Latest news with #16thSharjahChildren'sReadingFestival
Gulf Today
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf Today
SCRF attracts 125,000 visitors as it ends on a high note
The 16th Sharjah Children's Reading Festival (SCRF 2025) has successfully concluded after twelve days of creativity, discovery, and cultural exchange. Held at Expo Centre Sharjah under the theme 'Dive Into Books,' this year's festival welcomed 125,700 visitors from 167 countries, transforming the venue into a lively hub where literature, art, innovation, and imagination intertwine. Organised by the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), SCRF 2025 translates the vision of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi's, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, and the directives and guidance of Sheikha Jawaher Bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs, whose longstanding commitment to empowering youth through knowledge and fostering a passion for reading, creativity, and self-expression was reflected in the festival's rich cultural programming. 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 Dr Sheikh 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.' 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. 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.
Gulf News
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf News
Sharjah Children's Reading Festival concludes, welcoming over 125,000 visitors
Sharjah: The 16th Sharjah Children's Reading Festival (SCRF 2025) has concluded after twelve days of creativity, discovery, and cultural exchange. Held at Expo Centre Sharjah under the theme 'Dive Into Books', this year's festival welcomed 125,700 visitors from 167 countries, transforming the venue into a lively hub where literature, art, innovation, and imagination intertwine. Organised by the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), SCRF 2025 translates the vision of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, and the directives and guidance of Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs, whose longstanding commitment to empowering youth through knowledge and fostering a passion for reading, creativity, and self-expression was reflected in the festival's rich cultural programming. 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 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 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.
Gulf Today
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf Today
UAEBBY hosts Egyptian Board of Children's Books as Guest of Honour at SCRF
The UAE Board on Books for Young People (UAEBBY) is hosting the Egyptian Board of Children's Books (EBBY) as the Guest of Honour at the 16th Sharjah Children's Reading Festival (SCRF), which runs until the evening of 4th May at Expo Centre Sharjah. The UAEBBY continues to consolidate its role in building bridges of cultural communication between peoples by hosting the EBBY. This hosting marks a new milestone in Arab cooperation within the children's literature sector. The Egyptian Board of Children's Books, as an active branch of the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY), showcases its efforts to promote reading and develop Egypt's children's book industry through a joint pavilion with UAEBBY. The delegation will also host sessions and events connecting young readers with leading writers and illustrators. The EBBY delegation includes several notable figures: Dr. Ibrahim Shalabi, a young adult novelist addressing identity and adolescence; illustrator Mohamed Wahba, known for manga-inspired styles and panoramic depictions of Egyptian life; and Haitham Shukri, a storyteller blending performance and narrative. Dr. Nadia El Khouly, Chair of the Board and a Professor at Cairo University, is a prominent advocate for youth empowerment through literature. Marwa Al Aqroubi, President of UAEBBY, expressed enthusiasm for hosting EBBY, citing its cultural depth and impact on children's literature. She affirmed the Board's commitment to regional and international cooperation and emphasised literature as a bridge for mutual understanding. Hosting EBBY aligns with the UAE's spirit of openness and cultural diversity. Al Aqroubi added that the hosting allows audiences at the festival to explore diverse literary experiences while providing UAE-based writers and illustrators a chance to exchange knowledge. Guests will also gain insights into the UAE's thriving cultural scene, particularly in children's literature, and will engage directly with festival attendees. Dr. El Khouly voiced EBBY's honour in being the festival's Guest of Honour, viewing the participation as a way to elevate Egyptian children's literature internationally. She noted the educational and aesthetic value of Egypt's books and the importance of sharing these with a wider audience. El Khouly highlighted ongoing cooperation between the Emirati and Egyptian boards, which includes expertise exchange and collaborative programmes. She sees this hosting as an opportunity for festival visitors to explore the richness of Egyptian culture and literature, brought to life by creators carrying messages of humanity and unity. The hosting includes daily events such as storytelling sessions and art workshops led by EBBY members. Meetings with the Emirates Publishers Association, Kalimat Group, Sharjah International Literary Rights Agency, and others aim to explore collaboration. The Egyptian delegation will also tour key cultural institutions like the Sharjah Public Library and the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair.
