Sharjah Ruler launches 'Reader of the Century' platform, designed to empower children

Gulf News

05-05-2025

Sharjah: His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, inaugurated the 16th annual edition of the Sharjah Children's Reading Festival (SCRF 2025), organised by the Sharjah Book Authority, which runs until May 4 at Expo Centre Sharjah under the theme 'Dive into Books'.
His Highness toured the festival halls, which host 122 Arab and international publishing houses from 22 nations this year. Across the festival's 12 days, 133 guests from 70 countries will lead a vibrant and interactive cultural agenda of 1,024+ events, including workshops, theatre performances, interactive sessions, and specialised reading activities which will span diverse genres including arts, culture, edutainment, and more.
Dr Sheikh Sultan explored several pavilions at the festival, where the Sharjah Ruler was briefed on their programmes and initiatives focused on instilling a culture of reading in the younger generations.
Reader of the Century
During the tour, His Highness visited Sharjah Children's pavilion, an affiliate of the Rubu' Qarn Foundation for Creating Leaders and Innovators, where His Highness launched the 'Reader of the Century' platform, designed to empower children and young adults aged 6-18 through literature and knowledge, and enhance their active role in society. The platform encourages children to enjoy reading books and benefit from their content, ensuring a cultural experience that is both enjoyable and enriching.
The Ruler of Sharjah also visited the UAE Board on Books for Young People (UAEBBY) pavilion and met with representatives from the Egyptian Board on Books for Young People, the UAEBBY's guest of honour country at SCRF 2025. His Highness was briefed on their vision to enhance cultural cooperation between the UAE and Egypt, as well as to facilitate the exchange of expertise in the development of children's literature and associated initiatives.
Upon arrival, His Highness was welcomed by Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, and Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), Abdul Rahman bin Mohammed Al Owais, Minister of Health and Prevention; Dr. Ahmed Fouad Hano, Egypt's Minister of Culture; alongside heads and directors of Sharjah's leading cultural and educational institutions, as well as authors, intellectuals, and specialists in children's literature who are part of SCRF this year.
New Awards
Additionally, His Highness launched the newly redesigned website of the International Award for Arabic Children's Literature, which now showcases the award's updated identity. The Ruler of Sharjah also announced the launch of the 17th edition of the award, which is now open for submissions from individuals involved in the creation and production of Arabic children's books from across the world.
During the tour, His Highness also visited the pavilions of the Department of Culture and the Emirates Publishers Association, as well as the 'Read, You Are in Sharjah' platform by Mansa Distribution Company and the House of Wisdom. His Highness was briefed on their respective initiatives, which focus on advancing the publishing sector and fostering cultural engagement, as well as their ongoing efforts to encourage children to develop a strong interest in reading and writing.
Dr Sheikh Sultan also visited the pavilions of the Social Services Department, the Arab Children's Book Publishers Forum, the Kalimat Foundation, the Sharjah Broadcasting Authority, and the Kalimat Group. The Sharjah Ruler was briefed on the activities of these leading institutions in the field of publishing and knowledge, which actively contribute to initiatives that nurture children's development, foster reading habits, and engage young minds through interactive, educational, and entertaining activities delivered in creative and diverse ways.
His Highness concluded the tour at the Sharjah Exhibition for Children's Book Illustrations 2025, which is hosting a diverse selection of artworks this year, including those by award-winning artists. His Highness was briefed by participating local and international artists on their displayed works.
Honouring
Celebrating creative excellence, His Highness honoured the winners of the Sharjah Children's Book Award, which presents its winners with AED 20,000 for each of the award's 3 categories.
Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi's latest work House of Wisdom, published by Kalimat Group shined in the English-language Children's Book category (ages 7 to 13). Mohamed Kasbar from Egypt won in the Arabic Children's Book category (ages 4 to 12), for the book Shhh ... It's a Secret, published by Orjouha Publishing, the award was received by the representative of the publishing house, Mohammed Gharib. The Arabic Young Adults' Book category (ages 13 to 17) was awarded to Bahrain's Asmaa Al Sakkaf for On the Equator, published by Hazaya Library. The Sharjah Audiobook Award was bestowed upon Jordan's Nahed Al Shawwa Dear Cows, published by Noon Books.
His Highness also honoured the winners of the Sharjah Children's Book Illustration Exhibition Awards 2025. The first prize was awarded to Luis Miguel San Vicente Oliveros from Mexico, followed by Cristina Pieropan from Italy in second place, and Shin Ami from South Korea, who secured third place. Hani Saleh from Egypt, Laura Merz from Finland, and Ali Asghar Bagherzadeh Matak from Iran were each honoured as encouragement for their creative contributions.
Future Makers Museum
SCRF 2025 introduces a fresh slate of innovative features such as the 'Future Makers Museum' and the 'Sherlock Holmes Exhibition'. A variety of creative workshops are also available, including manga illustration, Make Your Own Bristlebot, Digital Cubes, Spinning Robots, and hands-on science experiments that combine fun with learning.
The festival is hosting 133 guests from 70 countries and will stage more than 50 cultural sessions featuring a distinguished group of international writers and illustrators, in addition to 85 theatre and roaming performances.