His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, has approved the annual budget of AED 950,000 for the Emirates Children’s Theatre Festival (ECTF) , organised by the UAE Theatrical Association in collaboration with the Sharjah Department of Culture. The allocation is made as preparations commence for the 19th edition of the festival, scheduled to take place this December at the Sharjah Cultural Palace.

His Highness generous patronage and ongoing support of theatrical and cultural initiatives, emphasises children’s theatre, recognising it as a vital foundation for nurturing creativity and developing well-rounded, imaginative individuals who will shape the future. The initiative is part of a broad vision that supports all sectors of the performing arts throughout Sharjah, including festivals such as the Kalba Short Plays Festival, School Theatre, Desert Theatre Festival, Dibba Al Hisn Festival for Monodrama, Scout Theatre, Khorfakkan Theatre Festival, Sharjah Theatre Days, Sharjah Gulf Theatre Festival, and the Arab Theatre Festival. In addition, His Highness offers financial and moral support to numerous regional and international events, underscoring Sharjah’s role as a global cultural centre that encourages dialogue, creativity, and artistic excellence.

The Emirates Children’s Theatre Festival has established itself as a distinguished annual event on the UAE’s cultural calendar. It as a creative platform that fosters innovation and reinforces genuine cultural values in the younger generation.