As part of the agenda for Xposure International Photography Festival 2024, the Sharjah Press Club organised a series of field trips for local and international media representatives and photographers from around the world.

These tours showcased many landmarks and events within the Emirate of Sharjah, giving attendees a broad perspective of the emirate and ample opportunity to capture the scenery, architecture, and happenings through their lens.

The Club, falling under the Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB), briefed the participants on the emirate's initiatives to enhance their experiences and promote cultural and intellectual connections.

The media journey started at the "Heart of Sharjah," a cornerstone for heritage preservation and the most extensive restoration effort for historical areas in the city and the region.

Participants had the opportunity to experience authentic Emirati architecture, historic buildings, museums, traditional markets, and archaeological sites, providing a unique understanding of Sharjah's rich history and how, through this project, it has blended the past, present, and future.

As part of the diverse tour, the media visitors were introduced to Sharjah Media City (Shams) and had a chance to explore its facilities. Shams provides cost-effective solutions that support startups, small and medium enterprises, and freelancers within the media sectors, helping them establish their presence and pursue their entrepreneurial ventures.

As part of the day's agenda, the guests visited the Sharjah Grand Mosque, a spectacular showcase of Islamic architecture that serves as a contemporary tribute to Islamic art. The mosque, renowned for its incorporation of Arabic calligraphy to craft artistic compositions, gave participants the chance to revel in the mosque's detailed designs, exploring additional art forms such as sculpture and woodwork, with a focus on intricate arabesque patterns.

The mosque's innovative design boasts 81 domes and two towering minarets, each 75 metres high. This unique architectural masterpiece positions the Sharjah Grand Mosque as a prime cultural tourism destination within the country.

The group also had the chance to experience the 'Sharjah Cinema Days' event held at the geological park in Jebel Buhais, located in the emirate's central region. This cinematic festival, hosted by the 'Funun Foundation,' offers a creative platform for filmmakers and the creative industry, aiming to empower them and enhance the artistic and cultural landscape of Sharjah, the UAE and the wider region.

Photographers and journalists, among the guests, lauded the Xposure International Photography Festival and its organisers, the Sharjah Government Media Bureau, for their commendable efforts in promoting communication, dialogue, and cultural exchange.