Sharjah Sets Cultural Agenda With Year-Long Programme Of Events And Forums

The Sharjah Department of Culture (SDC) has announced its annual programme for festivals and forums, which will run from September 2024 to August 2025. This ambitious plan includes over forty events and conferences held locally, regionally, and globally. The initiative aims to position Sharjah as a leader in various artistic, intellectual, and cultural activities.

The inaugural event, the Sharjah Narrative Forum, will commence on September 10th in Tunisia. Celebrating its 20th edition, this forum will serve as a new Arab hub. It is expected to attract a diverse group of Tunisian and Arab intellectuals, offering a wide range of perspectives. Following this, the 11th Khorfakkan Short Plays Festival will take place.

Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Owais, Chairman of the SDC, emphasised the importance of these cultural events across the Arab world. He noted that the programme reflects the directives of H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. The initiative underscores the role of culture in societal development and highlights His Highness’ commitment to fostering a comprehensive cultural renaissance.

In October, the 11th Sharjah Calligraphy Forum will be launched. This event will feature artistic contributions from local and international artists from the UAE and the Arab world. Additionally, the 9th Mafraq Arab Poetry Festival will kick off a series of poetry festivals throughout the Arab world, followed closely by the 6th Marrakesh Moroccan Poetry Festival.

November promises a plethora of cultural events. The 9th Luxor Arab Poetry Festival in Egypt is set to captivate audiences. Meanwhile, Paris will host the announcement of winners for the prestigious Sharjah "UNESCO" Prize for Arab Culture.

December's lineup includes several notable events starting with the 15th Sharjah Prize for Artistic Criticism and followed by the 8th Sharjah Desert Theatre Festival. Celebrations for World Arabic Language Day at the House of Poetry in Sharjah are also planned. Other events include the 9th Kairouan Arab Poetry Festival in Tunisia and the 12th Sharjah Scout Theatre Festival.

Poetry Festivals

The new year begins with January's 21st Sharjah Arab Poetry Festival, followed by Tunisia's 20th Sharjah Cultural Honor Forum and the 10th Khorfakkan Theatre Festival. February continues with several cultural events such as the 19th Sharjah Nabati Poetry Festival, Wadi Al Helo Popular Poetry Days, and Nouakchott's 10th Arab Poetry Festival.

March features World Poetry Day celebrations at the House of Poetry along with the 8th "Katateeb" Arabic Calligraphy Exhibition. April sees Egypt hosting the 21st Sharjah Cultural Honor Forum alongside other activities like Prosody Art Workshop and the 28th Sharjah Award for Arab Creativity.

Year-Round Activities

May brings various events to Amman, Jordan including the Tetouan Moroccan Poetry Festival and exhibitions at the Sharjah Calligraphy Center. The month also features the 12th Sharjah School Theatre Festival and Dibba Al-Hisn Dual Theatre Festival.

June will see Mauritania hosting both the 23rd Sharjah Cultural Honor Forum and the African Arab Poetry Forum's fourth edition. In August, Côte d'Ivoire, Nigeria, and South Sudan will continue with African Poetry Meetings while Khorfakkan Cultural Center hosts its Theatrical Performance Elements Course.

The SDC will also organise poetry evenings and seminars throughout various literary councils such as House of Poetry, Al-Hira Literary Council, Khorfakkan Literary Council, and Kalba Literary Council during this period.

The department remains committed to publishing cultural magazines that cover local events and news from different cities within Sharjah.

With inputs from WAM