Sharjahs year-long cultural extravaganza unveiled

Sharjah24: The Sharjah Department of Culture has unveiled its ambitious annual programme of festivals and ongoing cultural gatherings, set to run from September 2023 through August 2024. This announcement underscores the emirate's prominent role in various cultural domains and its steadfast support for emerging talent, youth, and diverse audiences across countries hosting a spectrum of cultural events.

Chairing the department, Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Owais emphasised, "Sharjah's cultural influence has positioned it as a beacon for creative minds and their literary and intellectual expressions, as we continually host events organised by the Culture Department in numerous nations. These endeavours are made possible through the generous sponsorship of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, underscoring the profound significance of these activities in enriching cultural landscapes locally, regionally, and globally."

Al Owais also noted the increasing engagement and growing appeal of these cultural activities, drawing enthusiasts from diverse backgrounds and tastes.

He concluded by highlighting the successful expansion of poetry festivals into multiple African countries, thanks to the active participation of poets and the continuous influx of talent across various age groups. Additionally, the calendar includes narrative gatherings and the recognition of awardees of the prestigious Sharjah Award for Arab Creativity.

The new season, commencing this September, promises a diverse array of events. Notable among them is the Mauritanian Literature Festival, marking "Nouakchott, Capital of Islamic Culture," held in the Mauritanian capital, Nouakchott. Also on the horizon is the 6th edition of the Tangier Festival for Moroccan Poets, hosted by the Kingdom of Morocco, as well as the 10th edition of the Kalba Short Plays Festival, taking place in the city of Kalba, Sharjah.

The following month, October, will witness an array of cultural happenings, including the Cultural Festival in Dibba Al-Hisn, Sharjah, and the 8th edition of the Ma'arik Festival for Arabic Poetry in Jordan.

November promises a roster of national events, including the grand celebrations for the 52nd National Day of the United Arab Emirates, the Khorfakkan Cultural Festival, and the 5th edition of the Marrakech Festival for Arabic Poetry in Morocco. Meanwhile, Egypt will host the 8th edition of the Luxor Festival for Arabic Poetry.

As for the remaining months, diverse and exciting activities are also planned to further enrich the cultural calendar. In sum, this programme underscores Sharjah's commitment to fostering cultural exchange and supporting the creative spirit across borders and generations, with a particular emphasis on the power of the written and spoken word.