Following the success of the first Sharjah Summer Festival last year, the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) has announced that it will be launching a new version of the festival this year, which will take place from July 17 to August 17, 2019. The move falls in line with the efforts to promote the emirate as a premiere vacation destination for families and individuals alike, helping bolster economic growth and revive the domestic tourism industry. The festival will offer special tourist packages that have been created especially with families in view, which includes a diverse portfolio of leisure activities ranging from summer camps to shopping discounts and more. The SCTDA has also revealed that the latest edition of the festival is part of the continuing efforts to attract over 10 million tourists into Sharjah by the year 2021. This year, the festival will feature diverse entertainment events and fun recreational and cultural activities for the summer season organized to highlight Sharjah's unique customs, tourist sites, and natural beauty. The event will host a variety of surprises and activities throughout the month, providing local, regional, and international tourists with a range of discounts and other exclusive offerings in hotels and shopping centers. Expo Centre Sharjah will also host the family-oriented "Sharjah Fun Fair" with fun, indoor activities on top of other cultural events that will be staged across the emirate as part of the festival. Visitors can participate in sports and games scheduled during the event, including several fun activities in an area dedicated for children. There will also be food kiosks, competitions and other events to experience. Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of SCTDA, said: "The festival's new edition reflects our keenness to organize events that enhance the emirate's tourism sector and revitalize the economy. It is also part of the ongoing efforts to reinforce the emirate's position as a highly preferred tourist destination. The success of last year's edition of the festival has played a key role in consolidating the emirate's family tourism offerings, which is why we have carefully planned this year's festival to live up to its name as a key magnet for residents, visitors and tourists. In fact, we are proud to announce the participation of Expo Centre Sharjah, which will now give us the advantage of holding more events designed to meet the needs of visitors of all ages." Al Midfa noted: "We will continue to develop and promote family tourism throughout the summer season in hopes of attracting local and global tourists. We will also continue to deliver the best promotions, special discounts, and other exclusive shopping offerings, in addition to our diverse indoor leisure activities set to take place across the emirate." The participants and sponsors of this year's festival include Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq); FUNN – Sharjah Media Arts For Youth and Children; Sharjah Museums Authority; Environment and Protected Areas Authority; Sharjah Sport Council; Sajaya Young Ladies of Sharjah; Government of Sharjah Social Services Department; Expo Centre Sharjah; Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services; Sharjah Art Foundation; Sharjah Ladies Club; Sharjah Youth; Sharjah International Marine Sports Club; Sharjah Self-Defense Sports Club; Sharjah Institute for Heritage; Sharjah Cultural and Chess Club; Sharjah Golf and Shooting Club; and Sharjah City Center. Completing the list are Mega Mall; Sahara Centre; Sharjah Oasis Mall; Hilton Sharjah; The Act Hotel; Copthorne Hotel Sharjah; CityMax Hotel; Sheraton Sharjah Beach Resort and Spa; Four Points by Sheraton Hotel; Sharjah Sheraton Resort and Spa; Marriot International; Kingfisher Lodge; Sharjah Tulip Inn Hotel Al Khan; Ibis Styles Hotel Sharjah; Al Bait Sharjah; Sharjah National Hotels; Oceanic Khorfakkan Resort & Spa; Hotel Holiday International; Radisson Blu Resort Sharjah; Sahara Beach Resort Spa; Marbella Resort; Sharjah Premiere Hotel & Resort; Al Bustan Hotel; Hotel 72 Sharjah; Occidental Sharjah Grand Hotel; and Al Majaz Première Hotel Apartments. — SG
