All about the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival
The Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival (SCRF) stands as one of the most vibrant cultural celebrations, dedicated to igniting a lifelong passion for knowledge in the next generation. Under the visionary patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, and Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, the festival transforms the Expo Centre Sharjah into a wonderland of imagination.
It is a comprehensive edutainment ecosystem where literature, art and technology collide to foster creativity in children and young adults alike.
ABOUT SHARJAH CHILDREN’S READING FESTIVAL
The SCRF is one of the most popular annual events in Sharjah. The festival was initially launched by His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah and Supreme Council Member, to celebrate excellence in young adult literature.
This festival, which introduces the new generation to books and their authors, is not just a source of knowledge but a complete learning experience. It helps children connect with books, making the learning process fun.
ACTIVITIES AT THE SHARJAH CHILDREN’S READING FESTIVAL
The festival is a fun and educational event that helps children develop a love for reading and learning. It combines storytelling, interactive sessions with authors and hands-on workshops that make learning exciting and easy to understand.
The festival also features beautiful illustration exhibitions that show creative artwork from children’s books, along with professional meetings where publishers and booksellers discuss new trends in the industry. It brings families together and supports both young readers and the people who create books.
SHARJAH CHILDREN’S READING FESTIVAL EXHIBITORS
The festival serves as a premier global stage for a diverse array of participants, ranging from international publishing houses to government cultural entities. It provides an essential platform for children’s book distributors and educational research centres to showcase their latest innovations and titles to a massive audience of young readers and educators.
AWARDS AT THE FESTIVAL
Dedicated to honouring excellence and inclusivity in literature, the festival hosts a series of prestigious accolades. The Sharjah Children’s Book Awards and the Sharjah Audio Book Award celebrate outstanding storytelling across various formats, while the Award for Visually Impaired Children underscores a deep commitment to accessible literacy.
Additionally, the globally renowned Sharjah Children’s Book Illustration Exhibition offers a competitive platform for visual artists to be recognised for their ability to bring stories to life through captivating and innovative imagery.
SHARJAH CHILDREN’S READING FESTIVAL CONFERENCES
It acts as an intellectual hub through high-level professional gatherings like the Sharjah International Booksellers Conference and the Sharjah Animation Conference (SAC). These events unite global experts, from Oscar-winning animators to industry-leading distributors, to discuss the evolution of book sales, digital transformation and the future of visual storytelling. Other conferences include the Conference for School Librarians and the Sharjah NYU Executive Publishing Program.
By facilitating dialogue between publishers and authors, these conferences foster international collaboration and provide professionals with the strategic insights needed to navigate the ever-changing landscape of the children’s entertainment and literary industries.
SHARJAH CHILDREN’S READING FESTIVAL TIMINGS
The festival will be held at the Sharjah Expo Centre. Guests from different countries are expected at the festival.
- Price of tickets: Free event
- Timing: Monday to Thursday 09:00 am to 08:00 pm | Friday 04:00 pm to 09:00 pm | Saturday and Sunday 09:00 am to 09:00 pm
- Date: To be announced soon
FAQs ABOUT SHARJAH CHILDREN’S READING FESTIVAL
Where is the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival held?
It is held at Expo Centre Sharjah.
Who can attend the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival?
The festival is open to children, parents, families, teachers, and schools.
Are cultural performances included in the festival program?
Yes, the festival includes cultural shows, performances, and live entertainment.
Are there creative writing workshops for kids?
Yes, children can join creative writing workshops to improve their storytelling skills.
Can visitors buy books at the festival?
Yes, there are book stalls where visitors can buy a wide range of books.
Is the festival suitable for children with special needs?
Yes, the festival is designed to be inclusive and accessible for children with special needs.
That brings us to the end of our guide on the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival. The festival offers an excellent opportunity for kids to broaden their knowledge pool through discussions, workshops, seminars and art performances.
Want to catch up on your reading? Visit any bookshops in Sharjah, such as Deep Shelves and Goyal. For culture enthusiasts, the Sharjah House of Wisdom would be up your alley.
If you’re a reader in Sharjah, the Sharjah Public Library has various books, novels, scientific journals, audio-visual aids and more for everyone. It is a great place for students, researchers and general readers to explore knowledge in a calm and supportive environment.
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