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Tanweer Festival 2025 in Mleiha, Sharjah: Where Art, Music & A.R. Rahman Light Up the Desert
After a remarkable debut last year, the Tanweer Festival returns to Mleiha from 21 to 23 November 2025, transforming Sharjah’s ancient desert into a one-of-a-kind cultural landscape. Built under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi, Tanweer Festival has become a cultural phenomenon in the UAE — a festival rooted in mindfulness, sustainability, and human connection. This year’s theme, “What You Seek Is Seeking You,” invites visitors to explore the deeper meaning of presence, unity, and inner reflection.
And yes — this edition features a moment many have been waiting for: A.R. Rahman live in the desert.
A Festival That Reimagines the Desert
Tanweer Festival is unlike any other cultural event in the region. Instead of building a venue on the desert, turning the desert itself into a living, breathing canvas. Visitors walk through the soft sands surrounded by large-scale art installations designed specifically for Mleiha by an impressive roster of artists including:
- Serge Beaulieu
- Yelena Filipchuk
- Milla Novo
- Juma Alhaj
- Amna Bin Bishr
- Duna Ajlan
- Dania Ajlan
- Rawdha Al Ketbi
- Shabir Mir
- Pranoti Karajgi
- Ranim Orouk
- Talin Hazbar
Each sculpture or light structure interacts with the land, creating an immersive open-air gallery that changes with the sun, moon, and shadows of the dunes.
The Soundtrack of the Desert: A.R. Rahman Headlines
This year’s musical lineup is nothing short of stellar. The legendary A.R. Rahman — Oscar-winning composer, global icon, and creator of some of the world’s most beloved soundtracks — will headline Tanweer Festival 2025. Imagine this: Rahman’s transcendent melodies rising into the night sky, echoing across Mleiha’s prehistoric mountains, illuminated by ambient light installations. It is a performance crafted not just as a concert — but as an experience.
Other world-class artists performing at the festival include:
- Anoushka Shankar
- Emel Mathlouthi
- Sohrab Pournazeri & Sahar Boroujerdi
- Aya Khalaf
- Leo Rojas
- Nass El Ghiwane
- Mei-Lan Maurits
- Ali Pervez and many more.
Spaces That Inspire: What You’ll Find at Tanweer
The Main Stage A multisensory experience with mountain-side projections, soundscapes, and a dramatic desert backdrop.
The Dome The heart of learning and community, hosting talks, creative workshops, and guided sessions. The Tree of Life A symbolic gathering point offering tranquility, reflection, and a sense of unity.
The Marketplace — The Art of Gathering A beautifully curated space featuring handcrafted products, regional art pieces, sustainable goods, and books.
Nourish — The Culinary Experience A celebration of sustainable dining, offering organic farm-to-table dishes, vegan and vegetarian menus, and traditional Bedouin-style BBQ.
Heritage Performances & Workshops Daily showcases and hands-on sessions celebrating Emirati traditions, music, craft, and storytelling.
A Festival Rooted in Sustainability
Tanweer stands firmly on its eco-conscious mission. This is a zero-plastic, zero-waste, and leave-no-trace event. Efforts include:
- reusable systems across F&B
- composting of green waste
- sustainable retail
- environmentally mindful installations
The result? A festival that respects the land it celebrates.
Ticket Prices + AL-HUB Exclusive Discount Here’s a clear breakdown of ticket options for 2025:
General Admission
- AED 400 — Headliner Main Stage Only (A.R. Rahman & main acts) Discount code NOT applicable.
- AED 700 — Day Pass (1 Day)
- AED 1,650 — Full Festival Pass (3 Days)
- AED 1,050 — 1-Day Premium Pass Lounge access, premium seating, reserved parking, stargazing & archaeological centre access.
- AED 2,500 — 3-Day Premium Pass
- AED 2,100 — Together Pass (2 People, 3 Days)
- AED 3,500 — Premium Together Pass (2 People, 3 Days)
- AED 5,100 — Group Pass (5 People, 3 Days)
- AED 8,000 — Premium Group Pass (5 People, 3 Days)
Exclusive for AL-HUB Family: 15% OFF Use code ALHUB15 at checkout to enjoy 15% OFF on your festival tickets. Not valid for the Main Stage performance-only pass
Why Tanweer Festival 2025 Is Unmissable
- A.R. Rahman performing in a desert amphitheatre
- A once-a-year gathering of global artists, thinkers, creators and seekers
- An immersive landscape of art, music, mindfulness and culture
- A festival that celebrates nature without harming it
- Workshops, dining, stargazing, heritage craft, and more
- A rare opportunity to disconnect from the world — to reconnect with yourself
Book your Experience now [www.tanweerfestival.com]
