Get ready for one of the UAE’s most exciting family events of the year. The Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival (SCRF) is returning from May 22 to June 2, 2025, and it’s shaping up to be bigger, bolder, and even more magical than ever before.
This much-loved event, hosted at the Sharjah Expo Centre, is more than just a reading celebration. It’s a place where books come alive, where kids can explore their creativity, and where families can bond through storytelling, games, and hands-on workshops.
A Festival for Every Young Dreamer
At its core, the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival is about inspiring a love for reading in children. But this year’s festival promises so much more. From live performances and art installations to interactive science corners and workshops, there’s something for every child — and every parent too.
Children will be invited to step into magical worlds through storytelling sessions led by authors, performers, and educators. Some sessions will be hosted in Arabic, while others will be in English, offering a multilingual experience that reflects the diverse community of the UAE.
Workshops That Spark Creativity
One of the festival’s most loved attractions every year is its wide range of workshops. In 2025, SCRF is expanding its workshop lineup with even more creative, fun, and educational sessions for kids of all ages.
Children can try their hands at illustration, animation, creative writing, robotics, and even coding. Each workshop is designed to be hands-on, ensuring that kids don’t just listen but actually create, experiment, and learn new skills.
Parents can also join in with special family workshops that encourage group activities, building a bridge between entertainment and education. These workshops are a great way for children and their guardians to spend quality time together while learning something new.
Meet the Authors and Illustrators
As always, one of the highlights of SCRF is the chance to meet real-life authors and illustrators. This year, the festival is welcoming a diverse group of regional and international guests who will host reading sessions, sign books, and share their journeys into the world of storytelling.
For children who dream of writing their own stories or drawing their own comics, these meet-and-greets can be truly life-changing. They help spark imagination and show kids that anything is possible with creativity and determination.
Exhibitions That Entertain and Educate
The 2025 edition will also feature several themed exhibitions designed to both entertain and educate. Past years have brought dinosaur displays, space adventures, and historical timelines to life — and this year promises even more surprises.
These exhibitions are perfect for young explorers who love science, history, or art. They blend education and play in a way that feels like fun, not homework.
A Safe and Inclusive Space for Families
The festival is carefully designed to be family-friendly and accessible to all, with safety, comfort, and inclusivity as top priorities. There will be special areas for toddlers, reading zones with beanbags and bookshelves, and quiet spaces for children who need a break from all the activity.
The venue is also equipped to accommodate children of determination, ensuring everyone can enjoy the festival experience. The organizers are taking extra care this year to include sensory-friendly zones and staff trained in inclusive practices.
Entertainment That Makes You Smile
When kids need a break from books and workshops, there will be plenty of live shows, puppet performances, and musical acts to enjoy. The entertainment schedule is packed with fun options that are sure to make the whole family laugh, clap, and dance along.
This year’s lineup includes performances from local talent and international acts, giving families a chance to enjoy different styles of music, theatre, and storytelling in one vibrant setting.
Food, Shopping, and Fun Around Every Corner
Of course, no festival is complete without delicious snacks and some shopping. SCRF will host a family-friendly food court with options for every taste, from traditional Emirati treats to global flavours.
Book stalls, toy vendors, and educational games will also be on display, making it easy to pick up a new read or a fun souvenir before heading home.
Why This Festival Matters
The Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival isn’t just another event on the calendar. It’s a celebration of the power of books to change lives, of creativity that knows no limits, and of childhood itself.
By creating a space where kids can fall in love with reading — and where families can come together to learn and play — the festival supports Sharjah’s vision of building a brighter, more literate future.
Whether your child is a curious toddler, an aspiring young author, or a book-loving teenager, SCRF 2025 offers something magical for them. It’s an event that turns reading into a shared adventure and shows that stories really do have the power to shape the world.
Also read: Taste the Magic: Arabian Food Festival Is Back This June!
