Starting from the beautiful Sharjah Mosque to Hanging Gardens in Kalba, some of the most precious attractions in Sharjah are getting ready for a massive makeover. Check out social media from time to time and you might just stumble upon some of the most cinematic looks from Sharjah, the cultural capital of the UAE. This is because the Sharjah Light Festival 2026 is right around the corner and things are starting to look really celebratory from this time itself.
Returning for its 15th year, the Sharjah Light Festival is luring in scores of internationally famed artists to celebrate science, art and heritage in a grand display of lights, colours and music. In 2026, a total of 13 attractions in Sharjah are going to get lit up in spectacular arrangements. You need to prepare an itinerary to not miss out on any of the landmarks. This article includes a detailed list of all the attractions, their locations and timings.
Sharjah Light Festival is easily one of the most fun things to do in the Emirate. Light and sound installations project incredible images and animations on the facades of different buildings. The festival usually happens in February and tends to attract tens of thousands of people from different corners of the globe. Your 2026 Sharjah itinerary cannot be considered complete if you fail to add the festival to it. Therefore, check out all the details in this guide to get started.
When is Sharjah Light Festival 2026?
Mark your calendars. One of the best things to do in Sharjah is right around the corner. The cinematic Sharjah Light Festival 2026 is set to illuminate different landmarks in the Emirate from 3 to 15 February. For 13 incredible days, 13 different attractions in Sharjah are going to transform into spectacular art pieces.
- Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm
- Saturday to Sunday: 6:00 pm to 12:00 am
You need to plan a detailed schedule in order to accommodate all the attractions at ease. Don’t forget to add The Light Village to your itinerary. Featuring food, shopping, entertainment and art, this place is set to run from 29 January to 22 February 2026.
Where is Sharjah Light Festival 2026 Happening?
On a broader note, the Sharjah Light Festival takes in different parts of the city. Happening on the theme of ‘Reflections of Belonging’ this year, the festival is going to illuminate 13 attractions in Sharjah, including Sharjah Mosque, University City Hall, Sharjah Fort and Hanging Gardens in Kalba. Isn’t it incredible? Take a look at the table for a detailed insight into all the landmarks set to be lit up for the Sharjah Light Festival 2026 and their timings. This data is going to be super helpful in preparing an itinerary.
| Light Shows at Sharjah Light Festival 2026 | Location | Highlights |
| A Journey of Time, A Legacy of Belonging | Dr Sultan al Qassimi Center | Light becomes the storyteller, sparking pride and uncovering roots. |
| Radiant Serenity | Sharjah Mosque | Find Sharjah Mosque becoming a quiet sanctuary of calmness, respectfulness and spirituality. |
| The Pulse of Belonging | Al Majaz Waterfront | Experience rhythm, motion and presence. See the place turn into a meeting point and a photo moment. |
| Threads of Memory | Al Jada | It is like heritage reintroduced in the best manner possible. |
| A Path of Light | Kalba Waterfront | This installation highlights the concepts of movement, progress and belonging as a shared direction. Isn’t it so pleasing? |
| The Rock of History | Al Rafisah Dam (Khorfakkan) | The Rock of History symbolises a visual transformation of the natural landscape of Al Rafisah Dam into a living chronicle of memory. You are going to have a really fun time here. |
| The Heart of Khorfakkan | Khorfakkan Waterfall | Imagine ancient ships meant for trading purposes, pearl divers and travellers along the coast. |
| Infinite Fort | Al Dhaid Fort | Look at the fort not just as a static monument but also as a living symbol. |
| Still Life, Eternal Motion | General Souq – Al Hamriyah | This art installation is meant to highlight a painted-feels layer to Sharjah’s historic Al Hamriyah Souq. |
| A Haven for Dreamers | Hanging Gardens in Kalba | Let the Kalba Hanging Gardens transform into a symbolic ever shifting sanctuary. |
| Crafts of the Peninsula | AlTayari Mosque (Dibba) | This art installation is going to treat the iconic mosque as a living portfolio of Gulf craft. Isn’t it incredible? |
| Light Between Words | House of Wisdom | It celebrates the Scroll not just as a monument of historical importance but also as a living metaphor. |
| Call for a Wish | Sharjah Fort | This is an interactive video mapping installation and you are going to remember it for quite a long time. |
What to Expect at Sharjah Light Festival 2026?
There are many incredible things to expect at the Sharjah Light Festival 2026. Starting from the art installations (refer to the table) to The Light Village, one of the best times to visit Sharjah has come. The latter, happening from 29 January to 22 February 2026, is a pop-up venue, featuring more than 50 food and beverage stalls. From delicious burgers to fresh beverages and healthy salads, you can find a lot of options in both local and international specialities. Plus, there is a lively bazaar full of unique retail finds. Plus, there is a dedicated play zone for kids, full of fun and thrilling things to do. Located in a dynamic outdoor setting, The Light Village is a significant part of the Sharjah Light Festival.
- Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Wednesday: 5:00 pm to 12:00 am
- Thursday to Saturday: 5:00 pm to 1:00 am
Hope this guide to the Sharjah Light Festival 2026 helps you plan your itinerary better. The UAE’s cultural capital, Sharjah is home to a number of unique experiences and the upcoming festival is definitely one of the underrated ones. Check out more than a dozen attractions in Sharjah lit up in stunning arrangements, shop and dine at the beautiful Light Village, and make memories that last a lifetime. You are not going to be disappointed.
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Sharjah Light Festival 2026: Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the ticket price to enter the Sharjah Light Festival 2026?
You do not need to pay a single Dirham to enter the festival. It is one of the best free things to do in Sharjah in 2026.
2. When is Sharjah Light Festival 2026 commencing?
Mark your calendars. This year’s Sharjah Light Festival is from 3 to 15 February 2026. Expect 13 days of unmatched entertainment, creativity and pleasant memories.
3. When is The Light Village 2026 happening?
The Light Village is a significant part of the Sharjah Light Festival 2026. It is starting from 29 January and is scheduled to continue till 22 February.
4. What are the top things to do at Sharjah Light Festival 2026?
Starting from artistic light shows to the vibrant Light Village, there is a long list of beautiful and engaging things to do at the Sharjah Light Festival 2026. It is also a free offering and suitable for people of all ages and preferences.
5. What are the operating hours of Sharjah Light Festival art installations?
In 2026, the Sharjah Light Festival is going to turn 13 attractions into 13 art pieces. Expect a beautiful combination of light, sound and storytelling. The light shows are scheduled to start at 6:00 pm on all days and end at 11:00 pm from Monday to Friday and at 12:00 am on Saturday to Sunday. You are going to have a really fun time.
6. What are the most anticipated light shos at Sharjah Light Festival 2026?
You can keep an eye out for Radiant Serenity at Sharjah Mosque; A Journey of Time, A Legacy of Belonging at Dr Sultan al-Qasimi Centre; A Haven for Dreamers at Hanging Gardens in Kalba; and Crafts of the Peninsula at AlTayari Mosque (Dibba).
Let the lights guide you home!
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