SHARJAH // The second annual Sharjah Light Festival began in spectacular style at Al Qasba last night.
The festival was inaugurated by the Ruler of Sharjah, Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qassimi, and will run for nine consecutive nights.
"The Sharjah Light Festival, now in its second year, has already come to be recognised as one of the most important events in the region," said Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qassimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority.
"The festival reaffirms Sharjah's position as one of the top world cities identified with festival tourism, and it plays a crucial role in attracting tourists."
Several new locations, such as the recently opened upscale Al Majaz Waterfront overlooking the Khalid Lagoon, Golden Mile, Sharjah International Airport and the majestic Courthouse complex next to the Creek, have been added to the itinerary, promising even greater fun for spectators and visitors.
International teams of experts and artists led by Nomada, the renowned French event management company, are participating this year.
Other artists include Skertzo, the French masters of illusion (performing at Al Qasba), TILT (Al Majaz Waterfront and Cultural Square etc), Patrice Warrener (Al Majaz mosque), Carabosse (Central Souq), Laurent Langlois (Courthouse), Limelight (Al Hisn), Mounir Harbaouiis (Kuwait roundabout and Consultative Council) and many others.
Last year's Light Festival - the first of its kind in the Middle East - attracted more than 90,000 visitors and organisers are expecting a greater response this time around.
"New locations and landmarks have been added this year and new programmes using 3D technology are being used to create a real-life experience," said Sheikh Sultan.
"The whole experience of using lights and colours, coupled with the ancient art of story telling, to present Sharjah's popular landmarks and buildings in a new light will be magical."
All shows held during the Sharjah Light Festival - which will take place between 7pm and midnight - are free to the public.
ykakande@thenational.ae
Key figures in the life of the fort
Sheikh Dhiyab bin Isa (ruled 1761-1793) Built Qasr Al Hosn as a watchtower to guard over the only freshwater well on Abu Dhabi island.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Dhiyab (ruled 1793-1816) Expanded the tower into a small fort and transferred his ruling place of residence from Liwa Oasis to the fort on the island.
Sheikh Tahnoon bin Shakhbut (ruled 1818-1833) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further as Abu Dhabi grew from a small village of palm huts to a town of more than 5,000 inhabitants.
Sheikh Khalifa bin Shakhbut (ruled 1833-1845) Repaired and fortified the fort.
Sheikh Saeed bin Tahnoon (ruled 1845-1855) Turned Qasr Al Hosn into a strong two-storied structure.
Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa (ruled 1855-1909) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further to reflect the emirate's increasing prominence.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Sultan (ruled 1928-1966) Renovated and enlarged Qasr Al Hosn, adding a decorative arch and two new villas.
Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan (ruled 1966-2004) Moved the royal residence to Al Manhal palace and kept his diwan at Qasr Al Hosn.
Sources: Jayanti Maitra, www.adach.ae
Skewed figures
In the village of Mevagissey in southwest England the housing stock has doubled in the last century while the number of residents is half the historic high. The village's Neighbourhood Development Plan states that 26% of homes are holiday retreats. Prices are high, averaging around £300,000, £50,000 more than the Cornish average of £250,000. The local average wage is £15,458.
How to join and use Abu Dhabi’s public libraries
• There are six libraries in Abu Dhabi emirate run by the Department of Culture and Tourism, including one in Al Ain and Al Dhafra.
• Libraries are free to visit and visitors can consult books, use online resources and study there. Most are open from 8am to 8pm on weekdays, closed on Fridays and have variable hours on Saturdays, except for Qasr Al Watan which is open from 10am to 8pm every day.
• In order to borrow books, visitors must join the service by providing a passport photograph, Emirates ID and a refundable deposit of Dh400. Members can borrow five books for three weeks, all of which are renewable up to two times online.
• If users do not wish to pay the fee, they can still use the library’s electronic resources for free by simply registering on the website. Once registered, a username and password is provided, allowing remote access.
• For more information visit the library network's website.
The White Lotus: Season three
Creator: Mike White
Starring: Walton Goggins, Jason Isaacs, Natasha Rothwell
Rating: 4.5/5
more from Janine di Giovanni
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
