SHARJAH (ALETIHAD)

The second edition of Tanweer Festival is set to launch from November 21-23 this year to light up the desert of Sharjah. Following the success of its debut edition, the one-of-a-kind festival returns to the majestic dunes of Mleiha, bringing with it a renewed call for enlightenment through music, art, and shared human experience. 

Set in the breathtaking natural beauty of Sharjah’s Mleiha region, this celebration of global unity is designed to ignite connection, understanding, and inner discovery through an unforgettable cultural journey under the stars.

At the heart of Tanweer Festival is the visionary leadership of Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, whose passion for cultural dialogue and sustainability inspired the festival’s creation. Driven by a belief in the transformative power of music, nature, and shared experiences, Sheikha Bodour envisioned Tanweer as a platform that transcends borders, connects communities, and nurtures a deeper understanding of our shared humanity. 

  • Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President and Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of American University of Sharjah (AUS)

 

Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President and Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of American University of Sharjah (AUS), recently commented, “We are thrilled to bring Tanweer Festival back for its second edition, and this time, it’s even more ambitious, immersive, and meaningful. Last year’s debut was just the beginning of a journey that resonated deeply with so many people, and this year we are building on that foundation with a richer programme, stronger sustainability practices, and an even more powerful message of unity. I truly can’t wait to welcome our growing community back to the Mleiha desert to continue this journey together.”

This year, Tanweer Festival, which translates to the festival of enlightenment, embraces the theme of ‘What you Seek Is Seeking You,’ a famous quote from Rumi, the 13th-century poet and mystic whose work transcends cultures, religions, and generations. Through music and poetry, Rumi encouraged people to explore the depths of our inner selves, reconnect with the natural world, and find unity in diversity, values that lie at the very heart of Tanweer.

What to Expect

The festival grounds are carefully curated to reflect their holistic ethos. The Main Stage will be a multisensory arena with ambient lighting, ancestral music, and mountain-side projections. The Dome acts as the heart of community learning, hosting discussions and workshops, while the Tree of Life serves as a serene space for gathering and reflection. Nourish, the festival’s culinary hub, offers organic, farm-to-table dishes including vegan, vegetarian, and traditional Bedouin-style BBQs. The Marketplace features handpicked artisans offering unique handcrafted items, while immersive art installations transform the desert into an open-air gallery.

Leaving No Trace

Sustainability remains a non-negotiable pillar of Tanweer Festival. It is a single-use plastic event with a dedicated reuse and recycle strategy, green waste composting, and zero-waste food and beverage services. Sustainability education will be woven throughout the festival, setting a new standard for eco-conscious cultural events in the region. With a “leave no trace” approach, Tanweer ensures that its footprint is minimal, proving that large-scale gatherings can be deeply respectful of the land that hosts them.

Returning with a more dynamic and expressive identity, the second edition of Tanweer is a chance for individuals to step into the desert once more, giving them the opportunity to reflect, reconnect, and realign through the universal language of music. This is more than a festival; it is a movement for those who seek deeper meaning, community, and beauty in a world too often divided.