At the 44th Sharjah International Book Fair, children have the opportunity to engage in simple and safe science experiments 

Sharjah, November 14, 2025 

Inspired by Thomas M. Willet’s novel Lava Lamp, a workshop called “Lava Lamps” at the 44th Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF 2025) inspired schoolchildren to unlock their creativity and step into the world of light. The fascinating experiment and the lamps they took home to light up their rooms and serve as keepers of their stories, memories and dreams was a unique opportunity at SIBF 2025.

From childhood fun to cultural commentary, Dr. Hessa Al-Mufreh says comics are reshaping Arab storytelling

Sharjah, November 14, 2025

Comics have evolved in the Arab world from being a form of children’s entertainment into a tool for shaping cultural awareness and expressing collective consciousness, according to Dr Hessa Al-Mufreh, Professor of Literature and Criticism at King Saud University.

Speaking at a session titled Comic books in the Arab World: A New Step Towards Cultural Enlightenment organised by the Saudi Pavilion at the 2025 Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF), Dr. Al-Mufreh said that the art form now serves as a platform for defending social issues and engaging readers through the powerful blend of words and images.

Under the patronage and guidance of Sheikha Jawaher Al Qasimi
 Sharjah launches ‘Human Development Forum’ to advance people-centred approaches to progress on November 19

• The Forum will take place at the University of Sharjah under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi.
• The inaugural edition, themed “Humanity and Heritage in Palestine,” explores the intersection of humanitarian response, cultural identity, and development.
• A high-level panel featuring Dr Ghassan Abu-Sittah, Architect Shatha Safi, and Dr Reem El Mutwalli, moderated by H.E. Badr Jafar, will address the challenges of preserving Palestinian heritage and identity amid humanitarian crises.
• Jointly organised by The Big Heart Foundation and NAMA Women Advancement, in collaboration with the University of Sharjah, the Forum aims to transform dialogue into actionable frameworks for sustainable human development.

Mariam Al Hammadi, NAMA: Investing in thought and knowledge is the true beginning of sustainable development

Alya Obaid Al Musabi, TBHF: Genuine humanitarian work begins with empowering people within their communities