The Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival (SCRF) drew the curtain on its 10th edition on Saturday, with the event attracting 247,000 visitors over its 11-day run, more than 52,000 of which were school students. Organised by Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), SCRF 2018 was held under the theme ‘Your Future… Just a Book Away’ at Expo Centre Sharjah from April 18-28.

The region’s most popular children’s literary event saw the participation of 134 publishers and 268 authors, illustrators, poets, artists and academics from across the world who engaged in a line-up of 2,600 cultural, educational and entertainment events.

Covering 2,233 square metres, SCRF 2018 witnessed 694 school visits and organised 1,059 specialised events for children that engaged 45 authors, illustrators and education experts hailing from 17 countries.

The festival also welcomed 13 guests from nine countries who presented 134 culinary events as well as a series of morning workshops and activities for school pupils and teachers. A variety of educational workshops were also held in collaboration with the most celebrated and qualified centres of their kind in scientific, technical and educational fields.

Young visitors were treated to a series of Arabic and international theatrical performances that highlighted basic humanitarian values to young visitors, including the international favourite, ‘Tuta and Monkey Cheetah’ and ‘Island of Kids’ Area’ from Kuwait, as well as the truly impressive virtual reality illusion show ‘Hara Hiroki’ from Japan.

HE Ahmed Al Ameri, Chairman of SBA, said: “The Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival goes from strength to strength in line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council Ruler of Sharjah, and with the support of His Highness’s wife, Her Highness Sheikha Jawahar bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs, who are committed to providing every opportunity to contribute to the advancement of younger generations. Their visions stem from Sharjah’s firm belief in equipping future generations with determination, persistence, knowledge and culture.”

He added: “The 10^th edition of SCRF has succeeded in developing the capacity of talented younger generations by combining learning and fun through practical and creative experiences. This was managed by conducting interactive workshops themed on laboratories, bringing children closer to books and other sources of knowledge.”