New Delhi

The second edition of Tanweer Festival 2025 in the city of Sharjah, UAE, concluded with a powerful message of hope and transformation as Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi, Founder and Visionary of the Festival, emphasised its deeper purpose of reconnecting with what truly matters.

Based on the theme, “What You Seek Is Seeking You,” Tanweer 2025 was aimed at bridging cultures and traditions through music, art, and interactive experiences, the organisers said.

"This marks the closing of these three days. But what we have woven here continues, quietly, inwardly, in the choices you will make and the way you will move through your world," Sheikha Bodour told the gathered audience at Mleiha.

The Three-day festival brought together 183 artists from 23 countries, presenting 28 performances across four stages set against the UNESCO-listed Faya Paleolandscape.

Syed Salman Chishty, CVhairman, Chishty Foundation, who attended the cultural event, called it a celebration where light meets the soul on a post on X:

Honoured to witness the sacred Tanweer Festival @TanweerFestival in Sharjah 🇦🇪 — a celebration where light meets the soul.

Our gratitude to gracious host and visionary HH Shaikha Bodour bint Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi @Bodour ,
among the shining light of the Sharjah Royal… pic.twitter.com/oNF7iZleAz

— Haji Syed Salman Chishty (@sufimusafir) December 1, 2025

The closing night featured Tunisian-American singer-songwriter Emel Mathlouthi, who performed a dynamic set with the Miraz Group, creating an immersive experience that incorporated the surrounding desert landscape

"Every element of Tanweer served one purpose: To help us reconnect with what really matters, and that is complete unity with our purpose."

"As we close, I invite all of us to carry this gift back to our world. To our region. To our communities," Sheikha Bodour concluded. "Through our actions, through the way we love and live, let us offer a prayer for the world. A prayer of peace. Of unity. Of hope”.

A highlight of the festival's closing night was the spellbinding performance of Tunisian-American singer-songwriter Emel Mathlouthi, whose evocative compositions and powerful vocals have earned international acclaim.

In a riveting, immersive and interactive set that wove Jebel Faya itself into the experience, she left the audience utterly enthralled. Emel was joined on stage by Miraz Group for a special guest collaboration, and together they delivered a truly mesmerising finale.

Earlier in the evening, also on the Main Stage, virtuoso of Tanbour, Kamancheh, and Setar, Sohrab Pournazeri, joined Iranian singer and musician Sahar Boroujerdi for a moving performance, which opened with a special guest appearance from Kaykhosro Pournazeri, founder of the world-renowned Shams Ensemble.

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The festival’s final day was a vibrant celebration of cultural richness and creative exchange, featuring traditional performances of Noban and Al Aahaal from the Sharjah Heritage Band and diverse workshops from renowned facilitators. The day also highlighted the arts, with a photo art and calligraphy workshop.