Sharjah: His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, has inaugurated the 8th edition of the Desert Theater Festival in the Al Khohaif area of Sharjah. The festival, celebrating Arabian desert heritage through theatrical art, will run until December 17th.
The opening ceremony was attended by H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, along with other senior officials, artists, and cultural figures, including Sheikh Salem bin Abdulrahman Al Qasimi, Sheikh Mohammed bin Humaid Al Qasimi, and Sheikh Majid bin Sultan Al Qasimi.
His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan witnessed the staging of his theatrical work, The Robe Dyed in Blood, executed by the Sharjah National Theater Group. Directed by Mohammed Al Ameri, the play portrays the life of Arab poet Bashir bin ‘Awana, showcasing his courage, eloquence, and unwavering determination in his purpose of marrying his cousin Fatima.
The production blended poetry, storytelling, music, and traditional Arabian art forms, escorted by captivating performances involving horses, illusionists, and technical artistry. The show underlined the rich cultural heritage of the Arab desert and its poetic legacy, emphasizing themes of bravery, love, and honor.
Regional and international participation
The festival restarts with a lineup of performances from across the Arab world:
- 15th December: Tunisian play Palace of Dust by “Fann Ad-Dafateen.”
- 16th December: Jordanian play Al-Deera by Raff Performance Arts Group.
- 17th December: Egyptian play Al-Zeina by Studio 77, followed by Mauritania’s Al-Hakeem by Eihaa Performing Arts Group.
Each performance will conclude with critical discussions analyzing their artistic and cultural significance. In addition to the performances, the festival includes intellectual discussions under the theme Desert Theater: Experience and Awareness. The panels aim to examine the festival’s impact on Arab theater from theoretical and practical perspectives.
The Desert Theater Festival continues to cement Sharjah’s position as a hub for cultural and artistic exchange, encouraging the preservation and celebration of authentic Arab heritage.