emirates7 - The UAE Board on Books for Young People (UAEBBY) is spotlighting the Egyptian Board of Children's Books (EBBY) as the Guest of Honour at the 16th Sharjah Children's Reading Festival (SCRF), which runs through the evening of May 4 at Expo Centre Sharjah.
This initiative reflects UAEBBY’s ongoing commitment to fostering cross-cultural dialogue, as it welcomes EBBY in a move that signifies a major step forward in strengthening Arab cooperation in the field of children’s literature.
As a dynamic branch of the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY), EBBY is using this opportunity to showcase its efforts in encouraging reading and enhancing Egypt’s children’s book sector. The group shares a pavilion with UAEBBY and is hosting various sessions and activities that bring young audiences together with prominent authors and illustrators.
The Egyptian delegation features several influential literary and artistic figures: Dr. Ibrahim Shalabi, a novelist known for exploring themes of identity and adolescence; Mohamed Wahba, an illustrator recognized for his manga-influenced style and detailed portrayals of Egyptian life; and Haitham Shukri, a storyteller who merges narration with performance. Leading the delegation is Dr. Nadia El Khouly, Chair of EBBY and a professor at Cairo University, who is a strong proponent of empowering youth through literature.
Marwa Al Aqroubi, President of UAEBBY, expressed pride in hosting EBBY, citing its significant role in enriching Arab children’s literature. She emphasized that the initiative supports the UAE’s vision of cultural openness and diversity, while also reinforcing UAEBBY’s mission to promote regional and global collaboration in the literary arts.
Al Aqroubi noted that this collaboration offers festival-goers a chance to experience a variety of literary perspectives, and also provides UAE-based creators with valuable opportunities for knowledge exchange. Additionally, visitors will gain a deeper appreciation of the UAE’s flourishing children’s literary scene and enjoy direct engagement with writers and illustrators.
Dr. El Khouly conveyed EBBY’s gratitude for the invitation, highlighting how the festival strengthens Egypt’s presence in the international children’s literature community. She praised the artistic and educational merits of Egyptian books and underscored the value of sharing these works with a broader global audience.
She also spoke about the ongoing partnership between the Egyptian and Emirati boards, which includes joint initiatives and the sharing of expertise. El Khouly sees the Guest of Honour role as a chance for festival attendees to experience the depth of Egyptian storytelling and cultural heritage, delivered by artists who champion themes of compassion and unity.
The collaboration features daily programming such as storytelling performances and art workshops led by EBBY members. The delegation is also meeting with key players in the local publishing industry—including the Emirates Publishers Association, Kalimat Group, and the Sharjah International Literary Rights Agency—to explore future partnerships. Their visit includes cultural site tours, including stops at the Sharjah Public Library and the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair.
This initiative reflects UAEBBY’s ongoing commitment to fostering cross-cultural dialogue, as it welcomes EBBY in a move that signifies a major step forward in strengthening Arab cooperation in the field of children’s literature.
As a dynamic branch of the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY), EBBY is using this opportunity to showcase its efforts in encouraging reading and enhancing Egypt’s children’s book sector. The group shares a pavilion with UAEBBY and is hosting various sessions and activities that bring young audiences together with prominent authors and illustrators.
The Egyptian delegation features several influential literary and artistic figures: Dr. Ibrahim Shalabi, a novelist known for exploring themes of identity and adolescence; Mohamed Wahba, an illustrator recognized for his manga-influenced style and detailed portrayals of Egyptian life; and Haitham Shukri, a storyteller who merges narration with performance. Leading the delegation is Dr. Nadia El Khouly, Chair of EBBY and a professor at Cairo University, who is a strong proponent of empowering youth through literature.
Marwa Al Aqroubi, President of UAEBBY, expressed pride in hosting EBBY, citing its significant role in enriching Arab children’s literature. She emphasized that the initiative supports the UAE’s vision of cultural openness and diversity, while also reinforcing UAEBBY’s mission to promote regional and global collaboration in the literary arts.
Al Aqroubi noted that this collaboration offers festival-goers a chance to experience a variety of literary perspectives, and also provides UAE-based creators with valuable opportunities for knowledge exchange. Additionally, visitors will gain a deeper appreciation of the UAE’s flourishing children’s literary scene and enjoy direct engagement with writers and illustrators.
Dr. El Khouly conveyed EBBY’s gratitude for the invitation, highlighting how the festival strengthens Egypt’s presence in the international children’s literature community. She praised the artistic and educational merits of Egyptian books and underscored the value of sharing these works with a broader global audience.
She also spoke about the ongoing partnership between the Egyptian and Emirati boards, which includes joint initiatives and the sharing of expertise. El Khouly sees the Guest of Honour role as a chance for festival attendees to experience the depth of Egyptian storytelling and cultural heritage, delivered by artists who champion themes of compassion and unity.
The collaboration features daily programming such as storytelling performances and art workshops led by EBBY members. The delegation is also meeting with key players in the local publishing industry—including the Emirates Publishers Association, Kalimat Group, and the Sharjah International Literary Rights Agency—to explore future partnerships. Their visit includes cultural site tours, including stops at the Sharjah Public Library and the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair.