473 Artworks from 24 Countries at the Sharjah Islamic Arts Festival

The Festival launches Wednesday at the Sharjah Art Museum
473 artworks from 24 countries featured in the Sharjah Islamic Arts Festival

Al Qaseer: The Festival embodies the vision of the Ruler of Sharjah in making art a civilizational message

Sharjah –

Mr. Mohammed Ibrahim Al Qaseer, Director of the Cultural Affairs Directorate at the Sharjah Department of Culture and Director of the Sharjah Islamic Arts Festival, announced the details of the 26th edition, “Lantern”, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah. The Festival’s activities begin the day after tomorrow, Wednesday, at the Sharjah Art Museum, and will feature 114 events and 473 artworks by 170 artists from 24 countries, over a span of 70 days.

The announcement was made during a press conference held Monday morning at the conference hall of the Department of Culture, in the presence of His Excellency Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Owais, Chairman of the Department, participating artists, members of the organizing committees, and representatives of local, Arab, and international media.

Al Qaseer welcomed the attendees and began by saying:
“Today, Sharjah brings us together in a new edition of the Sharjah Islamic Arts Festival — a cultural and artistic event that embodies the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, may God protect him, in making art a civilizational message that reflects the essence of humanity and forms a bridge for cultural dialogue among the peoples of the world.”

He added:
“Since its inception in the late 1990s, the Festival has established itself as a leading artistic event in the Arab world and beyond, restoring the distinguished presence of Islamic arts alongside other fine art disciplines. 

The new edition of the Festival will officially launch the day after tomorrow, Wednesday, in a renewed spirit — continuing to fulfill the vision of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah in building a global artistic project that takes shape in Sharjah. Now in its 26th edition, the Festival continues what it began since its foundation, reaffirming the importance of highlighting Islamic arts through Emirati, Arab, and international participation that reflects a spirit of openness and diversity. It stands as an artistic platform where authenticity and innovation converge.”

Explaining this year’s theme, “Lantern”, Al Qaseer noted that the Festival opens its doors to more than 150 artists from around the world — including researchers, specialists, and international artists — to present works that reflect the theme’s vast horizons and multiple meanings.

Regarding the Festival’s activities, he said:
“In just two days, the Sharjah Islamic Arts Festival will begin, offering a rich program of events throughout its duration. The Festival will present artists who carry the torch of Islamic art and showcase its beauty through ideas aligned with the Festival’s theme. A total of 114 events will be held — exhibitions, art workshops, and lectures — organized in cooperation with 26 cultural entities in Sharjah, including the House of Wisdom, the College of Fine Arts and Design at the University of Sharjah, the Union of Arab Photographers, the Emirates Photography Society, the Emirates Fine Arts Society, and others.”

He added that the Festival will include 52 exhibitions hosted at the Sharjah Art Museum, the Sharjah Calligraphy Museum, the Khorfakkan Amphitheatre, the Emirates Society for Arabic Calligraphy and Islamic Ornamentation, and other venues across the Emirate.

Al Qaseer noted that 170 artists from 24 Arab and foreign countries are participating this year. “The UAE leads with broad participation,” he said, “followed by contributions from Iraq, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Syria, Bahrain, Kuwait, Morocco, Jordan, and Oman. International participants come from Spain, Poland, the United Kingdom, Argentina, Turkey, Canada, Hong Kong, Iran, and Chile. It is also noteworthy that South Africa and Belize are participating in the Festival for the first time.” 

He continued:
“These artists will present 473 artworks, including installations, calligraphic compositions, murals, and classical calligraphy and ornamentation works. A total of 52 art workshops and 8 lectures on Arabic calligraphy will also be held. Amid this vibrant atmosphere, we are delighted to welcome more than 316 guests, including media representatives, lecturers, calligraphers, and workshop supervisors.”

He highlighted the parallel solo exhibitions featured in the Festival, including:
“Siraj” by Emirati artist Fatma Lootah at the Sharjah Calligraphy Museum;
“Succession of Generations” by Emirati artist Mohammed Mandi and his students at the Emirates Society for Arabic Calligraphy and Islamic Ornamentation;
and “Reflection” by Turkish artist Professor Omar Farouk Tashkale and his students at the Calligrapher Studios, among others at Calligraphy Square.

He added that the Khorfakkan Amphitheatre will showcase “Light upon Light” by Kuwaiti artist Aseel Yaqoub, and the collaborative artwork “Lantern” by Emirati artists Majid Al Bastaki and Abdullah Al Astad. The House of Wisdom will present “Manara” by Emirati artist Salma Al Mansoori and “Luminous Passages: The Five Pillars” by British artist Romina Khanom, alongside other works.

The Sharjah Research, Technology, and Innovation Park will feature “Circle of Light” by Kuwaiti artist Mahmoud Shaker, “Ash and Order” by Emirati artist Rawda Al Mazrouei, and “Takrar” by Iranian artist Neda Salmanpour.
Meanwhile, 1971 – Design Space will showcase works such as “A Star in Storage” by Jordanian artist Omar Darwish and “The Space Between” by Emirati artist Ruqaya Al Hashmi, among others.

At the end of the press conference, Al Qaseer thanked the Festival’s organizing committee, the official entities supporting its activities, and the journalists and media representatives present.