The Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival (SCRF) is set to kick off on May 3, 2023, at Expo Centre Sharjah. Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, the 14th annual edition promises a rich blend of activities, workshops, and events aimed at broadening young minds and honing their talents.
Key Takeaways
- Dates: May 3-14, 2023
- Location: Expo Centre Sharjah
- Theme: ‘Train your Brain’
- Guests: 457 featured guests from 66 countries
- Activities: Workshops, theater productions, art showcases, literary talks, and more
Event Overview
Organized by the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), the festival will run from May 3 to May 14, 2023. The event is open to visitors from 4 PM to 8 PM on the opening day. During weekdays, the festival will be accessible from 9 AM to 8 PM, with extended hours until 9 PM on weekends. On Fridays, the event will open at 4 PM and close at 9 PM.
Activities and Workshops
The festival features six main stops:
- Publisher Pavilions
- Children’s Books Illustration Exhibition
- Workshops
- Cookery Corner
- Social Media Station
- Comics Corner
Children and families can also enjoy theater productions, art showcases, roaming shows, literary talks, and cultural sessions.
Book Fair
The children’s book fair will feature 141 publishers offering a wide range of content, from novels to educational books and creative genres.
Cultural Talks
SCRF 2023 will host 21 panel discussions featuring 68 guests from 21 Arab and foreign countries. Topics include:
- The Importance of Developing Emotional Intelligence Skills at a Young Age
- The Link Between Artificial Intelligence (AI), Education Curricula, and Children’s Books
- Implementing Theater Studies in Educational Curricula
Theatrical and Artistic Performances
The festival will host 136 theater performances, roaming shows, acrobatics, and music concerts led by 16 guests from 16 countries. Notable activities include the children’s play "Alone at Home" and the comedy play "Akbar the Great Nahi Rahe."
Cookery Corner
The Cookery Corner will feature over 33 culinary activities presented by 12 renowned chefs from nine countries, including New Zealand, the US, India, Portugal, Lebanon, Morocco, Jordan, UAE, and Gabon.
Comics Corner
Children can explore the world of comics through more than 323 activities, including workshops, panel discussions, and roaming shows led by 15 creatives from four countries. Highlights include Acro Adventures and Ninja Tests.
Social Media Station
The Social Media Station will host 72 activities led by influencers and content creators, focusing on the latest techniques for creating digital content and developing suitable content for target audiences.