27 Gulf literary stars, 18 of them Emirati, to grace SCRF

In a region where storytelling is deeply woven into the cultural fabric, the Sharjah Children's Reading Festival returns for its I6th edition with a renewed focus on the authors and illustrators shaping young minds.

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In a region where storytelling is deeply woven into the cultural fabric, the Sharjah Children's Reading Festival returns for its 16th edition with a renewed focus on the authors and illustrators shaping young minds.

This year, 43 renowned and celebrated figures from 17 Arab countries will bring a wide range of perspectives and expertise, from science fiction and adventure to psychology and educational writing, all contributing to a shared commitment to expanding the horizons of Arabic literature for younger readers.

Running from April 23 to May 4 at Expo Centre Sharjah under the theme 'Dive Into Books', the festival, organised by the Sharjah Book Authority, invites visitors into an immersive world of ideas and imagination through a rich programme ofworkshops, panel discussions, and hands-on sessions.

Among the festival's featured guests are 27 literary professionals from the Gulf, including 18 from the UAE. Emirati guests include Dr Abdullah AI Sharhan, Nadia AI Najjar, Hessa AI Muhairi, Khalid AI Khawar, Dr Maitha Ghadeer, Ahmed AI Aidaroos, Eman AI Yousuf, Maitha AI Khayat, Maryam AI Ghaffli, Maya AI Hawari, Badriya Al Shamsi, Fatima AI Ameri, Fatima AI Mazroui, and Aisha Abdullah.