Sharjah Ruler inaugurates 16th SCRF
Festival theme and duration
Organised by the Sharjah Book Authority, the festival is being held at Expo Centre Sharjah under the theme 'Dive into Books' and will run until May 4. The event continues to serve as a vibrant cultural platform celebrating children's literature, creativity, and learning.
Arrival and reception
Upon his arrival, His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi was warmly received by His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah; Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority; His Excellency Abdul Rahman bin Mohammed Al Owais, Minister of Health and Prevention; and His Excellency Dr Ahmed Fouad Hano, Egypt's Minister of Culture.
Distinguished attendees
Also in attendance were senior officials, heads of government entities, and representatives from cultural and educational institutions in Sharjah, alongside a distinguished group of writers, intellectuals, and advocates for children's literature.
Festival opening ceremony
His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah officially inaugurated the festival by cutting the traditional ribbon following which His Highness attended a heartfelt artistic performance by children participating in the event. The young performers expressed their appreciation for His Highness's unwavering support and shared their excitement for the festival and its wide array of engaging activities and experiences.
Festival highlights and global participation
His Highness toured the festival halls, which bring together 122 Arab and international publishing houses representing 22 countries. This year's edition features over 1,024 cultural, artistic, and entertainment events, including creative workshops, theatrical performances, interactive sessions, and specialised reading activities for children and families. The festival also welcomes more than 133 distinguished guests from 70 countries, highlighting its global reach and cultural diversity.
Pavilion visits and educational initiatives
His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah visited several pavilions participating in the festival, where he was briefed on their programmes and initiatives designed to cultivate a culture of reading among younger generations. He also explored the educational and training activities on offer, which aim to inspire a lifelong love of reading and learning in children.
Reader of the Century Platform launch
His Highness also visited the Sharjah Children's Pavilion, part of the Rubu' Qarn Foundation for Creating Leaders and Innovators, where he officially launched the "Reader of the Century" platform. Aimed at children and adolescents aged 6 to 18, the platform is designed to empower young readers by fostering a deeper connection with literature and knowledge. It seeks to enhance their active participation in society while encouraging a love for reading and helping them gain meaningful insights from books—ensuring both an enriching and enjoyable cultural journey.
Cultural collaboration with Egypt
At the UAE Board on Books for Young People (UAEBBY), His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah met with representatives from the Egyptian Board on Books for Young People (EBBY), the guest of honour at this year's Sharjah Children's Reading Festival. During the visit, His Highness was briefed on their shared vision for strengthening cultural collaboration between the UAE and Egypt. Discussions focused on exchanging expertise and fostering joint initiatives in the development of children's literature and related educational efforts.
Arabic Children's Literature Award launch
His Highness also inaugurated the newly redesigned website of the International Award for Arabic Children's Literature, unveiling its updated identity. In addition, he officially launched the 17th edition of the award, which is now open for submissions from creators and publishers of Arabic children's books around the world. The initiative aims to recognise and promote excellence in children's literature across the Arab world and beyond.
Visits to cultural institutions
During his tour of the festival, His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah visited the pavilions and stands of the Department of Culture, the Emirates Publishers Association, the "Read, You're in Sharjah" platform by Manassas Distribution Company, and the House of Wisdom. He was briefed on their ongoing efforts to promote publishing, culture, and the importance of nurturing a love for reading and writing among children.
Interactive and educational activities
His Highness also visited the pavilions of the Sharjah Social Services Department, the Arab Children's Book Publishers Forum, Kalimat Foundation, Sharjah Broadcasting Authority, and Kalimat Group. He learned about their impactful efforts as key institutions in publishing and knowledge, dedicated to offering a variety of activities aimed at nurturing children's reading habits, fostering study, and encouraging engagement in interactive, educational, and recreational activities through innovative and diverse approaches.
Children's Book Illustrations Exhibition
At the Sharjah Children's Book Illustrations Exhibition 2025, which showcased an extensive collection of artwork, including pieces by the exhibition's award-winning illustrators, His Highness received a detailed briefing from participating artists from both the UAE and abroad, gaining insight into their creative processes and contributions to the field of children's literature.
