Category: Entertainment

SHARJAH: Sharjah Museums Authority (SMA) is gearing up for active involvement in the 21st edition of Sharjah Heritage Days, a vibrant showcase of diverse heritage and culture, organised by the Sharjah Heritage Institute.

This year’s event themed, “Connect,” is set to captivate visitors from 22nd February until 3rd March in the historic Heart of Sharjah, an area celebrated for its rich cultural legacy.

Embodying the vision of H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, who believes that “Museums are made to educate our children and our future generations.” SMA is dedicated to maintaining its spaces as dynamic venues offering innovative ways of learning, disseminating knowledge, and making cultural education accessible and engaging for all age groups.

Throughout the event, SMA will offer complimentary entry to its museums in the Heart of Sharjah, including Sharjah Fort (Al Hisn), Sharjah Calligraphy Museum, Bait Al Naboodah, and Hisn Khorfakkan. This gesture en
courages the public to explore extensive collections and partake in activities that vividly portray the UAE’s identity and rich history.

A highlight of SMA’s participation is the “Museums Express,” a pioneering mobile bus museum initiative. Operational on select dates at the Heart of Sharjah and Dibba Al Hisn, this initiative enables visitors to explore various Sharjah Museum collections, offering unique educational experiences on wheels.

In addition to free museum access, SMA is hosting diverse workshops, from crafting replica towers and doors at Sharjah Fort (Al Hisn) to painting traditional designs at Bait Al Naboodah; these workshops offer hands-on experiences rooted in cultural heritage.

Furthermore, SMA’s exhibitions deeply dive into Emirati culture and art, celebrating heritage through mediums such as photography and fine arts.

Sharjah Heritage Days, organised annually by the Sharjah Institute for Heritage, serves as a vibrant platform to acquaint current and future generations with the rich tradit
ions of the past, celebrating the authentic customs that define Emirati heritage.

Source: Emirates News Agency

DUBAI: Dubai Municipality has successfully completed the Old Municipal Street project in Deira, marking a significant transformation from a traditional thoroughfare to a bustling commercial pedestrian tourist pass. Stretching from the Ras area to the renowned Gold Market, this revitalised street promises an immersive journey into the heart of Dubai’s rich heritage.

Under the project, the municipality carried out a comprehensive overhaul, including developing street paving, installation of a new gate, lighting enhancements, and the integration of heritage elements such as the iconic Al Mandus. To ensure comfort and authenticity, the street is now adorned with traditional seating areas and heritage-inspired umbrellas, offering tourists a glimpse into the historical essence of one of Dubai’s oldest places.

Dawoud Al Hajri, Director-General of Dubai Municipality, emphasised the strategic importance of the Old Municipal Street project as part of a broader initiative to rejuvenate Deira and Bur Dubai’s historic a
reas, as well as various heritage sites and markets across the emirate. Al Hajri said, ‘We are working towards making Dubai more attractive and aesthetic by providing attractive and integrated facilities while preserving the Emirate’s historical architectural identity. This is to cement the status of Dubai as a premier global tourist destination that seamlessly merges contemporary allure with ancient cultural landmarks.’

He added, ‘Our main objective to revitalise the historic municipal street is to breathe new life into the traditional markets and landmarks of Dubai, while also enhancing the tourist experience through innovative approaches. This involves enriching the area’s visual appeal with heritage-inspired elements that capture its unique identity, integrating recreational amenities, and creating pedestrian-friendly spaces. Additionally, we aim to activate and stimulate the adjacent markets to boost tourism attraction to the region.

The municipality carried out complete paving of the street, which was
completely closed to vehicular traffic for smooth operations. This initiative was aimed at enriching the experience of tourists and visitors by making the area more identifiable, while also fostering commercial activity to encourage investors to expand their businesses in line with the street’s new identity.

Located in the Al Ras area of Deira, the Old Municipal Street links to various heritage markets that overlook the banks of the Dubai Creek. These markets – including the Gold, Dates, Fragrances, Al Ras, and Spices markets – are distinctive tourist destinations that reflect Dubai’s history and the authentic identity of the UAE.

Source: Emirates News Agency

SHARJAH: The Sharjah Light Festival is showcasing a series of captivating stories narrated on 12 iconic landmarks in the 13th edition of the festival, running until 18th February. The annual event, organised by the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA), also features cutting-edge technologies used for the first time in the festival, including 3D holograms, projection mapping displays, light installations, kinetic live installations, and more, collaboratively presented by 15+ international artists from 8 nationalities, including Germany, United Kingdom, France, Russia, and Italy.

