'SCRF 16' has come to a spectacular close
Today's reader, tomorrow's creator
Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of SBA, remarked on the significance of this year's edition, saying: 'SCRF is more than just a festival; it's an integral part of a larger cultural vision that sees children as active participants in the present, not just future readers. This philosophy, rooted in the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, has allowed SCRF to evolve into a global platform for promoting knowledge, nurturing young talent, and expanding creativity. With the support of Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of SBA we continue to build meaningful partnerships, enriching our programming, and positioning Sharjah as a world leader in books and culture.'
Award Ceremony
The final day featured the Sharjah Children's Book Illustration Award ceremony, during which Khoula Al Mujaini, the General Coordinator of SCRF, honoured the winners across two age categories. In the 12–15 age group, Sharathvignesh Senthilkumar secured first place, with Maryam Al Badri taking second. In the 16–18 age group, Tabarak Saleh claimed first place, while Amina Jushti was awarded second.
A bridge to the future
Khoula Al Mujaini, General Coordinator of SCRF, highlighted how the festival reaffirmed the transformative power of books and the arts in shaping the next generation's minds. 'This year's diverse programme reflects Sharjah's unwavering commitment to fostering a cultural vision that transcends generations and borders,' she said. 'Our goal was to ensure that every child left SCRF with a book that not only spoke to their passions but also empowered them to explore their creativity, ambition, and dreams.'
A world of programming, from 70 countries
SCRF 2025 brought together 122 publishers from 22 countries and over 133 experts from 70 nations, offering a comprehensive programme of 1,024 activities. Visitors enjoyed everything from workshops and theatre performances to storytelling sessions and live entertainment, covering a wide spectrum of interests from literature and arts to science and technology.
In a further show of support for the publishing industry, His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, allocated AED 2.5 million to purchase books from participating publishers for Sharjah's public libraries, ensuring access to the latest Arabic and international titles.
A global edutainment platform
This year's festival treated attendees to 85 theatrical and roaming performances, along with interactive workshops in cooking, comic art, and more, fostering a dynamic environment where fun and learning went hand-in-hand. Over 50 cultural sessions brought together creative minds from 17 Arab countries, giving young audiences the chance to engage with inspiring authors, illustrators, and storytellers. New to SCRF was the 'Sherlock Holmes Exhibition', which transformed the festival into an immersive Victorian-era playground spanning 10,000 square feet, brimming with mystery, science, and deductive challenges.
Extraordinary experiences blending imagination and knowledge
Among the festival's standout attractions was the 'Future Makers Museum,' an interactive educational space where children explored science and innovation through hands-on activities. On the main stage, 'Junklandia,' a musical theatre production, captivated audiences with its blend of comedy, circus performance, and music. Meanwhile, Philippe Bougard's 'Magic in the Air' amazed young audiences with breathtaking illusions and visual effects, whisking them away on a journey of discovery.
The festival also celebrated 25 years of Spacetoon with a musical tribute, 'The Golden Generation,' performed by the Spirit of the East Choir, which resonated deeply with audiences of all ages. 'The Greatest Science Show,' led by popular YouTuber Abdullah Anan, captivated with an engaging and educational scientific display that had both children and adults mesmerised.
