Grammy artists and global voices at Al Noor Island in Sharjah

Bringing together acclaimed artists including Mayssa Karaa, Las Migas, Ars Nova Napoli and Ana Carla Maza, who have performed on some of the world’s most prestigious stages, the festival reinforces Sharjah’s position as a leading global hub for culture, creativity and live performance.

A World-Class Line-Up

Mayssa Karaa, the Lebanese-American singer-songwriter and Artistic Director of Berklee Abu Dhabi, opens the festival. A Grammy-nominated artist, Karaa gained international recognition for her Arabic rendition of “White Rabbit” on the Oscar-nominated film American Hustle. Her Tamil-Indian single “Hayati”, produced by Oscar-winner A. R. Rahman, reached No. 1 on Apple Music India. Fluent in eight languages, she has performed on major stages from Los Angeles to Dubai, bridging cultures through a dynamic fusion of Arabic, world and pop influences.

Sharing the stage is Las Migas, the all-female flamenco fusion quartet from Barcelona and winners of the Latin Grammy Award for Best Flamenco Music Album in 2022 for Libres. Known for redefining flamenco with modern rhythms and fiery female energy, Las Migas have earned standing ovations at international festivals from Madrid to Mexico City and continue to expand the reach of Spanish music worldwide.

The following evening features Ars Nova Napoli, the celebrated Neapolitan nu-folk ensemble that has turned the traditions of southern Italy into a vibrant contemporary sound. From their beginnings as street performers in Naples to concerts at Lincoln Center New York, the group has become a symbol of Mediterranean artistry, blending tarantellas, serenades and folk storytelling into exhilarating live shows.

Closing the festival is Ana Carla Maza, the Cuban cellist, composer and vocalist hailed as one of Latin America’s most promising young jazz talents. Trained in Paris and raised in Havana’s Guanabacoa district, Maza has appeared at Jazz à Vienne, EFG London Jazz Festival and Jazzwoche Burghausen. Her acclaimed albums Bahía and Caribe blend Latin jazz, bossa nova and tango with classical virtuosity, creating a performance that is both intimate and electrifying.

Sharjah’s stage for global creativity

Organised by Shurooq, Jazz at The Island 2025 embodies the emirate’s cultural vision: to bring global talent to Sharjah and to build meaningful connections between art, nature and community. The festival highlights Shurooq’s mission to develop sustainable, world-class destinations that inspire creativity and dialogue.

“Al Noor Island represents the harmony of beauty, culture and innovation that defines Sharjah,” said Khuloud Al Junaibi, Director of Corporate Events at Shurooq. “By hosting internationally acclaimed, award-winning artists in this unique setting, we are creating an experience that unites people through art and positions Sharjah as a global capital for cultural excellence.”

Sharjah’s Award-Winning Jewel

Situated in the heart of Sharjah’s Khalid Lagoon, Al Noor Island is one of the emirate’s most celebrated attractions, blending art, architecture and nature. Developed by Shurooq, it features the iconic Butterfly House, immersive light installations and sculptural gardens that host cultural, artistic and musical events year-round.

Over the years, Al Noor Island has received eight international awards for its design and artistic innovation, including the title of Best Leisure Architecture Destination in Africa and the Arab World at the International Property Awards (2016) and the “Best of the Best” Tripadvisor Award (2025) for the third consecutive year, ranking it among the top 1 percent of global destinations.