Tanweer Festival returns to the golden sands of Mleiha this November
The power of music, art, and spirituality unite in a transformative three-day celebration beneath the Sharjah stars
As the outdoor season kicks off, there’s no shortage of cultural happenings, and Tanweer Festival is leading the way, luring visitors to the breathtaking desert landscapes of Mleiha in Sharjah.
The trailblazing festival returns to Sharjah for a powerful second edition for three days from November 21 to 23. You can expect transformative music, immersive art, workshops, and nature-inspired experiences right in the heart of the Mleiha desert. It will be held under the theme ‘What you Seek Is Seeking You’ – a famous quote from Rumi, the 13th-century poet and mystic whose work transcends cultures, religions, and generations.
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Under the visionary leadership of Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, the daughter of Sultan bin Muhammad Al-Qasimi, the ruler of the Emirate of Sharjah, the festival is driven by a belief in the transformative power of music, nature, and shared experiences.
Tanweer Festival
Tanweer Festival
Tanweer Festival
Tanweer Festival
Tanweer Festival
Tanweer Festival
Tanweer Festival
Tanweer Festival
Speaking on the upcoming second edition, Sheikha Bodour stated, “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.”
What to expect at Tanweer Festival 2.0
The Main Stage promises a multisensory mix of ambient lighting, ancestral music, and mountain-side projections. Already confirmed is Anoushka Shankar, one of the world’s most celebrated composers and sitarists, who will headline day two. She has had multiple Grammy nominations and a career that bridges Indian classical music, flamenco, and electronica. Her performance is sure to be a highlight of the festival.
Visitors can pause and recharge beneath the Tree of Life, a tranquil space for reflection and connection. Over at Nourish, the festival’s food hub, expect farm-to-table goodness. Expect to tuck into vegan and vegetarian dishes and traditional Bedouin-style BBQs. There will be cuisines available from diverse cultures to suit all tastes. The festival is completely sustainable with no single-use plastic, and a dedicated reuse and recycle strategy, complete with green waste composting and zero-waste food and beverage services.
Meanwhile, The Dome becomes the heart of learning with talks and hands-on workshops, and at The Marketplace visitors can meet local artisans and discover creative works in textiles, accessories, and handmade products.
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Art lovers, there’s plenty for you to see too, with immersive art installations that turn the desert into a stunning open-air gallery. At the entrance of Mleiha National Park, take a moment to admire The Guardians by Egyptian artist Rabab Tantawy, sculpted from the very desert sand of Mleiha. Lining the roadside from the entrance of Mleiha National Park towards Tanweer Festival Site, spot the permanent Land Art installation by Lebanese artist duo Karim + Elias, aptly named The Desert Relics. At the entrance of Al Badayer Retreat, you will see star circle by UAE-based, British artist Patricia Millns, which will light up the roundabout leading towards the retreat – a work of art inspired by Rumi.
Exploring Mleiha Desert
Adventure seekers, take note, the Tanweer Festival experience extends far beyond the main grounds. Guests can join nine unique off-site activities, from guided tours of the Faya Paleolandscape (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) to visits of Mleiha’s ancient archaeological sites, scenic nature walks, stargazing sessions, horse riding, a thrilling Fossil Rock safari, and off-road adventures in a custom Unimog vehicle.
For those looking to stay overnight, there’s something for every comfort level – from camping under the stars and luxury glamping to upscale stays at nearby desert retreats.
For more information and to register, visit www.tanweerfestival.com.