Gulf Today
02-05-2025
- Business
- Gulf Today
Sharjah Book Authority, Invest bank tie up on children's storybook
As part of its continued efforts to promote cultural awareness among young people, the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) has signed a partnership with Invest bank to develop a children's storybook focused on financial literacy. The initiative is a collaboration with the Sharjah Publishing Sustainability Fund (Onshur), a key SBA programme that supports sustainable publishing in the UAE. The agreement was signed on the sidelines of the 16th Sharjah Children's Reading Festival by Iman Ben Chaibah, Director of Strategic Initiatives at SBA, and Humaida Al Khalsan, Head of Corporate Affairs and Marketing at Invest bank, in the presence of Ahmed Bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of SBA, and Edris Al Rafi, CEO of Invest bank. Through this partnership, Invest bank will sponsor the production of a storybook for children aged eight and above, introducing key financial concepts in a simple and engaging way. The book will be launched at the upcoming Sharjah International Book Fair, in collaboration with a UAE-based publisher who graduated from the Onshur programme. Commenting on the partnership, Ahmed Bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of SBA, said: 'This partnership reflects the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, to bolster the role of books in human development and to cultivate content that fosters awareness from an early age. The authority remains committed to developing initiatives that embed books into the fabric of children's daily lives. By providing young readers with the tools to ignite their curiosity, expand their imagination, and deepen their understanding, we shape a future generation that is informed, inspired and imaginative. Through this collaboration, we offer an enriching reading experience that speaks to the realities of children's lives while seamlessly blending fun with meaning, and language with creativity." Ahmed Bin Rakkad Al Ameri added: 'We believe that human development begins in childhood, and that financial literacy is an essential part of that foundation, no less important than reading or general knowledge. This partnership reflects SBA's commitment to realising the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, to empower future generations through books and knowledge. Our collaboration with Invest bank aims to offer a creative model that combines culture and economic awareness in a format that resonates with both children and the wider community.' On his part, Edris Al Rafi, CEO of Invest bank, said: 'We are proud to partner with SBA on an initiative that introduces children to the fundamentals of financial literacy in an innovative and engaging way. Equipping young people with financial skills from an early age is not a luxury, but a necessity for building a more informed and sustainable society. At Invest bank, we believe that real investment begins with the child, and that combining financial knowledge with creativity and imagination lays the foundation for a generation capable of making smart, responsible financial decisions.' Onshur, established under the directives of Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi, is a flagship initiative that reflects Sharjah's commitment to building a knowledge-based economy and supporting the growth of emerging publishers. Launched by SBA in collaboration with the Emirates Publishers Association and the Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone, the fund is designed to strengthen the resilience and sustainability of the publishing sector. It offers three development tracks — Launch, Scale, and Disrupt — tailored to support publishers at different stages of their professional journey.
Zawya
02-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Sharjah Book Authority, Invest Bank partner to bring financial literacy to children
The Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) has signed a partnership with Invest Bank to produce a children's storybook on financial literacy, as part of its efforts to promote cultural and educational awareness among young readers. The initiative is supported by the Sharjah Publishing Sustainability Fund (Onshur), which champions sustainable publishing in the UAE. The agreement was signed on the sidelines of the 16th Sharjah Children's Reading Festival by Iman Ben Chaibah, Director of Strategic Initiatives at SBA, and Humaida Al Khalsan, Head of Corporate Affairs and Marketing at Invest Bank, in the presence of SBA CEO Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri and Invest Bank CEO Edris Al Rafi. Targeting children aged eight and above, the storybook will introduce key financial concepts in a simplified, engaging format. It is set to launch at the upcoming Sharjah International Book Fair and will be published by a UAE-based publisher who graduated from the Onshur programme. Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri said the initiative aligns with the vision of H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, to foster human development through books. 'Financial literacy is just as important as reading and general knowledge. Through this collaboration, we present a model that combines culture and economic awareness in a format that resonates with children and families,' he said. Edris Al Rafi added, 'Investing in financial education from an early age is essential for building a more informed society. This partnership allows us to introduce children to financial principles through storytelling, creativity and imagination.' Onshur, launched by SBA under the directives of Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, supports emerging publishers through development tracks designed to build a resilient, knowledge-driven publishing ecosystem in Sharjah.
