Held annually under the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, and under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, wife of His Highness The Ruler of Sharjah and Chairperson of Supreme Council for Family Affairs (SCFA), the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival (SCRF), will be back on April 17, 2019, to extend the joy of books, arts, fun and learning to the children and youth of the country.

The Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), has announced that the 11^th edition of this unique 11-day annual cultural celebration for children and young adults, will be running an exciting course at Expo Centre Sharjah, until Saturday, 27 April.

The festival is unique to the region and has become a sought after event on the activity calendar of children and grown-ups alike, as it brings together education, knowledge and culture all under one roof.

Last year, the festival attracted more than 306,000 visitors; hosted 134 exhibitors specialised in children’s literature; and enlightened and entertained with 2,600 activities.

HE Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, Chairman of SBA, says this year’s cultural programme is going bigger and better. “Since its debut, SCRF has brought children and books together. The festival’s uncompromising commitment to broadening young horizons in arts, sciences, technology and other fields, and igniting their curiosity about the world they live in will be furthered this year through a diverse and targeted programme of educational and fun-filled activities,” he said.

”The cultural festival is a fitting manifestation of the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, and his wife, Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairperson of Supreme Council for Family Affairs (SCFA), to nurture a generation of avid readers who draw strength from books and knowledge, and are capable of confidently advancing themselves at home and abroad. Through this festival, we seek to bring different cultures together and help the UAE’s children and youth develop an appreciation and understanding of the diversity that surrounds them.”

The SRCF seeks to foster reading as a robust habit in children and young adults, and provides artists and illustrators to showcase their works. The festival brings together readers, authors and publishers and enables them to communicate with each other. It features many awards ceremonies such as the Sharjah Children’s Book Award, Sharjah Children’s Book Award for differently-abled children, and Sharjah Children’s Book Illustrations Exhibition Awards that is held in conjunction with the festival each year.