Through a radiant blend of light, colour, and music on the canvas of iconic landmarks in Sharjah, these moving artworks showcase the intricate beauty of Arab and Islamic architecture, creating a mesmerising spectacle for both locals and visitors, and a highlight for the Sharjah events calendar.

Encapsulating Sharjah within a canvas of light

The opening ceremony for this year’s festival was held at the impressiv
e Sharjah Police Headquarters in Al Rahmaniya, and showcased intricate 3D mapping and a light installation titled ‘Luminous Guardians”, journeying through the essence of Sharjah’s cultural and protective spirit. Reflecting the shared heartbeat of the vibrant community, this opening ceremony mirrored the aspirations of the emirate courtesy of artists Steffan Ihmig from RE:SORB and Fredrico Petrei from Delta Process.

Transforming Sharjah Mosque into a canvas of light through the production ‘A Sublime Canvas”, artist Uladzimir Kivachuk provides a 360-degree 3D video mapping production illuminating the Mosque’s façades and minaret with vivid, stylised architectural projections.

Al Noor Mosque, an iconic symbol of Islamic architecture, features ‘Enchanted Dimensions”, a 3D hologram and projection mapping art piece specifically designed for SLF 2024 by artist Amin Sammakieh from Plan A Creative. The immersive visual arts show intertwines the rich heritage of Islamic art with cutting-edge technology, offering a ca
ptivating display that celebrates geometry, mosaic, and Arabesque intricacies.

Sheikh Rashid bin Ahmed Al Qasimi Mosque in Dibba al Hisn hosts ‘A Treasure Trove of History”, another 360-degree 3D video mapping projection by artist Nima Eshghipour This show displays key characteristics of Islamic art, including geometric designs, vegetal patterns, and Islamic design ornaments.

Radiant expressions across Sharjah’s iconic landmarks

Al Dhaid Fort features ‘Echoes of Al Dhaid”, a 3D projection mapping spectacle created by artist Stefan Ihming from RE:SORB. Through the captivating power of light, shadow and music, this philosophical production dives into the themes of interconnectedness, cultural legacy, and the transcendental nature of human experience, making use of traditional cultural elements, such as the Al-Ayyala and Nasha’at dances.

Kalba Waterfront features ‘Elemental Reflections”, a unique 3D projection mapping installation specially designed for SLF 2024 by Romain Tardy from LDA Productions, and insp
ired by the four natural elements; earth, water, air, and fire; and four human components and values: the rhythm of the heart, the importance of togetherness, the ability to inspire others, and the enduring notion of hope.

BEEAH Group HQ showcases ‘Reflecting on the Circle of Life”, a 3D projection mapping show by artist John Tettenborn from RE:SORB. The show illuminates the organisation’s sustainable journey and advancements through technology and alternative energy, displaying the balance between humans and the environment.

The General Souk in Al Hamriyah hosts ‘The Past Meets the Future’, a 3D Dynamic Video Mapping Show on the 3 facades of the building, designed by Mounir Harbaoui from Artabesk and Dmitri Chistakov featuring elements of the country’s heritage combined with the modern technology to showcase the past and link it to the future.

Al Rafisah Dam presents ‘The Jewel of Rafisah Dam”, a showcase of science, Khorfakkan’s ancient history, and the flora and fauna of the UAE by artists Sergey Ivanch
uk and Victor Lander; and ‘The Swan Show”, an enchanting story that captures the audience as projections of swans dance elegantly on the water of Rafisah Dam, by Florian Giefer and Denis Bivour.

Majestic light installations

At Al Majaz Waterfront, ‘Waves of Reflection’ is a kinetic light installation weaving together harmonious threads of light and music, designed by Romain Tardy from LDA Productions. Through a moving circular array of illuminated rods, this captivating creation mirrors the dance of water and waves, immersing viewers in an unforgettable experience.

Khalid Lagoon, another prominent location, hosts ‘Radiant Illuminations”, a stunning lights installation designed and managed by ‘AlSayegh’ spanning 3.2 kilometres. The installation boasts a unique wave effect, as viewers stroll along the corniche, they become part of an immersive visual journey that serves as a metaphor for the vibrant energy of Sharjah.

Alongside the diverse array of shows hosted in various venues across Sharjah, the “Light V
illage” situated in front of the University City Hall building continues to captivate audiences with its stunning light installations and immersive experiences. This unique attraction offers visitors the opportunity to explore and indulge in a selection of F and B options and retail vendors.

