The 36th edition of the Sharjah Ramadan Festival kicked off across the emirate, offering a mix of shopping promotions, prize draws, and cultural activities. Organised by the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), the festival runs until March 25 under the theme “Ramadan Spirit in the Heart of Sharjah”.
Festival promotions and draws
The festival’s flagship initiative, “Shop… and Unlock the Secrets,” is hosted across six major shopping centers and features numerous prizes and vouchers. The event will conclude with a grand draw awarding 15 winners, including 10 recipients of gold bars and 5 recipients of shopping vouchers valued at Dhs 10,000 each, redeemable at participating retail outlets.
Visitors can also participate in the “Ramadan Nights” exhibition at Expo Centre Sharjah, which offers additional opportunities for prize draws while engaging shoppers in a variety of cultural and retail activities.
This year’s festival coincides with the UAE’s ‘Year of Family’, reflecting SCCI’s focus on family engagement and community participation. Initiatives include the “Young Influencer” program, providing children a platform to showcase talents, and the “Your Iftar Is Ready” event, promoting humanitarian values and community solidarity during Ramadan.
The festival also features entertainment pavilions, including appearances by Shamsa, the mascot of Sharjah Summer Promotions 2025–2026, at the Light Village as part of the Sharjah Light Festival.
Regional and cultural activities
In the Eastern Region, the festival supports youth, cultural, and sports initiatives, including the Sharq Ramadan Football Championship, the Ramadan Football Tournament organised by Dibba Al-Hisn Football Club, and youth sports tournaments encouraging healthy lifestyles. A Quran recitation competition adds a spiritual dimension to the festival, while contests and activities promote small businesses and productive families.
Mohammed Ahmed Amin Al Awadi, Director-General of SCCI, said: “The Sharjah Ramadan Festival is a key annual promotional initiative. It plays an important role in driving retail sector growth, supporting the local economy, and boosting tourism and commercial activity during the holy month.”
Abdul Aziz Al Shamsi, Assistant Director-General for Communication and Business at SCCI, added: “The initiative combines shopping promotions, cultural activities, competitions, and prize draws, reinforcing Sharjah’s position as a leading destination for Ramadan. It also helps promote visitor and resident engagement and stimulate the retail sector, with major shopping centers providing high-value prizes and exclusive discounts throughout the festival period.”
Jamal Saeed Bouzanjal, Director of Corporate Communication at SCCI and General Coordinator of Sharjah Ramadan Festival, said: “The initiative offers valuable gifts and encourages community engagement, allowing shoppers to explore a unique interactive experience while taking advantage of the promotional offers and substantial discounts offered by participating retail outlets throughout the festival period.”
The festival forms part of the wider Sharjah shopping promotions 2025–2026, which began on December 1, 2025, and aims to integrate retail, cultural, and community experiences across the emirate.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
