His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah; Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority, officially inaugurated the 16th edition of the Sharjah Children's Reading Festival (SCRF 2025) on Wednesday morning, Organised by the Sharjah Book Authority, the festival is being held at Expo Centre Sharjah under the theme “Dive into Books” and will run until May 4.
His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah officially inaugurated the festival by cutting the traditional ribbon following which His Highness attended a heartfelt artistic performance by children participating in the event. The young performers expressed their appreciation for His Highness’s unwavering support and shared their excitement for the festival and its wide array of engaging activities and experiences.
His Highness toured the festival halls, which bring together 122 Arab and international publishing houses representing 22 countries. His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah visited several pavilions participating in the festival, where he was briefed on their programmes and initiatives designed to cultivate a culture of reading among younger generations. He also explored the educational and training activities on offer, which aim to inspire a lifelong love of reading and learning in children.
His Highness also visited the Sharjah Children's Pavilion, part of the Rubu' Qarn Foundation for Creating Leaders and Innovators, where he officially launched the "Reader of the Century" platform. Aimed at children and adolescents aged 6 to 18, the platform is designed to empower young readers by fostering a deeper connection with literature and knowledge.
At the UAE Board on Books for Young People (UAEBBY), His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah met with representatives from the Egyptian Board on Books for Young People (EBBY), the guest of honor at this year’s Sharjah Children's Reading Festival. During the visit, His Highness was briefed on their shared vision for strengthening cultural collaboration between the UAE and Egypt. Discussions focused on exchanging expertise and fostering joint initiatives in the development of children's literature and related educational efforts. His Highness also inaugurated the newly redesigned website of the International Award for Arabic Children’s Literature, unveiling its updated identity.
During his tour of the festival, His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah visited the pavilions and stands of the Department of Culture, the Emirates Publishers Association, the "Read, You're in Sharjah" platform by Manassas Distribution Company, and the House of Wisdom. He was briefed on their ongoing efforts to promote publishing, culture, and the importance of nurturing a love for reading and writing among children.
His Highness also visited the pavilions of the Sharjah Social Services Department, the Arab Children's Book Publishers Forum, Kalimat Foundation, Sharjah Broadcasting Authority, and Kalimat Group. He learned about their impactful efforts as key institutions in publishing and knowledge, dedicated to offering a variety of activities aimed at nurturing children’s reading habits, fostering study, and encouraging engagement in interactive, educational, and recreational activities through innovative and diverse approaches.
At the Sharjah Children's Book Illustrations Exhibition 2025, which showcased an extensive collection of artwork, including pieces by the exhibition’s award-winning illustrators, His Highness received a detailed briefing from participating artists from both the UAE and abroad.
At the conclusion of his tour, His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah honored the recipients of the Sharjah Children's Book Award. Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi received the English Children's Book Award for the 7–13 age group for her book House of Wisdom, published by Kalimat Group.