SHARJAH: In a landmark announcement that elevates Tanweer Festival's already impressive programme, two-time Academy Award and Grammy Award-winning composer AR Rahman will headline the festival's opening night on Nov.21, 2025.
Hosted at Mleiha desert in Sharjah on Nov.21-23, 2025, Tanweer Festival has already announced an extraordinary lineup featuring Grammy-nominated sitarist Anoushka Shankar, acclaimed Tunisian-American artist Emel Mathlouthi and the Iranian virtuoso Sohrab Pournazeri with vocalist Sahar Boroujerdi.
The festival will showcase talents across its signature performance spaces: the Dome, the Tree of Life, the Marketplace, and the Main Stage. Each has been designed to evoke distinct sensory experiences and inspire encounters through culture, art, nature and connection of the human spirit. Further, the ‘Nourish’ area brings together cuisines from diverse cultures to suit all tastes, in an atmosphere that celebrates diversity and tradition.
The Main Stage
Celebrated as the ‘Mozart of Madras’ and renowned for transforming Indian film music with his mesmerising melodies and scintillating rhythms, Rahman will take the Main Stage on the opening night. His illustrious career is defined by a BAFTA, a Golden Globe, and numerous other accolades. His groundbreaking fusion of Eastern classical music with electronic elements and traditional orchestral arrangements promises to create an unforgettable evening under the desert stars, as he brings songs of love and unity that resonate deeply with audiences across cultures.
The opening night commences with the Heritage Band Al Nadba, with a traditional call to gathering, and ushering in a special ceremony featuring Her Highness Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi. Following Her Highness’s address, internationally acclaimed artist Julien Breton (Alif Motion Artist) will present a mesmerizing calligraphy lighting performance. Singer and educator Aya Khalaf will then take the stage, reviving Palestinian heritage through songs. The evening culminates with AR Rahman's headline performance, promising to transform the desert landscape into an enchanting musical arena.
The Heritage Stage
This year, Tanweer Festival elevates the Heritage Stage as a dedicated venue celebrating the region's rich cultural traditions. Building on the remarkable success of heritage performances in the previous edition, 2025 gives heritage arts their own space, expanding beyond performances to offer deep engagements through cultural storytelling, workshops, and immersive experiences.
This focus
underlines the vital importance of heritage in shaping the festival's identity and offers visitors a
unique opportunity to connect with heritage arts beyond music. Heritage bands featured
include Al Ayala, Al Liwa, Al Wailiyyah, Al Noban and Al Aahaal, each bringing distinct local traditions
to life in an engaging cultural program. These performances are curated throughout the three days, ensuring visitors can experience the full spectrum of regional artistic traditions.
The Dome and Marketplace
The Dome will host the Turkish Daff workshop facilitated by the members of Miraz Group, adding an extra depth of rhythm to the festival's opening day. In addition to several other workshops, the venue will also feature a distinctive Photo Art & Calligraphy session with Beni complementing other creative explorations. The Marketplace will showcase several talents including Leo Rojas, the celebrated Ecuadorian pan flute virtuoso, who will be
accompanied by guest artist painter Geenss Archenti, adding a vivid visual art dimension.
An Unparalleled Cultural Journey
This year’s Tanweer Festival is themed “What you Seek Is Seeking You,” and draws inspiration from the wisdom of Rumi. Its vision encourages audiences to embark on an immersive journey of culture and heritage, with music, art, and nature woven into every experience. For more information and to register, visit www.tanweerfestival.com.