Sharjah Festivals

Ramadan is the holy month in the Islamic calendar. The date of Ramadan varies every year but generally, it is observed in July and August. During this month, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset and they spend most of their time praying. The working hours are shortened and all restaurants and cafes remain closed from dawn to sunset.

During Ramadan, the authorities of the Sharjah Ramadan Festival conduct plenty of promotional, cultural, social, religious, artistic, and healthcare-related events in Sharhah. To attract local residents and visitors, the organisers also put together entertainment and promotional activities throughout the holy month until Eid.

Since 1993, the Sharjah Department of Culture and Information organises the 'Sharjah Biennial' twice a year on a large scale. This contemporary art exhibition is an excellent opportunity for Arab artists to showcase their ideas and art.

Address: Sharjah Art Museum, Al Shuwaiheen, Arts Area, Sharjah, UAE.

The Sharjah Shopping Festival is the latest addition to Sharjah’s developing cultural arena. The festival takes place during summer, where visitors enjoy attractive deals & discounts. It also features various entertaining activities for people of all age groups.

Organised by the Directorate of Heritage, Department of Culture and Information during April, the Sharjah Heritage Days is a well-admired and famous cultural event in Sharjah. The festival includes seminars, fun activities and competitions that celebrate the customs, culture and traditions. Countries like Egypt, Palestine, Morocco, Syria, India, Iraq, Pakistan, etc. also take part in this event.

Ramadan is the holy month in the Islamic calendar. The date of Ramadan varies every year, but generally, it is observed in July and August. During this month, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset. The working hours are shortened, and all restaurants and cafes remain closed from dawn to sunset.

During Ramadan, the authorities of the Sharjah Ramadan Festival organise plenty of promotional, cultural, social, religious and health-related events in Sharjah. To attract locals and visitors, the organisers also put together entertainment and promotional activities throughout the holy month until Eid.

Initiated in the year 2002, the Sharjah Calligraphy Biennial was established to support and promote the art of Arabic calligraphy. The organisers invite popular calligraphers from all over the world to attend this event which includes seminars, workshops, performances and awards. The festival also helps to explore the enriching Arabic history of calligraphy.

The Sharjah Water Festival is celebrated every December in the Khaled Lagoon. This Festival celebrates the Emirati Heritage reflecting its culture and history associated with the marine life. There are great celebrations taking place with various games, acrobatic shows and entertainment, musical performances, fireworks and events for kids.

As a closing event of week-long festival, the organisers host F1 Powerboat Race that attracts over 75,000 visitors every year.