Light Village opens on Thursday with light installations

The festival will illuminate the emirate’s skyline with artistic light displays, transforming its landmarks into living canvases where light harmonises with architectural details. The festival will continue until 15 February 2026.

Artistic works and light installations by international artists

This year, the Light Village presents an interactive programme that, for the first time, will extend into the first few days of the holy month of Ramadan, until 22 February, bringing the total duration to 25 days. It features a range of artistic works and light installations by international artists, a dedicated children’s play area, and a variety of interactive activities and programmes for visitors of all ages.

Creative events and experiences

His Excellency Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of SCTDA, said the Light Village complements the vision of the Sharjah Light Festival through the creative events and experiences it offers, adding an artistic and vibrant dimension to the emirate’s landmarks and reinforcing Sharjah’s position as a dynamic cultural, tourism and artistic destination.

A comprehensive family entertainment destination

He added that the Light Village opens a comprehensive family entertainment destination that meets the aspirations of residents and visitors to Sharjah from within the UAE and abroad. At the same time, it supports youth initiatives and national projects, contributing to stimulating the local economy, strengthening the ecosystem of creativity and innovation, and supporting economic and social activity linked to the tourism and commercial sectors.

More than 75 national projects

This year’s Light Village will witness the participation of a large number of diverse small and medium national projects, offering experiences and options that cater to the interests of both village and festival visitors. The number exceeds 75 national projects, including food and beverage ventures, retail projects and many others. The village provides a welcoming space each year for emerging projects and established brands alike, reinforcing the festival’s role in supporting local entrepreneurs and providing an interactive platform with the public. This underscores the event’s vital contribution to the emirate’s long-term economic and social movement.

Light experiences exhibition by Japanese Artist Yasuhiro Chida

Experiences within the village are diverse, including the Light Experiences Exhibition by Japanese artist Yasuhiro Chida, who presents a collection of distinctive light artworks offering interactive visual experiences that blend light, art and technology. These works reflect concepts of creativity, community engagement and sustainability within an immersive sensory experience designed for all audience groups. Tickets for this exhibition are available at the event site. In addition, other artistic works and light installations by international artists are displayed throughout the village, enriching the visual and artistic experience for visitors.

Opening ceremony of Sharjah Light Festival 2026

The official opening of Sharjah Light Festival 2026 will take place on 3 February, marking the launch of light shows and interactive experiences across the emirate. This year, Sharjah will host light displays and experiences at 13 different locations across the emirate, including: Dr Sultan Al Qasimi Centre, Al Majaz Waterfront, Aljada, Sharjah Mosque, Kalba Waterfront, Khorfakkan Waterfall, Al Dhaid Fort, the Hanging Gardens in Kalba, Al Tayari Mosque, Al Hamriyah Souq, Al Rafisah Dam, House of Wisdom, and Sharjah Fort.

A global cultural and tourism landmark

The festival, which has become a prominent fixture on Sharjah’s cultural and entertainment calendar, aims to enhance the emirate’s status as a leading global destination for art, culture and tourism by delivering engaging shows that blend art, technology and culture, offering an immersive experience enjoyed by families and visitors of all backgrounds.

Light shows tell a 200,000-Year story

The light shows and interactive experiences tell a story that began more than 200,000 years ago, etched into the rocks of Mleiha, Jebel Faya and many other archaeological sites where early humans once settled. This story speaks of a community belonging to the Emirate of Sharjah — a place that has always welcomed those seeking meaning, connection and identity. Through light, the festival reflects this sense of belonging across time, nature and diverse communities.