Latest news with #SharjahChildren'sReadingFestival
Gulf Weekly
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf Weekly
All good things
Bahraini author Nada Fardan's latest children's book has hit the shelves this month, highlighting the idea that something good can only be built on strong, noble foundations, writes Melissa Nazareth. The 25-page Arabic story Manba'a Al-Jood ('source of bounty') was unveiled at the Sharjah Children's Reading Festival, staged at Sharjah Institute for Heritage, from April 23 to May 4. The cultural event featured workshops, interactive shows, and renowned authors, among other activities, inspiring children and developing their love for reading. 'Manba'a Al-Jood (available on tells the story of a young farmer who rests beneath the shade of a large tree after a long, tiring day, and as he begins to admire the leaves for the comfort they provide, his father – an old and wise man – initiates a conversation to teach him an important lesson,' the 39-year-old told GulfWeekly. 'This tree would never have grown so strong and beautiful if it hadn't come from a good seed. Their philosophical exchange reflects the idea that all good things must have strong, virtuous origins,' she added. Coinciding with the book release, the Sanad resident won the Jury Prize for her 2023 release Shampoo Al-shoor Al-ajeeb ('the amazing shampoo of feelings') at the seventh edition of the Sharjah Gulf Women Creativity Awards. Other titles by the architect-turned-full-time-author include Faris wa drou'oh Al-asher ('Faris and his 10 Armours'), Faris fi zaman Al-goos ('Faris in the Pearling Age'), Ebtisamet Shamoosa ('Sunny Smile'), Hamama Nodi ('Nodi the dove') and, recently, her first English story One Trunk Away. 'I keep my imagination alive – vivid and attuned to what children need in order to grow,' she explained, describing her creative process and how she thinks of ideas for her books. 'Writing for children is a beautiful journey. Often, I feel like a cloud laden with rain, burdened by thoughts and words that must pour forth as stories before I can find peace once more.'
Gulf Today
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf Today
Urdu Fest 2025 draws crowds in Sharjah
In a vibrant celebration of language and cultural heritage, the Sharjah Children's Reading Festival, in collaboration with Bazm-e-Urdu, has hosted Urdu Fest 2025 at the Intellectual Hall, Expo Centre Sharjah. The event brought together students, educators, poets, and literary enthusiasts for a day dedicated to showcasing the richness and elegance of the Urdu language through competitions and artistic performances. The event featured two flagship competitions, Inter-School Baitbaazi (live poetry) Championship and Debate (Taqreeri) Competition. Both saw participation by schoolchildren from different Emirates across the UAE and demonstrating their eloquence, confidence, and deep-rooted connection to Urdu literature. The event opened with welcoming remarks by Arsal Abbas, followed by a heartfelt introduction to Bazm-e-Urdu by Afia Khan, a bright and confident Grade 5 student. Both the Debate and Baitbazi competitions captivated the audience, showcasing the students' eloquence, wit, and deep engagement with Urdu literature. A distinguished panel of judges — Dr Asim Sabahat Wasti, Aijaz Shaheen, Arif Bhaldar, Kishwar, Nadeem Ahmad, Asad Haider, and Imad ul Malik — evaluated the performances with great appreciation. Shakeel Ahmed Khan, President of Bazm-e-Urdu, applauded the efforts of the entire Bazm-e-Urdu volunteer team, with special recognition to the organisation's founder Rehan Khan, currently based in Canada, for his instrumental role in planning and preparing the event. The Baitbaazi Championship was moderated by renowned poet, Syed Tabish Zaidi, who eloquently highlighted the educational and cultural importance of this poetic tradition. 'Baitbaazi is more than just a literary game – it's an intellectual activity that enhances memory, strengthens vocabulary, and deepens our appreciation of classical Urdu poetry,' said Zaidi. He further added that Baitbaazi, a beloved tradition across Pakistan, India, and the Urdu-speaking diaspora, inspires youth to engage with poetry and helps preserve this cherished art form for future generations. Winners of the Debate Competition were: 1st Place: Pakistani Islamic Private School, Al Ain, 2nd Place: His Highness Shaikh Rashid Al Maktoum Pakistan School Dubai, 3rd Place: Pakistani Islamic Private School, Al Ain. Winners of the Bait Bazi Championship were 1st Place: Pakistan Islamia Higher Secondary School, Fujairah, 2nd Place: Pakistani Islamic Private School, Al Ain and 3rd Place: His Highness Shaikh Rashid Al Maktoum Pakistan School Dubai.
