7 January, 2014

Al Qasba, Sharjah’s premier leisure destination, in association with Furat Qaddouri Music Center will be hosting the first ever Sharjah World Music Festival. Set to take place from the 15th to the 18th of January, the Festival will feature award-winning musicians from every corner of the globe coming together to put on a show like no other.

The Sharjah World Music Festival will include live performances on two outdoor stages in Al Qasba’s block D and C, as well as the main hour-and-a-half show at the award-winning Masrah Al Qasba - Theatre daily. Some of the headline acts that visitors can look forward to are Naseer Shamma – one of the world’s most distinguished Oud players and composers, Sitar maestro Ashraf Sharif Khan, all-round performer Jahida Wehbe, the European Fusion Band, internationally acclaimed Qanoun player Furat Qaddori, Flamenco guitarist Vicente Allende, and Jordanian singer Macadi Nahhas.

Speaking about the event, Sultan Shattaf, Al Qasba Manager, said, “Sharjah is without a doubt the cultural epicentre of the Emirates – as its selection as the Capital of Islamic Culture for 2014 affirms – and Al Qasba takes great pride in supporting Sharjah in this role. The Sharjah World Music Festival will be a cultural celebration of the best music from the international stage, with music from as far afield as Columbia and Japan, France and Syria.  From soothing Oud and Qanoon to energetic Flamenco and Jazz – there will be something for everyone and we look forward to sharing this wonderful experience with our visitors.”

Furat Qaddouri, founder of Furat Qaddouri Music Center remarked, “We are extremely pleased to be able to collaborate with Al Qasba in organising and hosting this huge festival. The Sharjah World Music Festival will be a gathering of prominent names in the musical arena and we look forward to being a part of entertaining the people of Sharjah and the Emirates with a range of truly unique and memorable performances.”

In addition to the main performances at Masrah Al Qasba - Theatre, the two outdoor stages will ensure that everyone is kept entertained. Audiences will be able to enjoy performances by Alex El Cantante, a showcase of the performers from Furat Qaddouri Music Center, singer Oxana Uncu, Syrian singer Amir Adam, violinist and pianist Haruka Horii, and for gypsy swing and acoustic jazz performer Alexandre Valls. The daily performances are scheduled to take place between 6:00 and 7:00 p.m in Block C, 7:00 and 8:00 p.m in Block D, and at 8:30 on the main stage at Masrah Al Qasba - Theatre.

Tickets for the shows on Masrah Al Qasba - Thatre can be purchased at Al Qasba Information Desk, located next to the Etisalat-Eye of the Emirates Wheel, Al Qasba Kids Fun Zone counter, Virgin Megastores, or through Platinum List and Time Out Tickets. 

Visitors will also have the chance to browse the bustling Bazaar on Al Qasba’s walkways between performances and treat themselves to a little something from the large collection of unusual clothing and goods, inspired by traditional cultures from around the world. Open daily from 4:00 p.m to midnight, the Bazaar will feature an extensive range of fashion jewellery and accessories.

Al Qasba prides itself on giving its visitors the opportunity to enjoy culture, entertainment and leisure attractions representing the very best from the Arab world and beyond, as well as being an outstanding family destination with a range of activities that caters to people of all ages.

Spread over 10,000 hectares, Al Qasba boasts a range of state-of-the-art facilities and tourist attractions including, among others, various restaurants and cafes, the 300-seat Masrah Al Qasba-Theatre – winner of The Leaf Award-, Multaqa Al Qasba-Conference and Meeting Halls, Al Qasba Business Centre, Kids Fun Zone, Al Qasba Musical Fountain, Etisalat Eye of the Emirates Wheel, and Maraya Art Centre.