Sharjah Light Festival Charms Regional And International Media
More than 55 selected journalists representing the UAE, GCC and international media were in for a feast of senses this weekend when they were invited by the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority to enjoy the Sharjah Light Festival 2013 extravaganza up close and personal. Journalists representing a wide array of publications and electronic media from across the GCC states and from around the world visiting various venues of the Light Festival and special shows besides visits to the emirate’s celebrated museums and popular cultural centres.
The highlight of the Sharjah experience for the international media was the cruise on the picturesque Khalid Lagoon that covered Al Majaz Waterfront, Al Majaz mosque, Al Noor mosque, Central Souk and Court Complex etc, which all are part of the SLF itinerary including 14 locations across the emirate.
The visiting delegation of journalists was totally bowled over by the breathtaking medley of lights and colours at Al Qasba, Central Souk and Courthouse Complex, Cultural Square and Kuwait roundabout and Consultative Council celebrating the Emirati love affair with the sea and heritage of fishing, sailing and pearl diving etc.
SCTDA Director General HE Khalid Jasim Al Midfa said that the foreign media tour is part of the Authority’s strategy to aggressively promote the Sharjah Light Festival, in its third year now, in local, regional and international print and electronic media. "The media campaign is aimed at building ties and cooperation with local, regional and international media and promote the Brand Sharjah and the unique Sharjah tourism product," said Al Midfa.
The media delegation also visited a number of museums, cultural centers and tourist attractions notably the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization, which includes more than five thousand pieces of Islamic artefacts and manuscripts from all over the Muslim world, Heritage Area, Souk Al Arsa, the oldest market in the region, Sharjah Hisn and Sharjah Aquarium and Maritime Museum where they came face to face with a mind-blowing range of fish and other sea creatures and organisms besides learning about the marine environment and seafaring tradition of the UAE, which forms the theme of this year’s Light Festival.
The visiting journalists expressed their admiration for the richness and diversity offered by Sharjah’s cultural heritage, tourist attractions, monuments and various Festival performances. They were all praise for the ingenuity and sophistication of the Light Festival shows and smooth arrangements.
Al Midfa said that working with local and international media and pursuing right media strategy is crucial to promoting Sharjah and all that it has to offer to local and international visitors. The Director General said that the Authority has been promoting the Brand Sharjah and the tourism sector at home and around the world by hosting various special events and family tourism festivals and showcasing the emirate at international exhibitions and events.
He referred to various exhibitions and road shows held in major capitals and cities of the Gulf and Europe throughout the area to promote the various festivals and events, notably SLF and Sharjah Water Festival, and tourists attractions of the emirate. The media at these international events is encouraged to visit and report on the emirate.
The Sharjah Light Festival, which wraps up on February 15, is being hosted at following locations: Al Qasba External and Internal Façades, Sharjah Hisn (Fort), Masjid Al Noor, Cultural Palace Square, Al Majaz Waterfront, Khalid Lagoon, Masjid Al Majaz, Courthouse Complex, Central Souk, Sharjah Consultative Council and Kuwait Square, Sharjah International Airport, Masjid Omar bin Al-Khattab in Kalba and University of Sharjah Campus in Kalba. All shows are free and held daily from 7pm to 11pm and until 12 midnight during weekends.
Emirate: Sharjah
Date: Feb 11, 2013
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