SHARJAH, May 2, 2023, (WAM). Under the patronage and directives of H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi is the Supreme Council Member of Sharjah and its Ruler. His wife, H.H. The 14th edition of the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival, chaired by Sheikha Jawaher Bint Mohammed AlQasimi of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs opened its doors on Wednesday to the nation and world in Expo Centre Sharjah.
The Sharjah Book Authorities (SBA) is organizing a cultural festival that takes children, youth, and their families through a 12-day journey based on the theme “Train Your Brain”. They will explore, participate in workshops, and attend events to broaden their minds, and develop their talents.
Visitors can enjoy the festival’s varied cultural program from 4pm-8pm on May 3. During the week, you can enter anytime between 9am-8pm. On weekends, SCRF welcomes guests up until 9pm. The festival gates open on Fridays at 4pm, and close at 9:00pm.
The cultural event for children will be held in the region this year. It will include 1,732 different activities to encourage a love of books, give those who are involved in children’s literary works a chance to create new content, and raise the profile of the children’s publishing industry in the Arab World and worldwide.
The cultural extravaganza this year brings together 457 guest artists, writers and illustrators as well as experts and influencers. They will host engaging workshops and lead activities as they unveil their latest work.
The diverse activities of SCRF are spread over six stops: publisher pavilions; Children’s Book Illustration Exhibition; Workshops; Cookery Corners; Social Media Stations and Comics Corners.
Children and families will also be able to enjoy the theatre and art shows, wandering performances, literary sessions and cultural sessions.
The fair brings together 141 publishers of children’s books, offering a wide range of content, from educational and creative books to novels.
SCRF 2023 is hosting 21 panel discussions with 68 guests representing 21 Arab and other countries. The cultural program includes the ‘Importance of developing emotional intelligence skills at a young age’. Speakers include Dr. Maya Alhuwi, from the UAE, Lorca beity, from Lebanon, as well as Dr. Louise Lambert, from Canada.
The panel discussion ‘The Link Between Artificial Intelligence, Education Curricula and Children’s Books’ will feature Dr. Karima Almazroui, an Emirati, Amal Farah, Egyptian author, and Ross Welford, a British, from the UK.
In the meantime, Dr. Haitham Al Khawaja, from Syria, Roysten Adbel, from India, Sharifa Mouza, from the UAE will be the speakers at the panel discussion entitled ‘Implementing theatre studies in educational curricula.
The festival, which will last 12 days, will host 946 events, led by 25 guests from ten countries, including workshops for children on arts, sports and science.
The festival will host 136 theatre shows, roaming performances, acrobats and music concerts, led by 16 guest artists from 16 different countries.
SBA’s production of the children’s drama “Alone at Home” is one of the most noteworthy activities. The play, which is full of fun and laughter, will run from 7:30pm on May 12-13 and 6pm on May 14. Akbar the Great Nahi Rahe comedy will take place at 4pm on May 7 and Masaka Kids Africana children’s show will also be performed.
This edition, the popular Cookery Corner is back with more than 33 culinary activities. Twelve renowned chefs representing nine countries will be presenting them. SCRF’s 14th edition will feature chefs from New Zealand and the US as well as Portugal, India, Morocco, Jordan and the UAE.
The world of comics will be explored by children and youth through 323 activities. These include workshops, panel discussions and a series roaming shows, led by 15 creators from four countries. Acro Adventures, Ninja Tests and workshops are the most popular activities in this corner.
Social Media Station hosts 72 activities, led by content creators and influencers such as Wessam Qutob and Chef Faisal Al-Khalidi. They will also provide insight into the latest methods for developing content on digital platforms, and identifying target audiences.
