Sultan Al Qasimi launches the 15th edition of SCRF – Celebrating Arts & Culture

The 15th edition of the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival (SCRF 2024) kicked off with a grand inauguration by H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. The festival, themed ‘Once Upon a Hero’, promises to be a captivating and enriching experience for children and families alike, running until May 12th at the Expo Centre Sharjah.

The opening ceremony was a star-studded affair, with the presence of esteemed dignitaries such as Sheikh Salem bin Abdulrahman Al Qasimi, Sheikh Faisal bin Saud Al Qasimi, and Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Butti Al Hamed, among others. The event was marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a musical performance in honor of H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammed Al Qasimi.

During his tour of the festival, the Ruler of Sharjah visited the pavilions of various organizations and institutions, including the Sharjah Private Education Authority, the Emirates Publishers Association, and the Supreme Council for Family Affairs. He was briefed on their cultural and educational activities aimed at promoting reading among children, as well as their strategies and publications.

One of the highlights of the opening day was the presentation of awards to the winners of the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival Award and the Sharjah Children’s Book Illustration Award. The winners, hailing from countries like South Korea, Mexico, and Greece, were recognized for their outstanding contributions to children’s literature.

In addition to these awards, H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammed Al Qasimi also acknowledged winners of the Sharjah Children’s Book Award across various categories, each receiving a prize of AED 20,000. The festival aims to celebrate and promote creativity and innovation in children’s literature, showcasing a diverse range of works from around the world.

The SCRF 2024 features a packed schedule of activities, including workshops on sustainability, fashion, crafts, and music for children. The cultural program also includes panel discussions focusing on developing children’s communication skills, with participants from 25 countries sharing their expertise and insights.

Moreover, the festival will host the Poetry Knight competition, encouraging children and young adults to recite Arabic poetry engagingly. With three categories catering to different age groups, the competition aims to inspire a love for poetry and literature among the younger generation.

Overall, the 15th edition of the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival promises to be a vibrant and engaging celebration of literature, creativity, and learning. With a diverse range of activities and events planned, the festival is set to inspire and entertain visitors of all ages, fostering a love for reading and storytelling in the community.