AR Rahman to Headline the 2025 Tanweer Festival in Sharjah
Experience a powerful fusion of music, art, and spirituality as A.R. Rahman leads an all-star lineup at the Tanweer Festival 2025 in Sharjah’s Mleiha Desert.
The 2025 Tanweer Festival returns to the serene dunes of Mleiha, Sharjah, from November 21 to 23, bringing together an extraordinary mix of music, art, spirituality, and sustainability.
Under the inspiring theme “What You Seek Is Seeking You,” this year’s edition celebrates inner awakening and human connection through sound, movement, and mindful experiences.
At the heart of the festival is an impressive artist lineup that blends global talent with regional voices. Headlining the event is legendary Indian composer A.R. Rahman, whose soul-stirring music has redefined world soundscapes. Joining him are acclaimed sitar virtuoso Anoushka Shankar, Moroccan musical icons Nass El Ghiwane, and the ethereal Mongolian throat-singing ensemble Khusugtun.
The stage will also feature the evocative voices and performances of Emel, Sohrab Pournazeri, Sahar Boroujerdi, Anas Halabi, El Amir, Azhar Kubba, Nuria Rovira Salat, Aya Jamil Khalaf, Mei Lan, Alim Leila Anwar, Hanan Kalwany, Miraz Group, Leo Roais, Nancy Zabaneh, Sandu, and Nassib Bouchebel, along with the soothing duo Nina & Abi. Together, these artists will deliver performances spanning classical fusion, world music, Sufi traditions, and experimental soundscapes that capture the essence of Tanweer — illumination through art.
Beyond the music, the Tanweer Festival 2025 curates a holistic experience across multiple spaces. The Main Stage will transform the desert into a symphony of light and sound, while The Dome will host interactive workshops, talks, and guided meditations. Attendees can also retreat to the Tree of Life, a tranquil zone for yoga, breathwork, and reflection surrounded by the stillness of the dunes.
Culinary and cultural immersion are at the core of the event. Nourish, the festival’s dining hub, will feature sustainable and plant-forward dishes, celebrating the rich heritage of Bedouin hospitality. Meanwhile, The Marketplace will showcase handcrafted products, eco-conscious fashion, and art installations by regional creatives — each crafted in harmony with the festival’s sustainability ethos.
True to its mission, the 2025 edition of Tanweer is a zero-waste, plastic-free event, with a strong commitment to environmental stewardship. Every element — from energy use to materials — aligns with a philosophy of conscious celebration, ensuring that the festival leaves no trace on the desert it honors.
Attendees can enrich their experience with adventure and exploration around Mleiha, including stargazing, horse riding, and guided tours of the area’s archaeological sites. As the sun sets behind the dunes and music fills the night air, the Tanweer Festival becomes a living canvas of light, rhythm, and soul.
The 2025 Tanweer Festival isn’t just an event — it’s a journey of connection, inviting all to reflect, dance, and discover the power of collective harmony. With A.R. Rahman and Anoushka Shankar among the lineup, this year’s festival is set to be a transcendent experience where music meets mindfulness under the stars of Sharjah’s desert.