Tanweer festival concludes with Bodour’s call for unity

Tanweer Festival 2025 concluded with a powerful message of hope and transformation as Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi delivered closing remarks that emphasised the festival’s deeper purpose of reconnecting with what truly matters.

“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, Founder and Visionary of Tanweer Festival, told the gathered audience at Mleiha.

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

During the day, the Marketplace hosted Dubai-based Benna Duo, the first female oud-and-guitar ensemble of their kind while the Nourish area featured the collaboration between Anas Alhalabi, the first handpan player in the Middle East, and classical tabla master Sandu. The Tree of Life stage showcased internationally celebrated Mongolian ensemble Khusugtun and Batzorig Vaanchig as well as Leo Rojas, the celebrated Ecuadorian pan flute virtuoso, who delivered soulful Andean compositions accompanied by guest art painter Geenss Archenti.

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.

Master Can led a world-class Tai Chi session, while Lina Nahhas, social innovator and founder of The Sameness Project, brought her signature 5Rhythms Workshop to the Dome. The day also highlighted the arts, with a photo art and calligraphy workshops by Beni, and an inspiring tour of the 11 art installations across the site, beginning at the main entrance.

The second day of the festival featured the soulful and enthralling renditions of world-renowned sitarist and composer Anoushka Shankar, which cemented Sharjah’s reputation for hosting soulful and immersive events.

With an exceptional musical and cultural programme, the festival’s second day celebrated UAE heritage with Al Liwah and Al Wailiyyah – Sharjah Heritage Bands bringing distinct local traditionsu2028to life. Further activities included a powerful flamenco rumba-style workshop led by Catalan artist Núria Rovira Salat, and a talk with Tanweer visual artists at the Dome, providing insight into the creative minds behind the festival’s incredible immersive art installations.

The Nourish area hosted Syrian percussionist Anas Al-Halabi, performing his groundbreaking compositions, while the Marketplace, the festival’s bustling hub for sustainable, creative and artistic exchange, was elevated by a roster of innovative activations including a Jaipur Rugs tufting demonstration and a fascinating session on Rumi’s stories and poetry by Leili Anwar.

Hanan Halway and Sandu further elevated the Marketplace with a stunning and profound musical dialogue which left the audience rapt.

The Tree of Life hosted stunning performances throughout the day.

Spanish Flamenco musician Núria Rovira Salat and her band left the audience enchanted, as did the stunningly transformative vocal performance of Mei-lan Maurits and Ali Pervez.

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

Tanweer Festival 2025 concluded with a powerful message of hope and transformation as Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi delivered closing remarks that emphasised the festival’s deeper purpose of reconnecting with what truly matters.

“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, Founder and Visionary of Tanweer Festival, told the gathered audience at Mleiha.

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

During the day, the Marketplace hosted Dubai-based Benna Duo, the first female oud-and-guitar ensemble of their kind while the Nourish area featured the collaboration between Anas Alhalabi, the first handpan player in the Middle East, and classical tabla master Sandu. The Tree of Life stage showcased internationally celebrated Mongolian ensemble Khusugtun and Batzorig Vaanchig as well as Leo Rojas, the celebrated Ecuadorian pan flute virtuoso, who delivered soulful Andean compositions accompanied by guest art painter Geenss Archenti.

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.

Master Can led a world-class Tai Chi session, while Lina Nahhas, social innovator and founder of The Sameness Project, brought her signature 5Rhythms Workshop to the Dome. The day also highlighted the arts, with a photo art and calligraphy workshops by Beni, and an inspiring tour of the 11 art installations across the site, beginning at the main entrance.

The second day of the festival featured the soulful and enthralling renditions of world-renowned sitarist and composer Anoushka Shankar, which cemented Sharjah’s reputation for hosting soulful and immersive events.

With an exceptional musical and cultural programme, the festival’s second day celebrated UAE heritage with Al Liwah and Al Wailiyyah – Sharjah Heritage Bands bringing distinct local traditionsu2028to life. Further activities included a powerful flamenco rumba-style workshop led by Catalan artist Núria Rovira Salat, and a talk with Tanweer visual artists at the Dome, providing insight into the creative minds behind the festival’s incredible immersive art installations.

The Nourish area hosted Syrian percussionist Anas Al-Halabi, performing his groundbreaking compositions, while the Marketplace, the festival’s bustling hub for sustainable, creative and artistic exchange, was elevated by a roster of innovative activations including a Jaipur Rugs tufting demonstration and a fascinating session on Rumi’s stories and poetry by Leili Anwar.

Hanan Halway and Sandu further elevated the Marketplace with a stunning and profound musical dialogue which left the audience rapt.

The Tree of Life hosted stunning performances throughout the day.

Spanish Flamenco musician Núria Rovira Salat and her band left the audience enchanted, as did the stunningly transformative vocal performance of Mei-lan Maurits and Ali Pervez.

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter