SCRF 2025 workshop brings 9th-century timekeeping to life

Honouring Abbas ibn Firnas and Islamic science

Part of a series called “Time Discovery”, the workshop introduced them to Abbas ibn Firnas, a 9th-century Muslim scientist from Andalusia, Spain, known for his interest in astronomy and time measurement.

A hands-on water clock experience

The trainers from Sharjah-based Aufuq al Ebda’ provided each child with two empty 500 ml bottles, the caps of which were stuck together with glue. The caps had two holes through which they passed two black pipes, each 5 centimetres long. Children poured water into one bottle and sealed the contraption. Once placed with the full bottle on top, water began dripping into the empty bottle below—demonstrating how ancient water clocks functioned, much like a sandglass.

Teaching heritage and sustainability

“Before the advent of modern clocks that we use today, people used tools like water clocks. A water clock works by letting water flow from one container to another. When the water reaches a certain level, it signals that a specific amount of time has passed,” explained trainer Shalam. She added that the workshop connects children to Islamic heritage while encouraging the use of recycled materials.

A festival of immersive learning

Taking place from April 23 to May 4 at Expo Centre Sharjah, the 16th edition of SCRF promises an immersive experience under the theme “Dive into Books.” Organised by the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), this year’s festival welcomes 133 guests from 70 countries and 122 Arab and international publishing houses from 22 nations.

A multi-sensory celebration of reading

With a programme that blends science, art, technology, and literature, the festival transforms reading into a multi-sensory adventure—welcoming children, teenagers, and adults to explore more than 600 hands-on workshops, interactive sessions, and live performances designed to inspire every kind of young mind.