The Lights Village is the perfect place to meet, explore, and celebrate light, community, and creativity. Visitors can enjoy an interactive experience through activities, workshops, and exciting adventures during the weekend, while children have a dedicated play area filled with fun and entertainment amidst a vibrant outdoor atmosphere. The festival attracted a large number of visitors from within and outside the country, who engaged with shows that illuminated 13 locations across the emirate. These shows combined the beauty of architecture, the richness of cultural identity, and the latest interactive digital technologies. The festival is not just about the artistic dimension; it also boosts tourism and supports the local economy by involving all stakeholders in its success. The 'Lights Village', which continues its events until the 22nd, provides a space for national projects to meet the public in a lively family atmosphere. In its social dimensions, the Sharjah Lights Festival continues to solidify its role as a community-supporting platform alongside its artistic mission, by contributing to the support of start-ups and small and medium-sized national projects, enabling them to reach the public in a vibrant interactive environment. The closing ceremony honored partners, supporting bodies, and media in appreciation of their efforts and contributions to the success of this edition. Khalid Jassim Al Midfa, Chairman of the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, stated during the closing ceremony: 'The conclusion of the 15th edition of the Sharjah Lights Festival reflects the success of our strategy in establishing Sharjah as a global platform for arts and cultural innovation, embodying the vision and directives of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah.' After exceptional visual experiences that lit up 13 different locations, the Sharjah Lights Festival brought the curtain down on its 15th edition, held under the theme 'Lights that Reflect Our Story' from the 3rd to the 15th. The Sharjah Lights Festival 2026 witnessed wide public and media turnout, with this year's edition successfully attracting visitors from within and outside the UAE. The festival also pays special attention to young national cadres by providing volunteer work opportunities across various event sites and activities, which helps develop their skills and enhance their participation in cultural and tourism events. Driven by its social role, the festival launches initiatives that strengthen community bonds and promote a culture of active participation. This year's edition hosted a community sports initiative titled 'Sharjah Lights Run', with the participation of over 500 people of various ages and nationalities. In addition to its artistic shows, the festival contributes to the local economy and supports entrepreneurs through the 'Lights Village', which features over 75 national projects. The event formed a global artistic and cultural phenomenon, affirming Sharjah's status as a beacon of creativity, brilliance, and artistic diversity. Over 13 days, the event provided an exceptional creative platform where international artists showcased their latest innovations in light shows and digital interactive technologies, highlighting the emirate's cultural identity, its rich heritage, its civilizational renaissance, and the beauty of its landmarks and architectural art. This year's edition was distinguished by a series of exceptional shows that captured public and media attention. Alongside the stunning opening show at Dr. Sultan Al Qasimi's Villa titled 'A Journey Through Time, A Legacy of Belonging', the Sharjah Lights Festival featured a series of remarkable performances, such as 'Glowing Serenity' on the facades of Sharjah Mosque, 'Rock of History' at Al Rifaiya Dam in Khor Fakkan city, 'The Infinite Fort' at Al Dhaid Fort, 'Sanctuary of Dreamers' at the Hanging Gardens in Kalba, 'Craftsmanship Creations in the Peninsula' on the facades of Al Tayyari Mosque in Dibba Al Hisn, 'Light Between Words' at the House of Wisdom, 'Heart of Khor Fakkan' at Khor Fakkan Waterfall, 'Life in Stillness, Movement in Eternity' at Al Hamriya Souq, and 'An Invitation to Fulfill a Wish' at Sharjah Fort. This year's edition was also marked by its synthetic artistic show and a collection of installations and light works, such as 'A Path of Light' at Kalba's waterfront facade, in addition to the 'Threads of Memory' show in the Al Jada area, and 'Pulse of Belonging' at Al Majaz's waterfront facade. The closing ceremony, held at the House of Wisdom, was attended by a number of dignitaries, officials, representatives of government and private sponsoring and supporting bodies, as well as organizing committees, working teams, Authority staff, and volunteers, alongside an elite group of representatives from various media outlets.
