What To Know
- Sharjah is set to glow once again as the Sharjah Light Festival 2026 returns this February, transforming the emirate into a breathtaking open-air gallery of light, colour and storytelling.
- Whether you’re a photography lover, culture enthusiast, or simply looking for a memorable winter outing, Sharjah Light Festival is one of the UAE’s must-see seasonal events.
- With its blend of art, heritage and cutting-edge light design, the festival offers countless Instagram-worthy moments — and a unique way to experience Sharjah after dark.
Sharjah is set to glow once again as the Sharjah Light Festival 2026 returns this February, transforming the emirate into a breathtaking open-air gallery of light, colour and storytelling.
If you’ve ever spotted jaw-dropping photos of Sharjah’s landmarks glowing in vibrant hues on social media, this is the real deal — not AI, not filters, but one of the UAE’s most visually stunning winter festivals.
When Is Sharjah Light Festival 2026?
The festival will run for a limited time from February 3 to February 15, 2026, marking its 15th edition this year.
The 2026 theme, “Reflections of Belonging,” celebrates Sharjah’s cultural identity, heritage, and sense of community through immersive light projections and artistic storytelling.
Image: .visitsharjah/Website
What Is Sharjah Light Festival?
Sharjah Light Festival is an annual cultural celebration where iconic landmarks across the emirate are illuminated with large-scale light projections created by internationally renowned artists.
During the festival, historic buildings, mosques, waterfronts and cultural venues are transformed into living canvases using:
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Artistic light projections
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Dynamic colours and visuals
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Music-synchronised displays
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Story-driven digital art
The result is a magical nighttime experience that blends art, architecture and heritage.
How Many Locations Are There?
This year, the festival will feature 13 different locations across Sharjah, making planning ahead essential if you want to see everything.
While the official list of landmarks has not yet been announced, previous editions included some of Sharjah’s most recognisable sites, such as:
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Al Noor Mosque
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Sharjah Mosque
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Al Majaz Waterfront
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Sharjah Fort
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University City Hall
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General Souq – Al Hamriyah
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Kalba Clock Tower
More locations are expected to be revealed closer to the festival dates.
What Is the Light Village?
One of the festival’s biggest highlights is the Light Village, the energetic heart of Sharjah Light Festival.
Light Village offers:
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Street food and dining options
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Shopping stalls and local vendors
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Interactive art installations
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Family-friendly entertainment
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A lively outdoor festival atmosphere
Light Village will open before the main festival, running from January 29 to February 22, 2026, giving visitors extra time to enjoy the experience.
Why You Shouldn’t Miss It
Whether you’re a photography lover, culture enthusiast, or simply looking for a memorable winter outing, Sharjah Light Festival is one of the UAE’s must-see seasonal events.
With its blend of art, heritage and cutting-edge light design, the festival offers countless Instagram-worthy moments — and a unique way to experience Sharjah after dark.
Cover Image: platinumlist/Website
