Shams celebrates literary talents at SIBF 2025

A key highlight was the short story competition – Writing Room (Hikaya) – which featured a distinguished contest among talents from various age groups, reflecting a growing enthusiasm for creative writing among young people. Results were announced during a celebratory closing ceremony. In the juniors category, Abdelkarim Ismat Al Ghazal won first place, followed by Shahd Hassan Al Suwaidan in second, and Layan Nidal Al Najjar in third. For adults, Huda Mowafaq Kermanshahi secured first place, Du’a Al Hindi took second, and Nibal Akram Al Razi placed third, recognising their literary excellence and innovative, human-focused storytelling.

Enriching cultural content and interactive experiences

The “Bauh Al Kitab” podcast added a significant dimension by hosting aspiring writers and authors, recording live episodes in front of audiences and giving visitors direct interaction with professional literary experiences and inspiring success stories. Interactive activities for children, enhanced by artificial intelligence, drew families and provided young participants with new tools to develop writing and creative thinking skills in fun, educational ways that promote early self-expression.

Commitment to creativity and the Arab content scene

His Excellency Rashid Abdullah Al Obad, Director General of Shams, expressed pride in the achievements, stating: “Our success reflects Shams’ unwavering commitment to sustaining the cultural and creative scene in the UAE, providing vital platforms for creators to showcase their talents and enrich the Arab library. We continually innovate initiatives that align with the evolution of content creation and reinforce Sharjah’s position as a global hub for culture and knowledge.”