Festivals have a way of attracting people from all walks of life whether it’s music, art, or fashion, we can all agree that festivals are a major attraction. In the Middle East festivals are growing in popularity and variety with prominent cultural and film festivals bridging the gap between East and West.
Abu Simbel Sun Festival
The Abu Simbel Sun Festival is held twice a year in the South of Egypt (near Aswan), on Feb. 22nd and Oct. 22nd. This coincides with the anniversary of Ramesses’ throne ascent in February as well as his birthday in Oct. Ra, Ramesses, Amun, and Ptah are all depicted in this temple room’s statues. Ramesses is seated among the gods because, as a pharaoh, he was also regarded as a divine being. Thus, light fills the temple between February 22nd and October 22nd each year, illuminating three of the four sculptures; Ptah, being the god of darkness, remains perpetually in the dark. The sun shines down on the temple corridor, which stretches for more than 200 feet to reach these statues.
Typically, festival-goers congregate quite early in the morning to observe as the sun rises over the innermost temple room. Everyone eats, drinks, and celebrates when the statues fall back into the shade as the sun rises higher. This festival is frequently celebrated with traditional singers and dancers as well.
Sole DXB
Dubai’s Sole DXB, known for street footwear, music, art, and lifestyle, will take place from Dec. 9-11 as one of the most anticipated events on the Dubai calendar. Live music performances, DJ sets, film screenings, discussions, seminars, and sports tournaments are all part of the festival, which serves as the premier experiential platform for the world’s leading companies. Given the two-year layoff due to COVID-19, everyone is anticipating a spectacular comeback and a jam-packed three-night extravaganza this year.
Over 36,000 people attended the last edition in 2019 and were met by over 100 artists, designers, presenters, and 80 sponsors over the course of the three-night event. Wu-Tang Clan, Nas, Koffee, Sho Madjozi, Skepta, Stormzy, Hiroshi Fujiwara, Petra Collins, Scottie Pippen, Kerby-Jean Raymond, and many others have all performed in the past!
SANDBOX FESTIVAL 2022
Sandbox Festival, from 26-28 of May, is an exciting music event set on the beaches of Egypt, bringing together some of the hottest musicians from around the world for a memorable weekend by the sea. This is a three-day electronic music event hosted in the Egyptian seaside resort town of El Gouna, about a half-hour drive north of the well-known Hurghada. Established DJs, live performers, and producers, as well as up-and-coming local talents, delivering live entertainment. Ahmed Samy, Doomaz, and Gene on Earth are among the headliners for this year.
Guests can also participate in water sports such as surfing or kitesurfing during the day, while others can unwind on the swings and seesaws that can be found in the playground. Additionally, bars with refreshing drinks, snack vendors, and souvenir shops brimming with attractive products are all available at the festival as well.
The Garden Show
The Garden Show & Spring Festival is Beirut’s premier open-air event, and it will take place at the Beirut Hippodrome from June 8 to 11, 2022. More than 220 exhibitors will be on hand to show off a wide range of garden and floral retail products, delicious food, and the best of outdoor living! In addition, The Garden Show & Spring Festival runs concurrently with Travel Lebanon, Lebanon’s first tourism-related event. Packages will be promoted across the country by more than 60 local tour operators and NGOs.
There will also be flower-themed workshops and competitions to instill a love for flowers and trees in people and help them connect with mother nature.
ABU DHABI ART FAIR
This art fair is organized by the department of culture and tourism, which aims to promote Abu Dhabi’s culture and tourism sectors’ long-term growth, fuel economic success, and help Abu Dhabi accomplish its larger global goals. The Abu Dhabi Art Fair is a visual arts event that brings together a variety of local and international galleries selling artworks for sale alongside exhibitions, artist commissions, and installations. It runs from Nov. 16 to Nov. 20 this year. Additionally, the fair’s visual campaign will be created in conjunction with artists to inspire young artists to portray their work and become a key part of the art fair.
It also serves as a major sales platform for participating galleries, as well as an opportunity for them to show off ambitious installations and site-specific works by their artists to a larger audience.
Now that you know more about these festivals and what you’re enthusiastic about, don’t miss out on the opportunity to attend and be mesmerized by the atmosphere that each of them offers.