The 12th Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival opens to interactive sessions and fun

The 12th edition of the Sharjah Reading Festival was officially opened on Wednesday by His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah.

With more time on their hands, children distance learning from home are reading more books, said visitors to Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival (SCRF) that opened on Wednesday at Expo Centre Sharjah.

The opening of the Sharjah Reading Festival in Sharjah is yet another development that demonstrates the UAE’s relentless efforts to return to normalcy following the pandemic.

Besides the increasing coverage of people who have been vaccinated, stringent precautionary protocols have also been put in place to ensure public health and safety. The authorities are doing all they can towards this end.

For the first time in its 12-year history, SCRF has expanded the scope of its cultural activities beyond the main venue of Expo Centre Sharjah. A select choice of programming is now offered in Dubai, Fujairah, and Ras Al Khaimah, in addition to the cities of Kalba and Dibba Al Hisn on the eastern coast of Sharjah.

From meetings with the authors to stimulating discussions and debates touching upon several genres of literature, the 2021 edition of SCRF will address a variety of themes.

Eleven Arab artists and authors, known for their outstanding contribution to children’s arts and literature, will headline the 12th edition of the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival (SCRF) taking place at Sharjah Expo Centre from May 19 — 29.

The 11-day educational event, organised by Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), will carry the theme ‘For Your Imagination'.

There will be a total of 537 interactive sessions, including workshops and plays — some of which will be held on the ground, while others will be organised via virtual platforms.

Children interact at a workshop at the 12th Sharjah Reading Festival.