Gulf News
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf News
Sharjah Ruler launches 'Reader of the Century' platform, designed to empower children
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.
Gulf Today
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf Today
British-Pakistani writer pens stories for immigrants
At the 16th edition of the Sharjah Children's Reading Festival (SCRF), a panel of award-winning authors and educators explored a timeless yet increasingly pertinent question: What makes a story resonate with today's children? The discussion, 'Crafting Stories That Resonate with Today's Children,' brought together Australian author Andrea Rowe, British-Pakistani writer and educator Maryam Hassan, and Arabic literary scholar and children's writer Dr Bayan 'Amr, and was moderated by Dr Sandy Zanella, a children's author and mindfulness coach. Maryam Hassan, a teacher and storyteller of Pakistani heritage currently based in Tokyo, writes from her lived experience — both as a global citizen and an educator of multicultural classrooms. 'I am a Montessori teacher with experience in the UK and the US, where I have seen immigrant children struggle not just with language, but with being understood in terms of their identity,' she shared. 'So I wrote to give them stories they could see themselves in.' Her books — many of which feature South Asian protagonists and cultural references like parathas (flatbreads) or school-lunch mishaps — celebrate differences while building bridges. 'Even if you're not an immigrant, you can learn through these stories. And for those who are, they're a lifeline,' Hassan opined. Talking about the formative years as an author, Andrea Rowe, whose celebrated picture book Jetty Jumping won Australia's CBCA Book of the Year: Early Childhood in 2022, shared that her writing was born out of observing children navigate emotional terrain. 'I had always loved picture books,' she said, 'but it wasn't until I became a parent that I realised stories were unfolding right in front of me — in scraped knees, shy glances, and brave little moments.' For Rowe, nature and tricky feelings often converge. 'Children are physical and emotional beings. They experience the world in peaks and dips, much like the natural environments they play in. I try to reflect that in my work.' Talking about the importance of stories, Dr Bayan 'Amr, a literary critic and academic at Qatar University, emphasised the foundational role of folklore in Arab children's literature. 'Folktales teach children about human nature — about overcoming, belonging, and imagination. We must not discard heritage. Instead, we must renew it with creativity,' she said. She likened great storytelling to Hans Christian Andersen's The Ugly Duckling, a universal tale of transformation and self-acceptance, arguing that the 'weapon of joy' is one of the most powerful tools a writer has. 'Good stories don't impose. They open a parallel world where the child feels safe, seen, and inspired.' On whether children's books need morals, the panel agreed that while literature has always played a pedagogical role, it need not always teach lessons. 'Sometimes, a book should simply offer joy,' said Rowe. 'Or emotional validation. Or a moment of calm in a noisy world.' 'Pictures books, in particular, often carry nuance beyond what the text can convey,' said Hassan. 'They can offer comfort, humour or even quiet rebellion.' In response to a question from an audience about whether Arabic folktales can become as globally beloved as Andersen's, Hassan pointed to a systemic lack of diversity in global publishing. 'The stories exist. The voices exist. What's missing is equal opportunity. We need publishers to give these tales — and the cultures they come from — the same visibility and support.' Meanwhile, the Sharjah Animation Conference 2025 featured a riveting roundtable discussion titled 'Animation in MENA & Africa: Opportunities & Challenges,' convening leading voices from the region's animation industry to discuss the evolving sector. This anticipated session brought together Zümrüt Pakoy, MENA Programming and Presentation Director at Warner Bros Discovery; Abdulaziz Othman, CEO of ZEEZ Animation in Saudi Arabia; Tariq Ali, Founder of Egyptian studio ZANAD; Raymond Malinga, CEO of Creatures Animation Studio in Uganda; and Damilola Solesi, Creative Director and CEO of Smids Animation Studios from Nigeria.