Sponsors of the 13th edition of the Sharjah Light Festival include Sharjah Islamic Bank and BEEAH Group as Strategic Partners, in addition to Sharjah Municipality, Sharjah Police Headquarters, Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority, Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority, Sharjah Airport Authority, Sharjah University City, Sharjah Institute for Heritage, Sharjah Center for Voluntary Services, Department Of Civil Aviation, Sharjah Civil Defense Authority, in addition to media sponsors Sharjah Broadcasting Authority and Zee TV.

Source: Emirates News Agency

SHARJAH: The 13th Sharjah Light Festival (SLF), taking place from 7th to 18th February, 2024, brings several specialised workshops and a photowalk in collaboration with FotoUAE, a platform dedicated to supporting photographers in the UAE through the online publication of photos captured within the nation.

These activities, carefully curated to cater to varying interests and skill levels, aim to provide participants with mentorship and guidance to level up their skills.

Maysoun Hassan Al Hosany, Media Department Manager at SCTDA, said, ‘We are excited to collaborate with FotoUAE platform to offer diverse experiences for photography enthusiasts during the 13th Sharjah Light Festival. We aim to enrich the visual and photographic content of the festival and encourage the public to showcase their talents by providing them with a unique opportunity to capture the essence of the Light Festival. This partnership reflects SCTDA’s commitment to nurturing local talents, inspiring the youth, and making Sharjah a destin
ation of art, culture, and heritage in the region.’

As a start to the series, enthusiasts took a photographic journey led by Ola Allouz, Founder of FotoUAE, for the ‘Al Dhaid Fort Photowalk’, on 9th February, from 18:00 to 21:00. A photowalk is a communal activity where camera enthusiasts gather in a group to walk around and take inspired pictures of their surroundings, sharing experiences, and learning from one another. This unique experience invited participants to explore the historic Al Dhaid Fort, capturing the enchanting light displays of SLF 2024 in a distinctive setting.

On 12th February, the upskilling workshops will commence with the ‘Double Exposure Workshop’, led by Allouz and in collaboration with the leading imaging and camera equipment manufacturer, Fujifilm. The workshop will take place at the Khalid Lagoon at Al Majaz, from 18:00 to 21:00, and will educate participants on the intricacies of creating photographic compositions through the double exposure technique. Participants will apply wha
t they learn to the light shows in Khalid Lagoon and Al Noor Mosque.

For those intrigued by the art of chronicling a visual tale through photography, the ‘Storytelling Workshop’ with instructor Abdalla AlAstad, is scheduled for 13th February, at the Al Hamriyah New General Souq in Sharjah, from 18:00 to 21:00. Participants will be able to discover the craft of conveying narratives through visual storytelling, and improve their photography skills, white reflecting the story and the message of the light show through their lenses.

On 14th February, the ‘iPhone Workshop” with instructor Muhammad Alchaar will take place from 18:00 to 21:00 at the Sharjah Mosque. This workshop is tailored to harness the potential of mobile photography, exploring techniques and creative approaches under the guidance of an experienced professional. Participants will capture the beauty of the mosque’s architectural and Islamic details illuminated in the light show titled ‘A Sublime Canvas’.

Concluding the series is a ‘Videography W
orkshop’ in collaboration with Fujifilm, scheduled for 15th February from 18:00 to 21:00 at the iconic Sharjah Police Headquarters Building. Instructed by Ram Manoj, this workshop will guide participants through the intricacies of videography, offering valuable insights into capturing engaging visual narratives while highlighting the unique architectural details of this modern landmark.

The partnership extends to a competition managed by FotoUAE, where the participant with the most outstanding work for each activity will receive a prize sponsored by the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority.

Source: Emirates News Agency

SHARJAH: The Sharjah Classic Cars Festival 2024 concluded its inaugural edition on Sunday, leaving an indelible mark with an impressive gathering of over 15,000 avid classic cars enthusiasts and lovers across its vibrant three-day showcase.

Held under the theme “More than just cars”, the first edition showcased a diverse array of hundreds of classic cars and hosted five insightful panel discussions attended by over 300 participants, signifying a new transformative phase.

The closing ceremony commenced with a welcome speech by Hoda Thani, a member of the organising committee of the Sharjah Classic Cars Festival, and media personality Khalid Ahmed. The event unfolded with a captivating visual presentation, offering a glimpse into the official attendance audience engagement, and their sheer delight of classic cars displays and associated activities.

Dr Mohammed Butti bin Obaid Al Hajri, Vice-Chairman of the Board, and members of the Board of Directors of Sharjah Classic Cars Club, delivered the closing speech
.

