Sharjah Ruler Allocates AED 950,000 For 19th Emirates Children’s Theatre Festival In December

His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, has sanctioned an annual budget of AED950,000 for the Emirates Children’s Theatre Festival (ECTF). This festival is organised by the UAE Theatrical Association in partnership with the Sharjah Department of Culture. The 19th edition is set to occur in December at the Sharjah Cultural Palace.

Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Owais, Chairman of the Department of Culture in Sharjah, expressed gratitude to His Highness for his generous patronage and ongoing support of theatrical and cultural initiatives across the UAE and the Arab world.

Al Owais highlighted that the Ruler's commitment to children’s theatre is crucial for nurturing creativity and developing imaginative individuals who will shape the future. He stated that this support underscores a belief in theatre as a tool for character development and artistic growth from a young age.

The initiative aligns with a broader vision supporting all performing arts sectors, starting with children’s theatre and extending to various specialised festivals. This vision has fostered a vibrant theatrical scene in Sharjah.

Sharjah hosts numerous festivals such as the Kalba Short Plays Festival, School Theatre, Desert Theatre Festival, Dibba Al Hisn Festival for Monodrama, Scout Theatre, Khorfakkan Theatre Festival, Sharjah Theatre Days, Sharjah Gulf Theatre Festival, and the Arab Theatre Festival. These events are supported financially and morally by H.H. the Ruler.

This backing highlights Sharjah’s role as a global cultural hub promoting dialogue, creativity, and artistic excellence. "The Emirates Children’s Theatre Festival has established itself as a distinguished annual event on the UAE’s cultural calendar," Al Owais remarked.

Impact on Emirati Theatre

Ismail Abdullah, Chairman of the Emirates Theatrical Association, thanked the Ruler of Sharjah for his continuous support of Emirati artists and national theatre. He noted that this sponsorship renews motivation to elevate Emirati theatre and enrich its humanitarian mission.

This support reinforces Sharjah’s leading role in the Arab cultural renaissance. The festival serves as a creative platform fostering innovation and instilling genuine cultural values in younger generations.

The consistent backing from His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi ensures that these initiatives continue to thrive. This commitment not only enhances local culture but also strengthens Sharjah's position on the global stage as a centre for artistic excellence.

With inputs from WAM