Gulf Today
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf Today
SCRF panel discusses strategy behind self-publishing success
From overcoming personal challenges to building global readerships, independent authors are redefining the publishing landscape on their terms. At the Sharjah Children's Reading Festival (SCRF 2025), a panel discussion titled 'Self-publishing is more than simply uploading a manuscript' brought together Arab and international voices to explore the journey behind going to print. Speakers emphasised that self-publishing is not just about the writing, but about owning the creative process, understanding the market, and forging genuine connections with readers. The session hosted Caroline Bakker, Kim A Page, Yasmin Ahmed, and Adil Al Zarooni, who stressed that with persistence, strategic thinking, and right platforms, independent authors can successfully bring their stories to global readers. Al Zarooni, an Emirati author of three books, including his popular work of fiction Red Island, reflected on the regional challenges of writing in English. 'No one in the region wanted to publish a book in English, and I had no support. But I pushed forward using Amazon and Shopify, and now two of my titles are among the most successful in the Middle East. I turned Emirati culture into fiction so it could travel beyond borders.' Mindfulness and meditation coach and holistic health advocate, Caroline Bakker, spoke candidly about her health challenges, which inspired her to write. 'If I'm struggling with ADHD and PMDD, I know others are too. That's why I wrote The Healing Journey. Although I feared negative reviews, the value of sharing my journey outweighed the fear.' Her book serves as a valuable resource in coaching sessions globally. She encouraged aspiring authors not to overthink, and advised them to 'just write and publish.' Yasmin Ahmed, a psychotherapist, shared how she built a community on Instagram by offering mental health insights and practical advice. 'I wanted to publish a book that captured the knowledge and guidance I was already sharing online,' she said. 'Self-publishing gave me full control over my message. For marketing, I began by gifting the book to people I believed would benefit, and the readership grew naturally from there. You don't need a huge campaign, just a genuine connection to your target audience.' Kim A Page, communication expert and author of The Right Kind of Loud, offered insight into the editorial and marketing process. 'I gave my manuscript to 12 reviewers, and their honest feedback helped me refine the book into something truly valuable. For me, publishing was an extension of my work. I offer the book at talks and classes, which becomes a tool to continue the conversation.' VIRAL TRENDS: Content creator and life coach Hamsa Younus cautioned school children about viral trends circulating on social media, helping them to understand their nature, and how to assess their safety and make informed decisions about participating in challenges and trends online during the 'Viral Trends – Fun or Dangerous?' session at the Sharjah Children's Reading Festival. In an interactive session, children in the 9-12 group told the family counsellor and author that they consumed content predominantly on Tiktok and YouTube. Younus shared a viral and dangerous video on a salt and ice challenge to help children comprehend the perils of blindly following influencers who promoted content for views and money. She apprised them against positive and negative imitation. 'Ask yourself if a video is safe, is it responsible, will it harm me or anyone?' pointed out the trainer. She asked them how they would differentiate between negative and positive trends and how such content affects viewers. They replied any content that affected one's physical or mental health would be considered negative; if it affected others too, it was a good reason not to follow it or make it trending. Some of them replied that they would delete a harmful video or not follow a creator who relayed dangerous content. Others said that they would not let negative comments about content they create affect their mental peace or self-esteem. Such negative experiences will also keep them away from social media, some postulated. They also suggested the need to improve self-esteem so that trends did not affect them.
