The lantern lights the way in the 26th Sharjah Islamic Arts Festival

The 26th edition of Sharjah Islamic Arts Festival (SIAF) with the theme Siraj (Arabic) or Lantern, will be held from November 19 to January 31, 2026. Featuring 114 events and 473 artworks by 170 artists from 24 countries, both Arab and non-Arab, over a span of 70 days, the fest will include 52 exhibitions hosted at various significant landmarks in the emirate of Sharjah, including Sharjah Art Museum, House of Wisdom, Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park, University of Sharjah, Sharjah Calligraphy Museum, Khorfakkan Amphitheatre and Emirates Society for Arabic Calligraphy and Islamic Ornamentation. There will also be eight lectures on Arabic calligraphy.

- Muhammad Yusuf, Features Writer

The announcement was made by Mohammed Ibrahim Al Qaseer, Director of the Cultural Affairs Department, Sharjah Department of Culture and SIAF Director. The event will be attended by more than 316 guests, including media representatives, lecturers, calligraphers, and workshop supervisors. Solo exhibitions include Siraj by Emirati artist Fatma Lootah at the Sharjah Calligraphy Museum; Succession of Generations by Emirati artist Mohammed Mandi and his students at the Emirates Society for Arabic Calligraphy and Islamic Ornamentation; and Reflection by Turkish artist Professor Omar Farouk Tashkale and his students at the Calligraphy Studios, among others, at Calligraphy Square.

The Khorfakkan Amphitheatre showcases Light upon Light by Kuwaiti artist Aseel Yaqoub and the collaborative artwork Lantern by Emirati artists Majid Al Bastaki and Abdullah Al Astad. The House of Wisdom presents Manara by Emirati artist Salma Al Mansoori and Luminous Passages: The Five Pillars by British artist Romina Khanom, alongside other works. Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park features Circle of Light by Kuwaiti artist Mahmoud Shaker; Ash and Order by Emirati artist Rawda Al Mazrouei; and Takrar by Iranian artist Neda Salmanpour. Meanwhile, 1971 - Design Space will showcase works such as A Star in Storage by Jordanian artist Omar Darwish and The Space Between, by Emirati artist Ruqaya Al Hashmi, among others.