Book Award honours
At the conclusion of his tour, His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah honoured the recipients of the Sharjah Children's Book Award. Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi received the English Children's Book Award for the 7–13 age group for her book House of Wisdom, published by Kalimat Group. Egyptian author Mohamed Kasbar won the Arabic Children's Book Award for the 4–12 age group with Shhh... This is a Secret, published by Arjoha Publishing and Distribution. From Bahrain, Asmaa Al Skaf was awarded the Arabic Young Adult Book Award for the 13–17 age group for her title On the Equator, published by Hezaya Bookstore. Additionally, Jordanian author Nahed Al Shawa earned the Sharjah Audio Book Award (Arabic) for The Dear Cows, published by Noon Books – Nahed Al Shawa Cultural Foundation.
Illustration awards
At the Sharjah Children's Book Illustrations Awards 2025, first prize was awarded to Luis Miguel San Fernando from Mexico. Cristina Pieropan from Italy secured second place, while Ami Shin from South Korea earned third. In recognition of emerging talent, encouragement awards were presented to Hani Saleh from Egypt, Laura Merz from Finland, and Ali Asghar Bagherzadeh from Iran.
New additions to the festival
The 2025 edition of the Sharjah Children's Reading Festival introduces an exciting lineup of new activities, including the Future Makers Museum and the Sherlock Holmes Exhibition. The festival also features a diverse range of creative workshops such as manga drawing, comic book art, string art, spinning robots, and interactive scientific experiments, offering a fun and educational experience for young minds.
Festival's cultural mission
The Sharjah Children's Reading Festival stands as one of the emirate's most prominent cultural and educational initiatives, supporting its mission to cultivate a generation of readers equipped with creativity, critical thinking, and cognitive awareness. Through learning, engagement, and thoughtful preparation, the festival aims to empower youth to actively contribute to shaping a better future.
Global literary and artistic participation
This year's edition features over 50 cultural sessions led by renowned international authors and illustrators, in addition to 85 theatrical and roaming performances presented by artists and participants from around the world.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Zawya
2 days ago
- Zawya
Onshur marks major milestone with graduation of Scale Track cohort
Sharjah, Under the patronage and in the presence of Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), the Sharjah Publishing Sustainability Fund (Onshur) celebrated the graduation of the first cohort of its 2025 Scale Track at SBA's headquarters. The programme is designed to support established publishers in the UAE in scaling their operations through sustainable and strategic growth. The ceremony honoured twelve publishers who completed the intensive training course. The event was attended by His Excellency H.E. Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of SBA, and H.E. Rashid Al Kous, Executive Director of the Emirates Publishers Association, as well as programme partners, experts, trainers, and representatives from local and Arab media. The twelve graduating publishers were selected from a pool of 62 applicants who met rigorous eligibility criteria. These included a demonstrated track record of producing high-quality cultural content and a well-defined strategic vision for expansion aligned with global publishing developments. The graduating cohort comprised Ajyal Publishing, Ghaf Publications, Sidra Publishing and Distribution, Loaloa Publishing and Distribution, Kalman Publishing and Distribution, Nabatti Publishing, Shaheen Printing Publishing and Distribution, Dar Al-Farqad, Dar Shams Publishing, Dar Al Fikr Al Jadeed, Dar Al Bayan Al Arabi, and Noor Publishing. Driving tangible progress for Emirati and Arab publishers Commenting on the occasion, Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi, Chairperson of SBA, emphasised the importance of empowering UAE publishers to grow and innovate within a sustainable framework. She stated: 'The Scale Track reflects our vision of enabling publishers to move beyond survival, towards a future defined by excellence, creativity, and leadership in enriching the Arab publishing landscape both locally and globally.' She continued: 'I am proud of this cohort, who have shown a remarkable capacity for learning, growth, and openness to new experiences. I believe they are now equipped with the tools and insights needed to build more resilient and adaptable business models. While they represent the current state of Arab publishing, they are equally poised to shape its global future, fuelled by ambition, determination, and a genuine passion for the written word.' Revitalising the future of Arab literature H.E. Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of SBA, said: 'What distinguishes these publishers is their clear ambition to grow and their willingness to embrace new tools and ideas that can propel their businesses forward. Their participation in the Scale Track represents a strategic blueprint for the regional publishing sector's expansion, firmly rooted in innovation and sustainability. This vision is inspired by Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi's commitment to cultivating a network of publishers equipped to compete on both regional and global stages, driving a renewed momentum for Arab literature and culture.' Turning vision into actionable success For his part, H.E. Rashid Al Kous, Executive Director of the Emirates Publishers Association, congratulated the graduates and commended their commitment to transforming ambition into tangible results. He said: 'We extend our congratulations to this exceptional cohort, who have exemplified what it means to turn vision into reality. The Scale Track has provided participants with critical skills enabling them to thrive in both local and international markets amid a rapidly evolving publishing landscape.' Laying the foundations for strategic publishing growth The ceremony opened with a keynote speech by Iman Ben Chaibah, Director of Strategic Initiatives and Global Markets at SBA. She highlighted that Onshur is reshaping how support is delivered to publishers by offering a comprehensive strategic framework that fosters long-term, sustainable growth. 'The Scale Track has surpassed the boundaries of traditional training,' she said. 'It has established a professional platform dedicated to enhancing publishers' operational capabilities and deepening their industry expertise.' Unlocking sustained expansion through targeted support Following the directives of Sheikha Bodour, graduates of the Scale Track benefit from a robust package of post-programme support. This includes one year of professional accounting services to ensure compliance, guidance in applying for the Sharjah International Translation Grant, onboarding to Ingram's global distribution network, access to business loans secured against publishing contracts, specialised advisory sessions, and priority access to upcoming Onshur initiatives. These measures are designed to help publishers shift from operational stability to strategic and sustainable expansion.
Al Etihad
3 days ago
- Al Etihad
Creative Media Authority (CMA) partners with UAE production house FilmGate to grow creative industries and promote production sector in Abu Dhabi
4 June 2025 12:11 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)Abu Dhabi's Creative Media Authority (CMA) has announced a new partnership with one of the UAE's leading independent, Emirati-owned and operated production houses, FilmGate, to secure a suite of benefits for the wider production industry in Abu will produce a minimum of 15 productions in Abu Dhabi over the next five years. The productions will employ 50 percent of production talent from within the CMA's partnership will also provide extensive learning and development benefits for the ecosystem, including annual workshops hosted by FilmGate for the industry on a specialist production topic and four six-month paid internships per annum for young Emirati talent with a view to providing permanent employment opportunities to grow and nurture talent from within the Director General of Creative Media Authority, Mohamed Dobay, said, 'Establishing partnerships with local and regional production leaders is a key element of our industry development strategy to make Abu Dhabi a global content hub. Alongside attracting the major Hollywood and Bollywood productions, it is critical that we support and increase the Arab content produced in Abu Dhabi to ensure we are building an ecosystem where Emirati and wider Arab narratives can thrive.''The partnerships we are curating are designed to deliver unrivalled opportunities throughout the ecosystem, from employment for our 1000-plus registered freelancers to intern opportunities for our young creatives; these partnerships support on all levels.'Founded by leading Emirati filmmaker, Mansoor Al yahbouni al Dhaheri, FilmGate will also benefit from the recent update on the rebate offered by Abu Dhabi Film Commission where qualifying productions now can apply for cashback on production and postproduction spend starting at 35 percent up to 50 per cent based on meeting a clear set of Executive Officer and Founder of FilmGate, Mansoor Al yahbouni al Dhaheri, added, 'It is a significant year for Abu Dhabi with the new rebate for production starting January 1 and a partnership of this nature with Creative Media Authority will allow us to maximise all that Abu Dhabi offers in terms of filming locations, creative infrastructure, talent and financial support to produce more content than ever before.'As a visionary producer, director, writer, and, most notably, philanthropist, Mr. Mansoor Al Dhaheri, has created content, which has been screened at festivals across the world, including at Abu Dhabi Film Festival, the Dubai International Film Festival and the Gulf Film Festival. Some of his award-winning and nominated projects include Al Biet Metwahid (Unified Home) (2013), ( (2012), Little Sparta (2016), Swim 62 (2023).Other more recent work includes the documentary ABU DHABI success story (2024), TV series Dreams Drawn by Dust (2022), House of Life (2022), Scattered Barriers (2021), three seasons of The Platform and feature film The Misfits (2021).As CEO of FilmGate, he leads a team of directors, scriptwriters, cameramen, video editors, animators, audio auditors, and producers to create engaging and inspiring content from Abu Dhabi. The FilmGate partnership is one of several partnerships CMA is establishing in order to provide further stimulus across the creative industries of Abu Dhabi, of which the production industry is key.
