Sharjah has once again reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing a generation of young readers as the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival (SCRF) wrapped up its 16th edition this week. Drawing more than 125,000 enthusiastic visitors, the 11-day literary celebration turned Expo Centre Sharjah into a buzzing hub of imagination, dialogue, and discovery.
The event, organized by the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, has grown to become one of the region’s most vibrant cultural festivals dedicated to children and youth. With this year’s theme of “Once Upon a Hero”, the festival spotlighted the extraordinary power of stories to inspire courage, curiosity, and kindness.
A Festival That Celebrates Young Readers
Every corner of Expo Centre Sharjah pulsed with energy—from bustling bookstalls to interactive reading corners, storytelling sessions, and creative workshops. More than 1,300 activities took place during the festival, including panel discussions, performances, theatrical plays, and art labs, all carefully curated for children, teens, parents, and educators.
International authors, illustrators, and educators took the stage to engage with young audiences and share the magic behind storytelling. Among the notable names were celebrated authors from the UK, USA, and the Arab world, who enriched the programme with diverse perspectives and narratives.
Workshops on AI storytelling, robotics, calligraphy, and animation also helped bridge the worlds of reading and technology, encouraging children to become creators—not just consumers—of stories.
Special Zones for Learning and Fun
One of the most popular attractions this year was the Comic Corner, where young fans dived deep into the universe of graphic novels, manga, and superhero tales. In another hall, the Cookery Corner saw budding chefs and curious eaters discover stories through taste, linking culinary arts with storytelling traditions across cultures.
Meanwhile, the Cultural Café offered parents and educators a space to discuss key issues around childhood education, literacy in the digital age, and the role of stories in building empathy.
A major highlight of the festival was the Books Made in the UAE initiative, which showcased locally published children’s books, furthering Sharjah’s mission to support homegrown literature.
Empowering Voices Through Dialogue
The festival wasn’t just about reading—it was also about conversation. Children had the opportunity to interact with authors directly, ask questions, and even participate in live storytelling contests. The Reading Out Loud competition witnessed emotional performances by children who read selected excerpts in English and Arabic, demonstrating both their linguistic abilities and deep emotional connection with the material.
By offering young people a platform to express themselves, SCRF plays a vital role in shaping confident, thoughtful future leaders.
An Inclusive Experience for All
Inclusivity remained a central theme throughout the 16th edition of the festival. Dedicated programs for children with disabilities ensured that every child could enjoy and participate in the activities. Sensory reading corners, tactile books, and sessions led by sign-language interpreters were thoughtfully included in the schedule.
A special collaboration with local schools brought thousands of students on guided trips to the event, introducing many to the joy of reading festivals for the first time.
In partnership with entities like the Emirates Publishers Association and the Etisalat Award for Arabic Children’s Literature, the event also aimed to boost the regional publishing industry while celebrating authors, illustrators, and publishers shaping the literary landscape for Arab youth.
Looking Ahead: Sharjah as a Cultural Capital
Sharjah’s reputation as a regional and international cultural hub continues to grow, and the Children’s Reading Festival stands as a proud symbol of that commitment. By making literature engaging and accessible for all ages, the emirate positions itself not just as a promoter of books, but as a builder of futures.
This year’s edition not only reflected growing interest in children’s literature across the UAE but also showcased the success of Sharjah’s long-term investment in cultural infrastructure.
The resounding success of SCRF 2025 marks another milestone in the emirate’s journey to becoming a global beacon of literacy and cultural dialogue. With over 125,000 attendees walking through its halls, it’s clear that Sharjah’s vision is not just about reading books—it’s about living through them.
Read More: Bank of Sharjah Posts Impressive AED 116 Million Profit for Q1 2025
