Tanweer Festival: A Celebration of Love, Light, and Unity in the Mleiha Desert
From November 22 to 24, 2024, the historic Mleiha Desert in Sharjah served as the backdrop for the debut Tanweer Festival, a vibrant cultural and artistic celebration of unity, love, and light. Conceptualized under the visionary leadership of Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, this transformative event blended music, art, poetry, and heritage to foster cultural exchange, spiritual growth, and environmental sustainability.
A Festival Rooted in Heritage and Sustainability
Held in the prehistoric and culturally significant Mleiha Desert, the Tanweer Festival highlighted Sharjah’s role as the UAE’s cultural capital, celebrating creativity and global wisdom. Inspired by the theme “Timeless Echoes of Love and Light” and the teachings of Jalal al-Din Al Rumi, the festival promoted deeper connections through shared artistic and spiritual experiences.
The event also set a benchmark for sustainability, showcasing how large-scale cultural gatherings can remain eco-conscious while preserving the natural beauty and historical significance of the Mleiha Desert. A comprehensive sustainability plan ensured the festival respected the pristine desert landscape.
Unforgettable Performances
The Tanweer Festival offered an extraordinary lineup of world-class performances, immersing attendees in diverse cultural traditions and musical excellence:
- Sami Yusuf headlined the opening night with spiritually uplifting performances, including “Madad” and “En al-Andalus.” His soul-stirring music resonated beautifully against the majestic desert backdrop.
- Sufi Dance Performances by the Whirling Dervishes of Damascus brought Rumi’s philosophy to life, mesmerizing audiences with their graceful and symbolic movements.
- Heritage Bands like Al Malad, Al Wailyyah, and Al Liwah celebrated the region’s rich traditions through vibrant, traditional performances.
- “Journeys of Light” Ensemble: The second day featured a breathtaking collaboration led by Kamal Musallam, joined by international icons Lisa Gerrard, Rasha Rizk, and Loir Cotler. This ensemble blended diverse musical styles into a symphony of transcendence, accompanied by the Elite Chamber Orchestra.
- Senny Camara fused West African traditions with contemporary pop, while the Constantinople & Ghalia Benali Ensemble explored Rumi’s poetry through music steeped in philosophy and self-reflection.
- Qawwali Orchestral Performances by Rushil Ranjan, Abi Sampa, and Aakash Odedra merged Indian classical dance with Sufi poetry, creating an unforgettable cultural fusion.
The festival’s final day featured:
- Dhafer Youssef, a master oud player and vocalist, blending jazz and world music.
- Baraka Blue & Shadi’s Band, delivering eclectic sounds and vibrant energy at the Tree of Life Stage.
- Hassan Hakmoun, showcasing the rich traditions of Moroccan Gnawa music.
- Performances by Fadi Rifaai, Zahi & Sandu, and local heritage bands, blending traditional rhythms with modern styles.
A Holistic Cultural Experience
Beyond the captivating performances, the Tanweer Festival offered a variety of experiences that celebrated art, history, and adventure:
- Art Installations and Light Calligraphy: A collaboration between Ziyad Sahhab and Julien Breton brought live light calligraphy performances, enhancing Rumi’s verses with stunning visuals.
- Indigenous Marketplace: Local artisans showcased their craftsmanship, offering visitors a chance to connect with regional traditions.
- Culinary Delights: Attendees enjoyed diverse regional flavors, adding a gastronomic dimension to the cultural experience.
- Immersive Activities: From moon-gazing and guided tours of Mleiha’s archaeological sites to horse riding and paragliding, the festival connected attendees with the desert’s majestic landscapes.
A Legacy of Unity and Reflection
The Tanweer Festival marked a significant step in Sharjah’s vibrant cultural landscape, continuing its legacy as a hub for artistic and spiritual enrichment. Sami Yusuf called it “a beacon of light in a world that so desperately needs it,” reflecting the festival’s mission to inspire unity and reflection.
This inaugural event was a resounding success, setting the stage for what promises to be a cherished annual tradition, drawing global audiences to the heart of Sharjah for a celebration of love, light, and culture.
