"Sharjah Children" draws over 2,300 visitors at SCRF
Interactive workshops and engaging sessions
Throughout the 12-day event, the Sharjah Children's pavilion hosted over 70 specialised creative workshops and reading sessions, combining cultural, artistic, practical, and entertainment elements. These sessions, facilitated by experts and Sharjah Children members, took participants on a rich journey through the world of books and storytelling, aiming to spark imagination, develop narration skills, and instil positive values through creative reading and writing challenges. Among the most popular were How I see the story, Reading Jenga, I'll catch my breakfast, Under the hat, and House of Wisdom.
Exploring cultures and life skills
Participants in the Exploring Civilisations workshop discovered global cultures using collage art to design traditional clothing. In the Nana the Chef workshop, children learned the importance of respecting and helping parents, as well as how to prepare healthy meals. Additional creative and skill-based workshops included My magic mirror, The art of embroidery, Colours of life, and Eco-friendly tales, all delivered in a fun, interactive atmosphere.
Collaborations with creative institutions
The event also featured contributions from specialised organisations, notably FUNN, which presented two interactive workshops: My place in my book and From page to virtual reality. Female students from the Higher Colleges of Technology also contributed with a series of creative sessions, including Family tales, My little stories, My imagination draws my story, and Puppet tales.
Literature of Awareness and themed activities
As part of the Literature of Awareness programme, inspired by the story of Laith and Hila, children participated in lively workshops such as Code breaker, Sticky experiments, Cookie galaxy, and Space monsters.
Launching the 'Reader of the Century' platform
Beyond the workshops, the institution launched the Reader of the Century platform at its stand. This initiative aims to deepen cultural awareness and enhance the intellectual and cognitive skills of children and youth aged 6 to 18, by motivating them to read and seek knowledge.
Theatre performances and showcasing talents
Sharjah Children's members also performed on stage as part of the festival's programme, presenting a range of purposeful and engaging plays including The Judge and the Crow, Let's Play, and Be Yourself.
Encouraging reading and creativity
The participation aimed to highlight the foundation's programmes and services, while encouraging children to develop a love for reading, research, and knowledge. It also sought to foster cultural and creative awareness, empowering future generations to become conscious, influential members of society.
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The event took place on Wednesday, May 21, at the Kalba Literary Council, with the participation of more than 60 children from the Eastern Region. The initiative featured an inspiring panel discussion presented by the children who won the "Voices of Future Generations" competition across the Middle East: Saud Al Kaabi, Noura Al Mushtaghel, and Maktoum Al Mazrouei. They presented their winning stories, which addressed environmental and development issues related to sustainability goals, affirming children's ability to express their visions for a more balanced and just future. This distinguished participation is the result of the specialised training they received at Sharjah Children, which aims to develop their critical thinking and creative writing skills, empowering them to use expression tools to make a real difference in their communities. "Storyteller" workshop The event included a "Storyteller" workshop, in which Halima Al Kaabi presented her story "Safa and the Angry Sea," which focused on environmental awareness, the dangers of marine pollution, and the individual's role in protecting beaches and marine life through an innovative story that conveys a powerful message and social responsibility. Experts from the "Voices of Future Generations" competition team also participated in presenting a "Creative Writing" workshop, which addressed storytelling techniques and how to connect stories to the Sustainable Development Goals by developing meaningful characters and constructing plots that touch on reality and inspire change. The workshop provided the children with a unique opportunity to acquire artistic tools and enhance their self-expression skills in an impactful manner. In the same context, members of the Kalba Children's Centre presented the play "Flower Village," which addressed environmental themes in a dramatic style, promoting positive values and urging the preservation of nature, within an engaging and interactive setting. 'Little Writers" The "Little Writers" initiative reflected Sharjah Children's vision of empowering children to express their thoughts and opinions with awareness and confidence, and providing them with the tools that make writing an effective means of positive change. It also provided them with a stimulating educational environment, enabling them to interact with young and expert writers and strengthening their confidence that their ideas deserve to be told and heard. It's worth noting that the initiative was organised in cooperation with the Emirates Literature Foundation and the Kalba Literary Council, affiliated with the Department of Culture, as part of Sharjah Children's efforts to raise a balanced generation that possesses awareness and imagination, and is capable of positively interacting with the issues of the present and the future.
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"Sharjah Children" draws over 2,300 visitors at SCRF
Interactive workshops and engaging sessions Throughout the 12-day event, the Sharjah Children's pavilion hosted over 70 specialised creative workshops and reading sessions, combining cultural, artistic, practical, and entertainment elements. These sessions, facilitated by experts and Sharjah Children members, took participants on a rich journey through the world of books and storytelling, aiming to spark imagination, develop narration skills, and instil positive values through creative reading and writing challenges. Among the most popular were How I see the story, Reading Jenga, I'll catch my breakfast, Under the hat, and House of Wisdom. Exploring cultures and life skills Participants in the Exploring Civilisations workshop discovered global cultures using collage art to design traditional clothing. In the Nana the Chef workshop, children learned the importance of respecting and helping parents, as well as how to prepare healthy meals. Additional creative and skill-based workshops included My magic mirror, The art of embroidery, Colours of life, and Eco-friendly tales, all delivered in a fun, interactive atmosphere. Collaborations with creative institutions The event also featured contributions from specialised organisations, notably FUNN, which presented two interactive workshops: My place in my book and From page to virtual reality. Female students from the Higher Colleges of Technology also contributed with a series of creative sessions, including Family tales, My little stories, My imagination draws my story, and Puppet tales. Literature of Awareness and themed activities As part of the Literature of Awareness programme, inspired by the story of Laith and Hila, children participated in lively workshops such as Code breaker, Sticky experiments, Cookie galaxy, and Space monsters. Launching the 'Reader of the Century' platform Beyond the workshops, the institution launched the Reader of the Century platform at its stand. This initiative aims to deepen cultural awareness and enhance the intellectual and cognitive skills of children and youth aged 6 to 18, by motivating them to read and seek knowledge. Theatre performances and showcasing talents Sharjah Children's members also performed on stage as part of the festival's programme, presenting a range of purposeful and engaging plays including The Judge and the Crow, Let's Play, and Be Yourself. Encouraging reading and creativity The participation aimed to highlight the foundation's programmes and services, while encouraging children to develop a love for reading, research, and knowledge. It also sought to foster cultural and creative awareness, empowering future generations to become conscious, influential members of society.
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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. 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