The second edition of the Tanweer Festival will take place from November 21 to 23, 2025, in the Mleiha Desert, Sharjah. Designed as a cultural gathering rooted in reflection, shared learning, and environmental responsibility, the festival will feature a programme of music, workshops, art installations, and culinary experiences that encourage participation and presence.
The initiative is led by Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, daughter of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah. Sheikha Bodour envisions the festival as a platform for deepening connection — both with others and with the natural world. The festival’s ongoing focus on meaningful engagement reflects her long-standing commitment to culture, learning, and community.
This year’s theme, “What You Seek Is Seeking You,” takes inspiration from the words of 13th-century poet and thinker Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Rumi. The festival explores ideas found in Rumi’s writings—encouraging participants to step away from distraction and reconnect with inner awareness, community, and the landscape around them.
The festival grounds will include several defined spaces. The Main Stage will host performances and visuals set against the desert backdrop. The Dome will serve as a centre for conversations and workshops. The Tree of Life will offer a setting for quiet reflection. Tanweer’s culinary hub, Nourish, will feature farm-to-table meals, with vegetarian, vegan, and Bedouin-style offerings. A curated marketplace will showcase handmade items by artisans selected for their focus on sustainable and thoughtful design. Art installations will be integrated into the landscape, creating a considered visual experience across the festival site.
Sustainability remains central to the festival’s approach. Tanweer will be a no single-use plastic event and will incorporate composting and reuse systems in food and beverage service. Educational activities related to environmental responsibility will be a part of the overall programme, aiming to share practical ideas for reducing impact and respecting the land.
Visitors to the festival will also have opportunities to explore the surrounding Mleiha region, including guided visits to archaeological sites such as the Valley of Caves, experiences at the Mleiha Archaeological Centre, and optional activities like horseback riding and paragliding.