Honouring young talent
The festival also recognised exceptional young talent, celebrating the winners of the 'Poetry Knight' competition for their remarkable recitation and memorisation skills. Additionally, the Children's Book Illustration Award spotlighted emerging illustrators, fostering the next generation of artistic talent in children's literature.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Broadcast Pro
4 hours ago
- Broadcast Pro
KSGAAL plans next phase of Arabic children's series
This cultural initiative aims to strengthen children's connection to the Arabic language through engaging and innovative content. The King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language (KSGAAL) has hosted a panel discussion on the second phase of its Arabic children's series, a cultural initiative aimed at deepening young readers' engagement with the Arabic language. The event brought together authors, editors, illustrators and language enthusiasts to exchange ideas on advancing the project's educational and creative impact. KSGAAL Secretary-General Dr Abdullah Al-Washmi emphasised that the series seeks to strengthen children's connection to their language, enrich both linguistic and cultural content, and align with modern educational and visual storytelling trends. Reviewing the first phase, participants assessed its achievements and challenges, while proposing strategies to improve linguistic quality and educational value in the next stage. Key recommendations included focusing on reinforcing children's identity and pride in Arabic, expanding the target audience to younger children aged four–six with rhythmic, engaging content and to teenagers aged 13–15 with stories combining adventure and knowledge. The panel also urged a broader range of topics, from science, technology and history to arts and science fiction, all presented within interactive and immersive narratives. To enhance engagement, participants suggested developing digital formats with augmented reality features and integrating artificial intelligence to tailor reading experiences to individual interests. They also called for partnerships with schools, libraries and cultural centres, alongside adapting select stories into visual productions or theatrical performances. The discussion underscored KSGAAL's commitment to evolving the series into a dynamic, culturally resonant resource that not only entertains but also fosters a lasting appreciation for the Arabic language among new generations.
Khaleej Times
5 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
Renowned Egyptian novelist Sonallah Ibrahim dies at 88
Egyptian novelist Sonallah Ibrahim, famed for his critiques of political repression, neoliberalism and Western hegemony, has died at the age of 88, the culture ministry announced on Wednesday. Ibrahim "passed away today, leaving behind an immortal literary and humanitarian legacy," Culture Minister Ahmed Fouad Hanno said in a tribute, calling the writer a "pillar of modern Arabic literature". Born in Cairo in 1937, Ibrahim was famed around the Arab world as a chronicler of social injustice, known for his sparse, documentary-style prose and his fierce independence. His writings — which blurred the line between the personal and the political — captured the struggles of the Arab world in the postcolonial era, particularly those of his native Egypt. Arguably his most famous novel, "Zaat" (1992), tells the story of Egypt's modern history — from the overthrow of the monarchy in 1952 to the neoliberalism of the 1990s under president Hosni Mubarak -- through the eyes of an ordinary, middle-class woman. It was adapted into a prime-time television series in 2013, bringing Ibrahim's scathing portrayal of power to a new generation of Egyptians in the aftermath of the Arab Spring uprising that ousted Mubarak. A dissident through and through, Ibrahim was first jailed for his leftist politics in 1959, under then president Gamal Abdel Nasser. His five years in prison would form the basis for his debut 1966 novel, "That Smell", which was initially banned. Ibrahim's renown later saw many of his works translated into English and French. In 2003, he refused to accept a prestigious literary prize from the Mubarak government charging that it "oppresses our people, protects corruption and allows the Israeli ambassador to remain while Israel kills and rapes". The last was a reference to alleged Israeli abuses in the occupied territories during the second Palestinian intifada or uprising. Among Ibrahim's most celebrated works are "The Committee" (1981), a Kafkaesque allegory of bureaucracy and surveillance, and "Stealth" (2007), a semi-autobiographical account of his childhood during World War II. Generations of Arab writers found inspiration in his minimalist style, heavy with irony and rooted in everyday life.
Web Release
6 hours ago
- Web Release
Palm West Beach's New Favourite: A Beach Day Pass with a View at voco Dubai The Palm
Happy to let you know that voco Dubai The Palm's Beach Day Pass is proving to be a popular pick this summer. It offers non-resident guests full-day access to the hotel's newly extended private beach, plus generous F&B credit to enjoy everything from relaxed beach bites to the Maison Mathis à la carte menu — all with those signature Palm West Beach views. Available daily from 9am to sunset, the pass includes access to the beach and sunbeds, plus credit to spend at Maison Mathis or the relaxed beach menu — with dishes like beef carpaccio, veggie focaccia, octopus, padron peppers, Belgian croquettes, and a kids' menu for little beachgoers. Pricing (valid through 30 September) is AED 150 on weekdays with AED 130 redeemable, and AED 200 on weekends with AED 150 redeemable. Kids under 12 join free (sunbeds not included). In-house guests, of course, get complimentary access.
