Fringe festival to be held for 17 days from January 16 to February 1 will offer the UAE’s multicultural community more choices to enjoy theatre and performances.

Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) announced at a press conference on Wednesday the emirate has officially joined the global Fringe family and will be hosting the first Fringe Festival in the Middle East. The festival will be held for 17 days from January 16 to February 1 in a bid to offer the UAE’s multicultural community more choices to enjoy theatre and performances.

The streets and stages of Sharjah will be the backdrop for 600 shows featuring a pandemonium of performers, colours and creativity at key destinations in the emirate — Al Majaz Waterfront, Al Qasba and Al Noor Island.

These Shurooq destinations will host over 50 artists from the UAE, the region and the world, who will present street and circus acts, theatre, dance, music and other forms of interactive entertainment, to delight UAE audiences from all nationalities and age groups.

Sharjah Fringe Festival 2020 is presented by Shurooq in strategic partnership with Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA). It will be organised by the National Arts Festival, South Africa, who also produce a thriving South African Fringe, in collaboration with Dubai-based events company Dolphin Creative.