‘More than a reading festival’: SCRF visitors

For 12 days – from May 1 to 12 – Expo Centre Sharjah, where the annual event is organised every year by the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), transformed into a vibrant celebration of literature, learning, and imagination, captivating audiences of all ages and backgrounds.

An enriched community 

“We love coming here every year because of not just the books on display but also the host of activities and shows for kids,” said Sharjah-based engineer Sivraman K, who visited this year’s SCRF on the penultimate day along with his wife Lakshmipriya and three children – Krithya, nine, Dhaanya, six, and Dhruvan, three. “This is the place to be for our entire family and this time we were absolutely floored by some of the new shows the festival introduced,” he added, referring to innovative interactive shows like ‘Wonder Walks’ and the ‘Moon Walker’.

For many others, SCRF has become an annual tradition—a much-anticipated event that offers something for everyone. From the latest bestsellers to classic children’s tales, the festival is a treasure trove of literary delights, drawing book lovers from across the UAE and beyond.

“We’ve been attending SCRF for as long as I can remember, and it just keeps getting bigger and better every year,” said Nada Al Hammadi, who came down to the SCRF 2024 with her four children – Mansoor, 11, Mohammed, nine, Salah, six, and Bodour, four – and husband Saqir Al Marzooqi. “There’s always so much to see and do, from storytelling sessions and puppet shows to interactive workshops and panel discussions. It’s a fantastic opportunity for children to explore the world of books and develop a love for reading while also learning new skills at the various workshops.”

Others took the opportunity to express their gratitude to SBA, the organisers of the festival, for delivering yet another exceptional edition. “We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the organisers of SCRF for delivering another outstanding event,” said Maitha Saif Al Dhaheri, who escorted a team of 25 children from Mohammed bin Khalid Al Nahyan School for Generations in Al Ain. “Their hard work and dedication have made this year’s festival truly unforgettable, and it turned out to be a vastly enriching experience for all of us  - including the teachers, students and staff members.”

Global publishers and booksellers enthusiastic about SCRF 2025 

One of the highlights of this year’s festival was the wide variety of educational books on offer. From picture books and graphic novels to young adult fiction and non-fiction titles, there was something to suit every taste and interest. Bookstores and publishers from around the world showcased their latest offerings, providing visitors with the opportunity to discover new authors and genres.

“We are thrilled to have been a part of SCRF again this year,” said Jocel Guillena Quiatchon, who works for Edu Fun Pty Ltd Australia that specialises in educational products for early learners. “The response from visitors was incredible this year, and it was fantastic to see so many children and young adults excited about reading. We’re already looking forward to next year’s event.”

Behind the scenes, a dedicated team of staff and volunteers worked tirelessly to ensure the smooth running of the festival. From setting up stalls and organising events and activities to assisting visitors, their hard work and dedication were instrumental in making SCRF a success.

This year's festival, themed 'Once Upon a Hero,' featured a diverse array of over 1,500 cultural, creative, and edutainment activities led by 265 esteemed guests representing 25 countries, alongside the participation of 186 publishers from 20 nations.

As the curtains close on another successful edition, visitors are already looking forward to next year’s event and the opportunity to once again experience the magic of reading.AAAAAAAAAAAA