Tanweer Festival returns to Sharjah’s Mleiha desert for 2nd edition
Rumi-inspired theme shapes the festival’s immersive desert programming
SHARJAH: The Tanweer Festival will return to the serene sands of Sharjah’s Mleiha desert from 21 to 23 November 2025, after the success of its first edition.
Set across three immersive days, the event brings together music, art, cultural dialogue, and sustainability in one of the UAE’s most significant natural landscapes.
Spearheaded by Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, the festival was created to foster deeper connections between people, nature, and self-reflection. This year’s theme – “What You Seek Is Seeking You” – takes inspiration from the poetry of Rumi, guiding attendees through a journey of introspection and shared experience in the heart of the desert.
What can visitors expect at Tanweer 2025?
Centred around four key zones, the festival offers a dynamic mix of activities. The Main Stage will feature live music framed by ambient visuals and the natural desert backdrop. The Dome will host talks, creative workshops, and group sessions on mindfulness and personal growth. Guests seeking solitude can retreat to the Tree of Life, a space designed for quiet gathering.
What’s on the menu and in the marketplace?
The Nourish zone will serve organic meals with vegan, vegetarian, and Bedouin-style BBQ options. Alongside the food experience, visitors can browse through a curated Marketplace showcasing handmade products by regional artisans. Open-air installations will be scattered across the venue, blending with the natural environment to offer artistic encounters under the stars.
How is the festival addressing sustainability?
Tanweer 2025 reinforces its commitment to environmental responsibility by operating as a zero single-use plastic event. Waste will be processed through recycling and composting systems, and all food vendors will adopt zero-waste practices. Educational sessions on sustainability will run alongside the main programme.
For those looking to explore more of Sharjah this season, the Mango Festival at Expo Khor Fakkan will take place from 27 June, adding a fruity celebration to the emirate’s cultural calendar.