Tickets for the three-day event will go on sale soon.

Designed for individuals seeking a deeper connection with their ancestral roots and our planet, the Tanweer Festival is back for its second edition.

For the uninitiated, the Tanweer Festival will take place from 22 to 24 November and was envisioned by Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, a key contributor to the rapid development of Sharjah. Tickets are on sale soon, and here’s what you need to know.

Music, meditation and mindfulness

Anticipate an extraordinary festival experience featuring internationally renowned world artists in captivating concerts, rejuvenating ancient body-mind practices like breathwork and Zikr (remembrance), a culinary journey with a plethora of diverse vegetarian options, and exclusive access to open-air art and design showcases crafted by local installation artists. We’re told that each performer wholeheartedly embraces the festival’s ethos, sharing a profound desire to connect with the timeless wisdom and teachings of our ancestors.

A stellar line-up of performers 

Sami Yusuf will connect festivalgoers with his unique blend of Islamic, Sufi, and Western classical music. Born in Tehran to Azerbaijani parents, he gained international recognition with his debut album, “Al-Muʽallim,” in 2003. Yusuf’s work often explores themes of spirituality, love, and social justice, backed by his powerful vocals and soulful melodies.

Moroccan musician Hassan Hakmoun will bring his Gnawa-style performance to the Sharjah desert. Hakmoun’s music is characterised by its rhythmic intensity, trance-inducing melodies, and spiritual undertones. He is known for his powerful vocals and skilful playing of the sintir, a three-stringed bass instrument.

Elsewhere, there will be performances from African musician Senny Camara, Heritage Band Al Nadbah, and handpan percussionist Anas Alhalabi.

Immersion in nature and culture

Organisers are making this three-day event unforgettable by offering meaningful add-ons like camping under the stars, horse riding, and moon gazing. Festivalgoers can also partake in guided excursions to Jebel Buhais and the Mleiha Archaeological Centre, a repository of prehistoric relics that offer comprehensive insights into the country’s post-Iron Age human settlement history.

The awe-inspiring Mleiha Archaeological Site, bathed in golden sunlight, will serve as the backdrop for this extraordinary event. A gathering of talented artists from around the globe will all tune into a singular message – the revival of our ancestral traditions through songs and traditional tunes.

Tickets for the Tanweer Festival will go on sale soon.

GO: Visit www.tanweerfestival.com for tickets and more information.