Gulf Today
3 days ago
- Gulf Today
Dubai-based Sara Hamdan's debut novel received well globally
The Emirates Literature Foundation, in partnership with Fiker Insitute, hosted a special evening for the launch of 'What Will People Think,' the highly anticipated debut novel by award-winning writer and journalist Sara Hamdan. The exclusive event was held at the Fiker Institute in Alserkal Avenue on Sunday and featured a fireside chat with the author led by Ahlam Bolooki, CEO of the Emirates Literature Foundation, followed by a book signing and celebratory reception. The evening brought together leading voices from Dubai's cultural and literary community, including representatives from Alserkal Avenue, Art Jameel, Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, the Department of Economy and Tourism, the Ministry of Culture, Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre, Seddiqi Holding, and a number of local authors and publishers. 'This is a landmark moment not only for Sara but for the entire literary ecosystem in Dubai,' said Ahlam Bolooki, CEO of the Emirates Literature Foundation. 'Her journey from an aspiring writer to a published author topping international bestseller lists is a shining example of what's possible when talent is matched with opportunity. It's also a powerful reminder of the transformative impact that mentorship, community support, and targeted initiatives like the First Chapter Fellowship can have on a writer's path. At the Emirates Literature Foundation, we believe in nurturing local voices and amplifying stories from this region on a global stage. We are honoured to have played a role in supporting her from her first draft to the world stage, and we hope her story inspires a new generation of writers — the world is ready for our stories. It's time we write them.' 'At Fiker Institute, we are honoured to host the regional launch of Sarah Hamdan's debut novel, and are proud to champion the voices of Arab authors and creatives on the global stage—amplifying stories that shape our cultural and intellectual landscape.' Dubai Abulhoul, Founder of Fiker Institute. 'We are thrilled to witness the amazing response Sara's book has received globally and look forward to local audiences discovering her talent and passion for storytelling. This is a pivotal moment, one that continues to pave the way for the Fellowship and strengthens the importance of such a platform to nurture writers in the region. Congratulations once again to Sara and we look forward to supporting her on this incredible journey for years to come,' said Hind Seddiqi, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at Seddiqi Holding. Currently ranked as the number one best-seller on Amazon UAE in the Humorous Fiction category, What Will People Think has struck a global chord with its heartfelt, funny, and deeply relatable narrative. It was recently featured in The New York Times' list of '24 Books Coming in May' and praised by Publishers Weekly as a novel that 'will linger in readers' minds.' Palestinian-American comedian Mo Amer described it as 'Superb... A timely yet timeless story'. The novel's international momentum began with a sold-out virtual book launch hosted by the Harvard Book Store on 19 May 2025. Hamdan is set to embark on a U.S. book tour in Fall 2025. The book is available in the UAE online on Amazon and in store in Magrudy's and other bookstores. 'I am so proud to tell a story that centres on strong, warm, funny Arab women and so grateful that the world is connecting with the universal, emotional themes,' said Hamdan. 'Our stories matter. This moment feels bigger than me; it's a win for the incredible fellowship and for Dubai – a city of dreams that has served as my home for twenty years.' Sara Hamdan, a proud recipient of the ELF Seddiqi First Chapter Writers' Fellowship, is a Dubai-based writer whose work has appeared in The New York Times, Forbes, and Conde Nast Traveller. Sara Hamdan was announced as a fellow of the inaugural ELF Seddiqi First Chapter Writers' Fellowship in February 2022. Within a year, she signed with literary agents Meredith Miller (UTA) and Sheila Crowley (Curtis Brown) and secured a landmark two-book deal with US publisher Holt after a highly competitive auction. Sara will be doing a US book tour in fall 2025. The First Chapter Fellowship, supported by Seddiqi Holding, provides selected UAE-based writers with invaluable mentorship, including 6 hours of one-on-one coaching from internationally renowned authors, 40 hours of industry workshops, introductions to global agents and editors, and access to international writing courses, including those from the Gotham Writers Centre in New York. Applications for Year Five of the First Chapter Fellowship will open in September 2025.
