Canadian Rukhsana Khan and Saudi Amal Muhammad Ibrahim Al-Hanqari tell the audience all about the emotional, developmental, and cultural values of bedtime storytelling — and why it must be protected in today’s tech-saturated homes

Sharjah, May 1, 2025

The age-old tradition of bedtime storytelling came under the spotlight at the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival (SCRF) on Wednesday, as two leading storytellers got together to explore whether the soothing bedtime story is becoming a casualty of modern digital distractions and packed family schedules.

The zaatar and olive pastry she baked at the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival is an easy and ideal snack for school lunchboxes

Sharjah, April 30, 2025

Chicago-based Chef Heifa Odeh’s passion for Palestinian culture and cuisine was evident as she prepared a dish full of flavour and love at the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival (SCRF 2025)’s Cookery Corner on Monday. The session titled “Special Recipes with Chef Heifa” Odeh saw her prepare a zaatar pastry with olives and halloumi that had children asking for more.

An innovative, child-friendly approach to string art brings the UAE’s map—and a powerful message of unity—to the fore at the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival

Sharjah, April 30, 2025

The Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival is offering young attendees a creative lesson in belonging through a hands-on workshop titled Threads of Unity. Led by acclaimed string artist and educator Serge Gemayel, this child-friendly activity reimagines traditional string art to celebrate UAE culture and unity.

Gemayel, the creative force behind Nomad Workshops, has tailored string art for a younger audience. “Traditional string art uses real wood, nails, and hammers, which isn’t ideal for kids,” he says. “For this workshop, I’ve adapted it with foam boards, coloured pins, and mini wooden hammers to make it safe and fun.”

France’s Got Incredible Talent star dazzles morning crowd at the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival with lively blend of storytelling, music and magical illusions featuring classic children’s characters

Sharjah, April 30, 2025

Monday blues vanished at the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival (SCRF 2025), as magician Frenchman Philibeg Bougard brought wonder, music and old-world charm in abundance with his family-friendly act “Magic in the Air”.

Bougard, who first rose to fame on France’s Got Incredible Talent, used beloved characters from classic tales, including Ali Baba, in his routines. Each act, a display of illusion, also gave a playful nod to childhood legends, allowing children to connect deeply with the stories they knew.