Sharjah landmarks bathed in light

The landmarks of Sharjah lit up in a dazzling display as the Sharjah Light Festival got under way on Thursday night. Spectators gasped in awe as projectors threw a rainbow of light on the façade of Al Qasba to produce a magical experience.

The crowd broke into a loud applause as the different pattern of lights gave the illusion that the building was travelling back in time.

This was in recognition of the accession of His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. The nine-day festival highlights the essence of Sharjah as a tourism hub. The emirate was declared as the Cultural Capital of the Arab world by Unesco in 1998.

International teams of experts and artists led by Nomada, the French event management company, have put together another breathtaking spectacle to celebrate the emirate's architectural monuments and landmarks.

The festival was inaugurated at Al Qasba. After watching the inaugural performance, the Sharjah Ruler went on a cruise along the picturesque Khalid Lagoon to inspect the other venues, including the shows at Al Majaz Waterfront, Al Majaz Mosque, Palm Oasis front and the Courthouse complex.

As the red and blue-lit coloured dhows made its way across Khalid Lagoon, visitors on board were surprised to see small flames scattered across the Central Souq, giving the illusion that the market was set on fire.

The additional locations hosting the festival include Hisn Fort, Cultural Square, Sharjah Consultative Council, Kuwait Square, Golden Mile and Sharjah International Airport.

All attractions are open from 7pm to midnight.