A Media Tour to Sharjah
Once a year, the third largest city in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Sharjah, transforms into a fairy-tale city and offers an unforgettable experience to locals and guests.
The Sharjah Light Festival is an annual event taking place in February and is considered the largest and most distinguished festival in the Middle East, representing the eclectic Islamic culture of the UAE in the very best way.
The festival lasts from a week to 10 days and brings together thousands of visitors wanting to see the most iconic of architectural masterpieces of Islamic culture illuminated in various colors.
Sharjah is recognized as the center of the Islamic civilization and was named the Arab Capital of Culture by UNESCO in 1998.
The flight from Tbilisi International Airport to Sharjah took only three hours. After landing, we headed the hotel, two hours’ drive from Sharjah, in one of the most beautiful and sunny resort cities, Khorfakkan: Oceanic Khorfakkan Resort and Spa, exceptional for its services and stunning views.
Our day began with a wonderful breakfast and Spa treatment, followed by a guided tour to Sharjah. We were lucky to find ourselves in a group of Georgians, Ukrainians and Armenians together, all of whom were very sociable and welcoming. The guide, Igor, fascinated us with interesting stories about the local customs on the way to a beautiful house belonging to Fatima, a lady who even has a street named after her in Sharjah. Fatima was very kind and welcomed us with coffee, dried fruit and various traditional dishes, before presenting the national clothing, masks and a unique collection of handmade fragrances.
The city of Kalba was our next stop: a real discovery for exotic holiday enthusiasts. The tent-style hotel Kingfisher Lodge with its sea and mountain views appears modest at first glance but offers very comfortable rooms, with an indoor pool and all the necessary facilities.
In Kalba, we had a chance to visit the Kalba Bird of Prey Center and local zoo. We also visited the Sharjah Aquarium, enjoyed a walk through the butterfly garden and toured the Al Noor Mosque, which in Arabic means ‘light’. There are over 600 mosques throughout the city; however, Al Noor is certainly among the most astonishing for its beauty and modesty. We got to try out the traditional abaya clothing and discover the ancient traditions of the Islamic world. Every day was full of adventures and surprises. The good weather made the experience even more enjoyable. During the day, we visited various museums, while at night had a chance to admire the lit-up buildings.
The desert tour was especially mesmerizing. The illuminated flambeaus, Arabian-style tents, sprawled across the vast area were nothing short of spectacular. Watching the stars through the telescope was just amazing. Later, finding ourselves in the Rain Room, a contemporary installation after the authentic and traditional environ, filled us with unforgettable memories. Rain Room is an example of contemporary art, inviting visitors to walk through a downpour of continuous rain without getting wet. A 15-minute drive from the city center, it is a wonderful entertainment complex offering a great variety of activities and ideal for families.
For those who want to spend time in a pleasant atmosphere, familiarize themselves with the Arab culture and traditions, admire views of the fascinating landscapes and enjoy the hospitality of the local people, Sharjah is a must-visit destination, distinguished for its beauty year-round, but especially during the Light Festival.
By Ketevan Kvaratskheliya