Unforgettable exp of cultural enlightenment at Tanweer

From November 22 to 24, the majestic natural environment of Mleiha played host to the first edition of Tanweer Festival — meticulously curated by visionary founder Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi — inviting festival goers on a truly immersive journey under the Rumi themed concept of “Timeless Echoes of Love and Light.”

For those who ventured to this first-of-its-kind festival in the region, the slogan “Your Journey Begins Here” echoed a joyous celebration that transformed a weekend into a profound exploration of the self, of culture and sustainability, and of humanity’s shared connection.

Reflecting on the journey that was Tanweer Festival, visionary founder Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi encapsulated the festival’s spirit with deep gratitude and pride: “Tanweer Festival has proven to be a powerful movement, and an everlasting testament to our shared humanity, transcending all boundaries through the love of creativity, thought, and connection to heritage and nature. As we stood amidst one of the prominent cradles of humankind; our beloved Mleiha region; we witnessed how the echoes of love and light resonated far beyond these three transcendent days, reaffirming our boundless ability to connect, uplift, and enlighten one another. I am immensely proud of what we have created together and deeply thankful to every soul that joined us on this journey. Together, we have shown that our unity and creativity can light the way for a more compassionate, sustainable, and conscious world.”

The final day was filled with incredible moments that merged celebration and enlightenment with the highlight of the night being none other than Dhafer Youssef, the acclaimed master of the oud, whose rich blend of jazz and world music provided a mesmerising experience for all. Under the vast desert sky, Youssef’s music resonated deeply, touching souls as his melodies danced through the cooling desert breeze. His evocative storytelling through sound seemed to connect everyone present, bringing together the audience through ancient rhythms and modern nuances… a perfect metaphor for Tanweer’s mission of cultural unity.

The Main Stage was also graced by the enchanting performance of Noureddine Khourchid & The Whirling Dervishes of Damascus. Their delicate Sufi whirling, accompanied by mystical melodies, turned the desert landscape into a sacred stage where the connection between music and movement became almost palpable. The whirling, a dance of devotion, seemed to capture the very essence of enlightenment, a theme echoed throughout the entire festival’s journey.

The Tanweer Marketplace Stage, meanwhile, was a lively hub where music and spoken word fused into pure artistry. Poets like Baraka Blue and Emirati filmmaker and poet Nujoom Al Ghanem shared their words with the audience, adding layers of thought and meaning that enriched the festival’s collective experience. Renowned Gnawa musician Hassan Hakmoun graced the Tree of Life stage, his powerful vocals and mastery of the sintir drawing listeners into the depths of Moroccan traditions, an embodiment of the festival’s ability to bridge the gap between different worlds.

Throughout the weekend, attendees were provided with a plethora of activities outside of the 29 performances from over 100 musicians and artists from 15 nations, to bring their experience to the next level. With 10 immersive workshops from Sufi whirling and sacred geometry, to an incredible selection of culinary vendors at the ‘Nourish’ zone, offering tantalising local and global delights, every corner of the festival grounds provided an experience waiting to be discovered. 10 awe-inspiring art installations throughout the festival space provided contemplation, while the

marketplace brought the world to Mleiha — a celebration of local and global craftsmanship that allowed festival goers to take a piece of this shared experience home with them.

The festival’s additional experiential offerings remained just as captivating including archaeological tours, moon gazing sessions and paragliding, bringing participants into contact with the ancient landscape that surrounded them, and offering a moment of reflection and perspective. Here, amidst the dunes, the present and the past converged, creating an unforgettable connection with the earth, culture within the region, and with history.