Sharjah Islamic Arts Festival To Feature 473 Artworks By 170 Artists From 24 Countries

The 26th Islamic Arts Festival, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, is set to begin on Wednesday at the Sharjah Art Museum. This event will feature 114 activities and 473 artworks by 170 artists from 24 countries over a span of 70 days.

Mohammed Ibrahim Al Qaseer, Director of the Cultural Affairs Department at the Sharjah Department of Culture and Director of the Islamic Arts Festival, shared these details during a press conference on Monday. The event was attended by participating artists, organising committee members, and media representatives from various regions.

This year's festival theme is "Siraj," which invites over 150 artists globally to showcase works reflecting its broad meaning. The festival aims to highlight Islamic arts through diverse participation from Emirati, Arab, and international artists.

Al Qaseer explained that the festival will include 52 exhibitions and numerous events such as workshops and lectures. These are organised in collaboration with 26 entities in Sharjah. The UAE leads Arab countries in participation, showcasing its commitment to cultural exchange.

Al Qaseer emphasised that since its inception in the late 1990s, the festival has become a prominent artistic event in the Arab world. It aims to restore Islamic arts to their rightful place alongside other fine arts. "Sharjah brings us together today for a new edition of the Islamic Arts Festival," he stated.

The festival continues to embody His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi's vision of art as a civilisational message. It serves as a bridge for cultural communication between global communities.

Diverse Artistic Offerings

This year's edition features installations, calligraphy, murals, and paintings in traditional styles. There will be 52 art workshops and eight lectures focused on Arabic calligraphy. Over 316 guests, including media representatives and workshop supervisors, are expected to attend.

Al Qaseer noted that this vibrant festival reflects openness and diversity while combining authenticity with innovation. It positions itself as an artistic platform that celebrates both tradition and modernity.

The festival director highlighted that this event continues what it began since its founding by showcasing Islamic arts through varied participation. This reflects its status as an artistic platform blending authenticity with innovation.

With inputs from WAM