The Tanweer Festival 2025 is returning to Sharjah's Mleiha Desert on November 21-23, bringing together art, culture, music, and sustainability for its second edition. Founded under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi — daughter of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah — the festival was conceived as a space for co-learning, contemplation, and transformation rather than mere celebration.
This year's theme, "What You Seek Is Seeking You", is drawn from the poetry of the 13th-century Sufi poet Rumi, perfectly capturing the festival's intention to foster inner peace and a sense of community belonging.
AR Rahman and a World-Class Lineup
Two-time Academy Award and Grammy Award-winning composer AR Rahman will headline the opening night on November 21. Joining him are Grammy-nominated sitarist Anoushka Shankar and Tunisian-American artist Emel Mathlouthi, alongside a host of international musicians, visual artists, and performers across three stages.
Festival Zones
Tanweer 2025 is designed around five distinct zones, each offering a different dimension of the experience:
- Main Stage: Live performances with ancestral tunes, light shows, and desert projections under the open sky. - The Dome: A space for knowledge exchange — talks, creative workshops, and mindfulness sessions. - The Tree of Life: A quiet sanctuary for meditation and personal reflection. - Nourish: An organic food court featuring farm-to-table dishes, vegan and vegetarian options, and traditional Bedouin BBQ. - Marketplace: A curated selection of handmade products by regional artisans.
Sustainability at the Core
Tanweer operates as a zero single-use plastic event. Recycling and composting systems run throughout the site, and all food vendors follow zero-waste practices — making it one of the most environmentally conscious festivals in the UAE.
Tickets and How to Attend
General admission passes for the Tanweer Festival 2025 start from Dhs 400. A range of pass types is available, including one-day, three-day, and group passes, with premium options offering reserved seating, lounge access, and stargazing add-ons.
The Mleiha Desert in Sharjah is approximately a 45-minute drive from Dubai, making it accessible for visitors across the UAE.