Al Hajri emphasised that the festival was a dream that came true, and with the success of its first edition, the overarching goal is to channel the achieved excellence and success towards making it the preeminent festival in the UAE and the broader region.

He added, “Our goal extends beyond showcasing the most exquisite classic cars to the public and connecting with enthusiasts, experts, and specialists to promote the emirate’s dynamic tourism, sports, and entertainment activity, emphasising the significance of classic cars as integral components of the cultural and historical heritage. Our overarching goal is to attract broader segments of society towards ownership and investment in these cherished vehicles.”

Concluding his speech, Al Hajri thanked all those who contributed to making the first edition of the festival a success. He then honoured the festival’s sponsors with special recognition extended to the festival’s official sponsor “Arabian Gulf Mechanical Centre”, along with Emirates Auction as the
gold sponsor and the Sharjah Driving Institute as the silver sponsor.

Prior to the closing ceremony, the festival hosted its fifth and final panel discussion titled “Searching for Spare Parts… Where to Start?”. Moderated by media personality Hussain Al Mulla, the insightful session featured Yusuf Al Ansari, a specialist in the sector and a well-known sports commentator, who shared his expertise in acquiring original and rare spare parts, sources, and methods that can be utilised, and the best ways and techniques for installing and replacing spare parts without affecting the quality and aesthetics of vintage cars.

Source: Emirates News Agency

DUBAI: The Dubai Taxi Company (DTC) has announced the expansion of its taxi fleet at Dubai Airports by 100%, with the addition of 350 new environmentally friendly taxis, effectively doubling its airport service capacity.

The expansion aims to enhance the daily mobility of both Dubai residents and visitors and is attributed to the growing influx of passengers and visitors as well as the numerous international events taking place in the emirate.

The airport taxi service is designated exclusively for arrivals at Dubai Airports and Port Rashid. It provides passengers with round-the-clock transportation to any destination within the UAE. Customers can easily request this service, which is backed by qualified staff dedicated to assisting passengers in reaching their desired locations.

With the newly added taxis, DTC becomes one of the largest operators in the region, boasting a fleet of 5,566 vehicles and a notable increase in market share within the taxi sector to become 45%.

Mansoor Rahma Al Falasi, CEO of Du
bai Taxi Company, emphasised that the decision to double the fleet of airport taxis from 350 to 700 is a strategic move that aims to promote the taxi services at the airport, and increase trips by 30%, thus reducing waiting times and providing quicker services to passengers. It reflects Dubai’s sophisticated and civilized image, underscoring the emirate’s commitment to continuously improving and developing its services. It also aligns with the growing demand for taxis due to the increasing passenger traffic at Dubai’s airports.

‘The expansion will bolster Dubai Taxi’s operational capacity in response to the escalating growth in passenger traffic and the surging demand for taxi services at the emirate’s airports. ‘Dubai Taxi will spare no effort to provide transportation services that adhere to the highest standards, in harmony with the emirate’s global reputation as a premier tourist destination,’ Al Falasi added.

He noted that the company offers a series of vehicles, including luxurious limousines and elec
tric vehicles, at Dubai airports. All vehicles are meticulously regulated and monitored by Dubai Taxi Company’s control centers, ensuring the safety and efficiency of transportation operations for passengers.

Al Falasi highlighted that the expansion of the company’s vehicle fleet reaffirms its commitment to further fortify its prominent position as a leading provider of comprehensive mobility solutions within the Emirate of Dubai. It also reaffirms the company’s role as the largest taxi operator in the emirate, ultimately boosting its market share through the doubling of its fleet at Dubai airports, thereby positively impacting the company’s revenues.

Ahmed Bahrozyan, CEO of Public Transport Agency, stated, “In light of the increasing growth witnessed by Dubai International Airport, with the number of passengers expected to reach about 88 million in 2024, RTA has decided to equip Dubai Taxi Company, as the exclusive airport taxi service provider, with an additional 350 vehicle plates.

This move will enhanc
e the company’s operational capacity to match the rapid growth and evolution of Dubai Airports. It mirrors our keenness to offer high-level transport services to passengers arriving at Dubai Airports and those traveling within the country, around the clock. We recognize and appreciate the outstanding efforts of Dubai Taxi in delivering distinguished transport services that align with the highest international standards.”

Dubai Taxi delivers a wide range of mobility solutions, spanning across four main business sectors. This includes expansive and eco-friendly taxi fleet, VIP limousine services manned by experienced drivers for a luxurious experience, comprehensive bus services, and corporate delivery service.

Source: Emirates News Agency