Sharjah24: Observing two young women, one pushing a stroller with an infant, sifting through Arabic children's books at the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival (SCRF), one might assume they are shopping for a school-aged child. However, sisters Hala and Farah, in their thirties, were selecting books for Hala’s eight-month-old daughter.

“I'm on the lookout for books with pictures and the Arabic alphabets,” Hala explained. 

“We were both born and raised here, and have been visiting since we were children. Our mother nurtured our love of reading. Now that I'm a mother, I'm eager to instil the same passion in my daughter,” she continued.

“At this age, children are incredibly receptive; they soak up everything around them. I want her to grow up familiar with Arabic, so it becomes second nature when she starts to speak,” Hala added.

The Jordanian sisters are just two of the many visitors choosing Arabic publishers at the 15th edition of SCRF. With over 180 Arabic and international publishers, the festival has distinctly segregated the sections, fostering a deep appreciation for the Arabic language.

His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, has been a passionate advocate for preserving this rich language spoken by over 300 million people worldwide, and the festival proudly supports the visionary’s cause.

Aseel Zghaibi, a mother of two, chose Arabic books promoting positive behaviour. “I've selected three books for my daughter, who has just started school. They focus on themes like sharing, friendship and perseverance. They are written in simple language but carry profound messages,” she shared, concerned that her daughter, attending a British school, is becoming more fluent in English than Arabic.

“My daughter mixes with children of various nationalities where English is the common tongue. I want her to stay connected with her Arabic heritage, so I brought her here to choose her own books. We plan to read them together. Reading is crucial,” Aseel added.

Language is not merely a means of expression and communication but a conduit for values and history, connecting people to their roots in a way that translations can never fully capture.

Leaders across the UAE and the Arab world are actively promoting greater use of Arabic. In 2015, the ruler of Dubai initiated the Arab Reading Challenge, which has since encouraged countless children to read in their mother tongue, benefiting participants across the region.

“Books are vital for nurturing creativity and critical thinking in children,” remarked Dr Iman Alkhatib, a celebrated academic and author with over 45 published works, many featured at SCRF 2024.

“I am thoroughly impressed by the concept of this festival. It's incredibly thoughtful,” she commented.

Iman emphasised the importance of carefully selecting children’s books. “Parents should build libraries at home and buy books as often as they buy toys for their children. And they should include Arabic literature, as it is through these books our children will connect with their culture, manners, and history,” she advised, picking titles for her grandchildren, who range from three months to 15 years old.

The 15th Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival is a treasure trove of books, brimming with activities, workshops, talks, and performances, running until May 12 at the Expo Centre, Sharjah.

For more details, visit www.scrf.ae