The 43rd Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF 2024) is set to burst with creativity as it welcomes visitors into a world of discovery with 600 interactive workshops. From November 6 – 17, Expo Centre Sharjah will transform into a vibrant learning hub where people of all ages and interests can dive into hands-on experiences and uncover new passions. With 465 workshops tailored for adults and children and 135 special sessions for early learners, this year’s programme promises something for everyone.

Organised by the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), the fair goes beyond encouraging a love for reading; it’s designed to spark curiosity and creativity across diverse fields. Throughout the 12-day cultural extravaganza, participants can explore Emirati heritage, hone media skills, experiment with art and technology, or even try their hand at entrepreneurship.

Exploring Emirati heritage

Heritage workshops at SIBF 2024 invite participants to immerse themselves in the UAE’s rich traditions, where they can explore the intricate art of Emirati craftsmanship. In the Talli Bracelets workshop, attendees will master the ‘Saer Yai’ technique—meaning ‘to and fro’—to craft stunning bracelets inspired by the timeless art of Talli. Meanwhile, the Talli Jewellery workshop offers the chance to create custom ornaments using camel leather, allowing participants to design a one-of-a-kind piece that beautifully captures their unique style and connection to this cherished heritage.

Media talents

Unearthing budding media talents, the Voice-over workshop empowers participants to make their voices resonate with power and appeal, enhancing their ability to express thoughts and emotions with clarity and depth. The Teaching Emirati Arabic workshop brings cultural preservation to the forefront, teaching attendees to use local dialects in public speaking and strengthening ties to heritage. Meanwhile, An Everlasting Memory delves into the essential role of documentation, highlighting it as a vital tool for preserving history and encouraging participants to develop a lasting respect for reliable sources and accurate records.

Children’s entrepreneurial skills

To foster financial responsibility among young audiences, the entrepreneurship workshops offer a lively, hands-on approach to learning. In Are You an Entrepreneur?, children dive into the business world by creating and marketing their products. The Saving workshop builds on these skills, guiding them to develop practical financial planning strategies. The Investment Path provides an exciting introduction to investment, where participants design and promote a prototype, gaining real-world insights into finance. These experiences are further enriched by workshops like Between Investing and Saving, which delve into financial literacy and decision-making, laying a strong foundation for future financial confidence.

Technology workshops

With technology at the heart of modern learning, the Programming Contests lets young tech enthusiasts engage in robotics competitions, while Robotic Arm gives them the chance to build and code robotic limbs. In CNC Designs, participants craft their unique 3D creations, and the Internet of Things (IoT) workshop allows them to build smart systems that can be controlled remotely. Additional tech-focused workshops, such as Glowing Robots, Make Your Own Electric Guitar, and Electro Garden, blend creativity with tech skills, sparking curiosity and innovation among young minds.

Environmental and sustainability awareness

Through dedicated sustainability workshops, children will dive into activities that bring environmental consciousness to life. In Illuminated Flower Garden, they’ll design mini gardens from recycled materials, complete with LED lights for a magical touch. Creativity Balloon invites them to build air-powered cars, sparking interest in alternative energy, while The Art of Recycling teaches them to transform everyday items into unique artworks. Other eco-friendly sessions, like Nature Puppets, Developing Sustainable Apps, and Framed Paper Dresses, round out the agenda, fostering creativity and a love for sustainable practices.

Artistic workshops

The artistic workshops offer a vibrant blend of disciplines, inviting children to explore their creativity across various mediums. In Fishing Adventure, young artists can craft paper aquariums and fish, while Weaving Art Club introduces them to loom-based designs. Other art-focused sessions include Embroidery, Worry Dolls for relieving anxiety, Lace for intricate fabric work, and Tin Can Plants for creating eco-friendly potted plants. Children can also delve into calligraphy with Arabic Letter Art and experience traditional drawing techniques in The Pen and Keyboard, broadening their artistic expression in fun and engaging ways.

Practical life skills

Life skills workshops provide young participants with hands-on, practical experiences encouraging self-sufficiency and environmental awareness. In Grow Your Own Food, children are introduced to basic gardening, learning how to plant and nurture their produce. Hydroponic Cultivation in Jars allows them to observe plant growth up close in water-based systems, sparking curiosity about sustainable farming. Additional workshops like Cleaning with Natural Ingredients offer eco-friendly alternatives to everyday cleaning products, while Build a Beehive immerses children in the world of bees, where they construct model hives and learn about bees’ vital role in the ecosystem.

Storytelling and writing workshops

The fair’s storytelling and writing workshops offer children an inspiring space for creativity through hands-on story creation and engaging readings. In Bring Your Stories to Life, young storytellers learn the art of crafting compelling narratives, while The Message and Crocodile Lake introduce stories that highlight emotional expression and creative problem-solving. The reading of A Single Hand Does Not Clap reinforces the importance of teamwork and collaboration, helping children appreciate the power of working together to achieve shared goals.

Guest of Honour workshops

The 43rd edition celebrates Morocco as its Guest of Honour, bringing a wealth of Moroccan-themed workshops that enrich the cultural experience. Attendees can dive into Dreams of Morocco, a humorous storytelling session filled with comedy, engaging characters, and delightful scenes to inspire and entertain. The agenda includes Arij in Morocco: Besieged by Beauty, where participants journey through Moroccan cities, discovering iconic landmarks and regional charms. Hands-on workshops like Moroccan Pottery, Masterpieces of Moroccan Tiles, and Moroccan Textiles introduce participants to traditional Moroccan craftsmanship, adding a rich cultural layer to the fair’s diverse offerings and connecting visitors with the essence of Moroccan heritage.