Video: Sheikh Sultan inaugurates Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival

Sharjah - The event was inaugurated by the Ruler of Sharjah on Wednesday.

Published: Wed 19 May 2021, 3:02 PM

Updated: Wed 19 May 2021, 5:41 PM

By
Afkar Ali Ahmed

The 12th edition of the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival (SCRF) is now open.

His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, opened the festival on Wednesday, much to the delight of kids who were all excited to explore their learning wonderland at Expo Centre Sharjah..

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A video posted by the Sharjah Ruler shows children welcoming him to the festival. He goes on to hug the little ones and tours the venue that’s hosting various activities for children.

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Set to run until May 29 and organised by the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), the 11-day festival is packed with more than 500 events, activities, workshops and shows for the kids and the kids at heart.

There will be puppetry, storytelling sessions, meet-and-greet with famous authors, as well as arts and crafts and cooking shows — in addition to the thousands of books for the youngsters.

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During the inauguration, Sheikh Dr Sultan visited some of the authorities’ pavilions where he was briefed about the latest educational initiatives for the UAE’s students and the growing number local publishers specialising in children’s books. Among the entities participating in the SCRF are the Ministry of Education, Sharjah Private Education Authority, the Emirates Publishers Association, Kalimat Group, and the Sharjah Broadcasting Authority.

The Sharjah Ruler also browsed some of the latest books and publications for kids as he toured the festival.

A total of 172 publishers from 15 countries have brought their books, games, and learning materials to this year’s SCRF.

The festival is open to visitors from 4pm to 10pm, except on Saturdays when it will open from 10am to 8pm. It will also host the 9th edition of the Sharjah Children’s Book Illustration Exhibition, and in-person and online literary discussions led by 32 authors from 15 countries.

Among the 385 activities to be held for kids is the SBA’s very first production titled Dreams Book. A series of events and workshops will also be held across the country.

Covid safety measures are strictly implemented at the festival. The venue’s halls and common areas are sanitised daily and thermal scanners are placed at all access points. Face masks and social distancing are also mandatory.

The opening ceremony was attended by a number ministers and top government officials, as well as renowned authors.

afkarali@khaleejtimes.com