Sharjah: The ‘Tanweer Sacred Music Festival’ will take place at the heart of the Mleiha desert in Sharjah from November 24 to 26, 2023. The upcoming music festival prepares to celebrate Emirati heritage through traditional music performances.
The skilled team at the ‘Sharjah Institute for Heritage’ has masterfully created the renditions.
The authentic Emirati performances will narrate the timeless traditions and aesthetics treasured by the UAE’s ancestors. The rocky, golden-sand deserts were the places where they celebrated their precious moments in life.
The Tanweer Sacred Music Festival is a significant and meaningful addition to Sharjah’s cultural scene. It goes beyond the realms of music alone, to deeply connect with our shared Arab and Islamic heritage. Sacred music, a universal language, seamlessly encapsulates the ethos of cultures, making the authentic Emirati culture accessible to a global audience. The festival serves as a platform to share our rich cultural tapestry with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds.
Dr. Abdulaziz Abdulrahman Almusallam, Chairman of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage, said.
The heritage institute’s work will captivate the audience with art forms like “Ahal.” It is a traditional form of collective theatrical songs. This art form consists of the intricate rhythms of Nabati poetry. It narrates the deep connection between ancient Emiratis and the sea, revealing their stories through emotive vocal renditions.
“Al Maled,” will be another attraction in the heritage performances, which pay tribute to the life of Prophet Muhammad through lyrical narratives. This cherished tradition, typically observed during the commemoration of Mawlid al-Sharif (the honorable birth of the Prophet), beautifully combines chant poetry and praises, evoking a profound spiritual connection among its audience.
The festival will be enriched by the rhythmic drumbeats of “Al Welliya,” synonymous with the cultural melodies of the eastern coast. Also known as the art of Al Masba’, Al Welliya encompasses the very essence of Emirati folklore through a cyclic presentation of seven poetic verses, theatrically delivered to the rhythms of traditional percussions.
Talented men and women will showcase Emirati folklore dances and other performances at the festival marketplace. These captivating displays will provide visitors with a glimpse into the UAE’s diverse artistic and cultural heritage while they delight in exploring handcrafted products, instruments, art, and authentic dining experiences curated by local vendors.