Sultan Al Qasimi Inaugurates The 3rd Sharjah Animation Conference To Empower Arab Creators

His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, attended the opening of the third Sharjah Animation Conference. This event, organised by the Sharjah Book Authority, is the first of its kind in the region. It runs from 1st to 4th May at Expo Centre Sharjah, featuring a diverse programme of workshops, discussions, film screenings, and exhibitions.

The conference hosts 72 speakers who are among the world's top animation creators. During the opening ceremony, Sheikh Dr. Sultan was briefed on this year’s agenda. He also toured the conference halls and exhibitor booths to learn about creative tools presented by global participants. A short film produced by the Sharjah Book Authority was showcased, highlighting key milestones in Arab animation history.

Prev

Next

Khoula Al Mujaini, Executive Director of the Conference, stated that the event is a comprehensive initiative launched under the patronage of H.H. the Ruler of Sharjah. She emphasised that it aims to empower content creation in the Arab world through innovative approaches and new tools. The conference embodies Sharjah’s vision to create a sustainable environment for content creation.

Al Mujaini added that this initiative serves as a bridge between publishing and production, writers and illustrators, imagination and execution. It connects today's generation with those who will dream twenty years from now. "It’s time to tell our stories ourselves," she concluded, highlighting that exceptional Arab talent needs space and support rather than creativity alone.

This year’s conference celebrates Japanese anime's influence on generations worldwide. It welcomes renowned Japanese creators like Masayuki Miyaji and Tamiya Terashima from Studio Ghibli productions such as Spirited Away and My Neighbor Totoro. The event also features Tom Bancroft of Pencilish Animation Studios; Tony Bancroft known for Disney’s Mulan; and Sandro Cleuzo behind Anastasia.

Fahad Al Hassawi, CEO of du, expressed their sponsorship stems from a belief in investing in culture as drivers of positive change. "The Sharjah Animation Conference reflects our shared vision of empowering a new generation shaping the digital landscape," he said. Creativity is crucial for UAE's digital transformation aligned with leadership's vision.

Exploring Animation Trends

The conference explores intersections between animation and AI, visual storytelling, and adapting literary works into visual productions. These discussions affirm that animation today is a universal language where art, technology, and cultures converge. The event continues to advance its status as an international platform for exploring animation trends.

The short film presented during the conference chronicled early Arab efforts in animation and prominent regional productions like "Bakkar" and "Freej." It highlighted dubbing's role in reintroducing global works with an Arab voice. The film concluded with an inspiring message affirming Sharjah's role in paving the way for Arab content creators.

With inputs from WAM