UAEBBY Welcomes Egyptian Board Of Children's Books As Guest Of Honour At SCRF

The UAE Board on Books for Young People (UAEBBY) is currently hosting the Egyptian Board of Children's Books (EBBY) as the Guest of Honour at the 16th Sharjah Children's Reading Festival (SCRF). This event, which continues until 4th May at Expo Centre Sharjah, highlights UAEBBY's commitment to fostering cultural connections through children's literature.

Marwa Al Aqroubi, President of UAEBBY, expressed excitement about hosting EBBY, highlighting its significant impact on children's literature. She emphasised that this collaboration aligns with the UAE's values of openness and cultural diversity. Al Aqroubi noted that the festival offers a platform for UAE-based writers and illustrators to exchange ideas and insights with their Egyptian counterparts.

The Egyptian Board of Children's Books, an active member of the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY), is showcasing its dedication to promoting reading and developing Egypt’s children’s book industry. Through a joint pavilion with UAEBBY, they aim to connect young readers with prominent writers and illustrators from Egypt.

Dr. Nadia El Khouly, Chair of EBBY and Professor at Cairo University, expressed honour in being the festival’s Guest of Honour. She views this participation as a chance to elevate Egyptian children’s literature on an international stage. Dr. El Khouly highlighted the educational and aesthetic value of Egyptian books and their importance in reaching a broader audience.

The EBBY delegation includes several distinguished individuals such as Dr. Ibrahim Shalabi, a novelist focusing on themes of identity and adolescence; Mohamed Wahba, an illustrator known for his manga-inspired style; and Haitham Shukri, a storyteller who combines performance with narrative. These figures contribute significantly to Egypt's vibrant literary scene.

Dr. El Khouly also pointed out the ongoing cooperation between Emirati and Egyptian boards. This collaboration involves exchanging expertise and developing joint programmes aimed at enriching both cultures' literary landscapes. The festival provides visitors with an opportunity to explore Egyptian culture through literature that conveys messages of humanity and unity.

Engaging Events and Collaborations

The festival features daily events such as storytelling sessions and art workshops led by EBBY members. These activities are designed to engage young audiences while promoting cultural understanding through literature. Additionally, meetings with organisations like the Emirates Publishers Association aim to explore potential collaborations.

The Egyptian delegation will also visit key cultural institutions including the Sharjah Public Library and Abu Dhabi International Book Fair. These tours are intended to deepen their understanding of the UAE's thriving cultural scene, particularly in children's literature.

This hosting marks a significant step in Arab cooperation within the children’s literature sector. It allows audiences at the festival to experience diverse literary traditions while providing opportunities for knowledge exchange between UAE-based creators and their international peers.

With inputs from WAM