The UAE Board on Books for Young People (UAEBBY) is hosting the Egyptian Board of Children’s Books (EBBY) as the Guest of Honour at the 16th Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival (SCRF), which runs until the evening of 4th May at Expo Centre Sharjah.
The UAEBBY continues to consolidate its role in building bridges of cultural communication between peoples by hosting the EBBY. This hosting marks a new milestone in Arab cooperation within the children’s literature sector.
The Egyptian Board of Children’s Books, as an active branch of the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY), showcases its efforts to promote reading and develop Egypt’s children’s book industry through a joint pavilion with UAEBBY. The delegation will also host sessions and events connecting young readers with leading writers and illustrators.
The EBBY delegation includes several notable figures: Dr. Ibrahim Shalabi, a young adult novelist addressing identity and adolescence; illustrator Mohamed Wahba, known for manga-inspired styles and panoramic depictions of Egyptian life; and Haitham Shukri, a storyteller blending performance and narrative. Dr. Nadia El Khouly, Chair of the Board and a Professor at Cairo University, is a prominent advocate for youth empowerment through literature.
Marwa Al Aqroubi, President of UAEBBY, expressed enthusiasm for hosting EBBY, citing its cultural depth and impact on children’s literature. She affirmed the Board’s commitment to regional and international cooperation and emphasised literature as a bridge for mutual understanding. Hosting EBBY aligns with the UAE’s spirit of openness and cultural diversity.
Al Aqroubi added that the hosting allows audiences at the festival to explore diverse literary experiences while providing UAE-based writers and illustrators a chance to exchange knowledge. Guests will also gain insights into the UAE’s thriving cultural scene, particularly in children’s literature, and will engage directly with festival attendees.
Dr. El Khouly voiced EBBY’s honour in being the festival’s Guest of Honour, viewing the participation as a way to elevate Egyptian children’s literature internationally. She noted the educational and aesthetic value of Egypt’s books and the importance of sharing these with a wider audience.
El Khouly highlighted ongoing cooperation between the Emirati and Egyptian boards, which includes expertise exchange and collaborative programmes. She sees this hosting as an opportunity for festival visitors to explore the richness of Egyptian culture and literature, brought to life by creators carrying messages of humanity and unity.
The hosting includes daily events such as storytelling sessions and art workshops led by EBBY members. Meetings with the Emirates Publishers Association, Kalimat Group, Sharjah International Literary Rights Agency, and others aim to explore collaboration. The Egyptian delegation will also tour key cultural institutions like the Sharjah Public Library and the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair.
