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 ]
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Prop idols
Girls full-contact rugby may be in its infancy in the Middle East, but there are already a number of role models for players to look up to.
Sophie Shams (Dubai Exiles mini, England sevens international)
An Emirati student who is blazing a trail in rugby. She first learnt the game at Dubai Exiles and captained her JESS Primary school team. After going to study geophysics at university in the UK, she scored a sensational try in a cup final at Twickenham. She has played for England sevens, and is now contracted to top Premiership club Saracens.
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Seren Gough-Walters (Sharjah Wanderers mini, Wales rugby league international)
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