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 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 of workshops, panel discussions, and hands-on sessions.

With expert guests shaping the agenda and exploring the opportunities and challenges facing children’s literature today, the festival reinforces Sharjah’s role as a driving force in the Arab world’s cultural and intellectual development.

Spotlight on 18 Gulf writers in Arabic children's literature

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

From Saudi Arabia, the festival hosts writer Abdulaziz Othman, CEO of Zeez, a prominent producer of children’s content, alongside Dr Amani Saad Al Najem, an academic known for her contributions to early childhood education and reading promotion, and Dr Khaled Bin Saud Al Halibi, a specialist in modern Arabic literature. They will join Fatima Boukhamsin, a publisher and writer focusing on children’s and youth literature, manga, and comics.

From Kuwait, the line-up includes writer Sara Al-Zhafiri, known for her philosophical engagement with children's reading, and writer-illustrator Shaymaa Nasser Al-Qalaf, an expert in special education.

Representing Bahrain is veteran journalist and children’s playwright Khalaf Ahmed Khalaf. He will join Dr Sumaya Al-Maadeed, a professor and researcher in artificial intelligence and computer vision from Qatar.

From Oman, the festival welcomes Dr Muhammad Bin Amer Al-Mu’amari, an educational expert and director of multiple academic initiatives.

Eleven celebrated voices in Arab children's literature

The list of Arab participants includes Jordanian education adviser and children’s author Deema Al Alami, founder of the @mothertoauthor initiative and finalist for the 2024 Palestinian Book Award.

Also attending is academic and writer Dr Bayan Muhammad Jamal Amr, who lectures at Qatar University and specialises in Arabic literature and children’s writing.

Syria is represented by dentist and award-winning writer Lina Al-Dasouqi, who is known for her inclusive and emotionally resonant stories.

Lebanese-Mexican writer Amal Nasser, a major voice in Arab children's literature and founder of Rummana Publishing, will share her expertise in storytelling and publishing.

Palestinian illustrator Bara’ Al-Awour, who has won several international awards for her work in children’s literature, also joins the festival.

The festival will welcome author and UN children’s literature ambassador Dr Sara Talib Suhail from Iraq.

Egypt will be represented by Dr Asma’ Ala’addin, a psychiatrist and author who has made notable contributions to both literature and mental health advocacy, alongside writer and education expert Ihab Al-Qastawi, whose works are taught in educational curricula in several Arab countries due to their literary and educational value, and poet, writer, and researcher in children's culture Abdo Al-Ziraa.

They will be joined by Sudanese journalist and children’s media specialist Manajat Al-Tayeb, who brings her wealth of experience in children’s journalism. At the same time, from Libya, the festival hosts Amal Muhammad Ibrahim Al-Hanqari, Libya’s first international expert on children’s rights and a long-standing contributor to Arab children’s culture.

Six prominent authors from the Maghreb region

From Morocco, the festival brings together Dr Ahlam Nuwaywar, professor of translation and children’s literature, and illustrator-writer Al-Hassan Benmouna, whose works have been internationally recognised, including a 2025 Hans Christian Andersen Award nomination.

Representing Algeria are poet and writer Aasiya Ahmad Abdallawi, whose award-winning works engage young minds through poetic riddles, and Dr Fatima Al-Zahra Bin Arab, a scientist and children’s writer who integrates her knowledge of energy mechanics into educational storytelling.

Tunisia is represented by writer Fatima Al-Zahra Banani, a long-serving educator with a prolific output in children’s literature, and academic and author Dr Nizar Bin Muhammad Al-Qamari, known for his work on cognitive development through storytelling and theatre.