern sculpture. People end up visiting Kalba for the feeling of relaxation while also getting a sneak peek into the fascinating lights. This beautiful place is ideal for spending time having dinner under the fairytale sky.

• Address- Al Wahda St, Al Ghail 7, Sharjah
• Dates- February 7 to 18
• Timings- Sunday to Wednesday- 6 PM to 11 PM, Thursday to Saturday- 6 PM to 12 AM

7. Al Dhaid Fort

As expected, standing tall as a representation of Sharjah’s agricultural/defensive past, the Al Dhaid Fort transforms into a more colorful representation of history during the festival. While exploring the fort, tourists can watch art performances that represent the traditions of the emirate of Sharjah. It is history and art completely, and the past seems more near and real than it has ever been.

• Address- Hay Al Sharee’ah – Sharjah
• Dates- February 7 to 18
• Timings- Sunday to Wednesday- 6 PM to 11 PM, Thursday to Saturday- 6 PM to 12 AM

8. Al Majaz Waterfront

Being one of the favorite recreational destinations in Sharjah, Al Majaz Waterfront is a vibrant area in the light festival. The illumination of the light has been done in rainbow colors and this beautiful scene can be viewed while eating or, walking along the shores. People come here with their relatives and acquaintances to enjoy the spirit of various holidays, and it is great to spend a bright night out here.

• Address- Khalid Lake Trail, Sharjah
• Dates- February 7 to 18
• Timings- Sunday to Wednesday- 6 PM to 11 PM, Thursday to Saturday- 6 PM to 12 AM

9. Beeah Headquarters

The Beeah Headquarters is already famous for its design and outstanding sustainability features. During the festival, it becomes a beacon of the future. The look of the building is monumental and offset by heavy light projections that accentuate the contemporary structure of the building. Thus, it becomes a perfect place for those who enjoy upgrading minimalist styles with high-tech solutions.

• Address- Al Rowdat Suburb, Rodhat Al Sidir, Sharjah
• Dates- February 7 to 18
• Timings- Sunday to Wednesday- 6 PM to 11 PM, Thursday to Saturday- 6 PM to 12 AM

10. Masjid Sheikh Rashid Bin Ahmed Al Qasimi

This fine mosque in Dibba Al Hisn looks wonderfully vivid during the festival. The lights enhance the Islamic architecture of the mosque making it more conspicuous, especially at night. The quiet environment, as well as the religious theme guarantee that the location offers an opportunity to enjoy the light festival in a tranquil and creative environment.

• Address- Street Number 25, Jazerat Alhisn, Sharjah
• Dates- February 7 to 18
• Timings- Sunday to Wednesday- 6 PM to 11 PM, Thursday to Saturday- 6 PM to 12 AM

Takeaway

The Sharjah Light Festival is a great celebration that turns the city into a glowing masterpiece which is a great sight for all the people. Whether you are a resident or just a tourist, the festivity atmosphere will warm your heart. It is a perfect mode of exploring Sharjah in a new, exciting, and enchanting way!