The Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) recently announced that the 14th annual Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival (SCRF) will be held from May 3 to 14 at Expo Centre Sharjah. The festival will be a celebration of literature and culture that will feature renowned publishers, authors, poets, illustrators, and creatives delivering a wide range of cultural and artistic programmes, including dialogues, workshops, and live shows, which are expected to engage and enrich people of all ages.
Chairman of SBA, Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, pointed out that the SCRF represents the vision of H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and the directives of H.H. Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, wife of the Ruler of Sharjah and Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs (SCFA), to invest in the younger generations and equip them with knowledge and skill sets they will need to lead the nation.
Al Ameri stated that the festival is an extension of Sharjah’s initiatives to educate the younger generations about the significance of reading and providing them with the right opportunities to explore their talents through the diverse programming agenda offered by the SCRF.
The annual festival strives to promote knowledge and character development among young people while also providing a platform for industry professionals to share ideas and expertise to shape the future of the sector. According to Khoula Al Mujaini, General Coordinator of SCRF, the upcoming edition will continue to encourage the development of children’s literature. She also stated that the 14th edition will offer an extensive range of events, shows, and workshops to enable children and young adults to freely explore their creative side and apply their talents.
The SCRF will attract young readers and their families from across the UAE and the region, with over 200,000 visitors expected to attend this year. Participants can look forward to a variety of exciting activities, including book signings by renowned authors, interactive workshops, and performances by various artists. Moreover, the festival will provide a platform for children and young adults to meet and engage with professionals in the publishing industry, including authors, illustrators, and publishers.
The SCRF is a remarkable event that highlights the importance of reading and its role in enhancing young people’s imagination and creativity. The festival is an excellent opportunity to promote cultural and literary initiatives that contribute to the development of society’s younger generations. The SCRF also offers a platform for aspiring authors and illustrators to showcase their work and connect with publishers, which can potentially lead to publishing opportunities.
The Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival is a unique event that brings together publishers, authors, poets, illustrators, and creatives to inspire and engage young readers. The festival’s diverse programming agenda encourages children and young adults to develop a love for reading and explore their creative sides. The SCRF is an excellent opportunity to promote literary initiatives and connect aspiring authors and illustrators with publishers, contributing to the growth and development of the publishing industry in the region.
