Post by : Mariam
Al-Faris
H.H. Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, attended the opening of the ninth Sharjah Desert Theatre Festival on Friday, in the presence of H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah. The festival will continue until December 17 and celebrates Arab desert culture through theatre.
The opening day featured a special stage performance written by the Sharjah Ruler himself, titled “Al Barraq and Layla Al Afeefa,” which was performed in the Al Kehaif area of Sharjah. Sheikh Dr Sultan praised the actors, the strong script, poetic dialogue, and the modern production techniques used in the play, noting its rich mix of visual and artistic elements.
He said the play aims to compete for the festival award alongside works from other Arab countries, stressing that any success would be an achievement for the United Arab Emirates, not for him personally. He also praised director Mohammed Al Ameri for skillfully managing a large and complex production that blended live acting with filmed scenes.
The Ruler highlighted the importance of supporting theatre and recalled his own early involvement in drama, saying meaningful theatre can leave a lasting impact. He urged artists to focus on strong messages and avoid shallow or purely comedic works, stressing that theatre should inspire and educate society.
Sheikh Dr Sultan also spoke about the role of the Sharjah Performing Arts Academy in training young talent from across the Arab world and beyond. He said the academy supports students during and after their studies to help them succeed in the field of theatre.
The play, staged by the Sharjah National Theatre, featured well-known Arab actors and used horses, camels, and rich visual effects to bring Arab history and poetry to life. The festival, themed Desert Theatre and Arab folk stories, will conclude on December 17 with wide regional participation.
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