Where to find children’s cultural shows in Sharjah?

Sharjah, as the cultural capital of the UAE, offers a vibrant tapestry of events and institutions dedicated to enriching children’s understanding and appreciation of local and global cultures. We find that these cultural experiences go beyond mere entertainment, providing invaluable lessons in history, traditions, and artistic expression, which are crucial for developing well-rounded individuals.

Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival: A Literary and Cultural Extravaganza

The Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival (SCRF) is undoubtedly the most prominent cultural event for children in Sharjah, drawing families from across the UAE and beyond. Held annually at Expo Centre Sharjah (typically late April to early May), it’s far more than just a book fair.

• Diverse Cultural Showcases: SCRF hosts a wide array of cultural activities, from theatrical performances and roaming shows (such as “Masked Wonderland,” “Winged Wonders,” and “Dancing with a Robot”) to storytelling sessions that bring traditional tales to life. These performances often blend entertainment with meaningful educational themes, offering a delightful introduction to performing arts.
• Interactive Workshops: The festival features numerous hands-on workshops that delve into various cultural and artistic forms. Children can participate in workshops related to traditional arts and crafts, learn about different cultures through storytelling, engage in cooking classes that explore global cuisines, and even dabble in activities like computer coding and robotics, which are increasingly seen as modern cultural literacies.
• Literary Engagements: While broad in scope, the festival’s core remains literature. Children can meet authors and illustrators, attend book signings, and participate in interactive reading sessions that foster a love for reading and introduce them to diverse narratives from around the world, including those reflecting Emirati heritage.
• Global Participation: SCRF welcomes publishers, authors, and artists from various countries, creating a truly international cultural exchange platform for young minds. This exposure to different perspectives and traditions is invaluable.

The Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival is a free event for all attendees, making it incredibly accessible for families. We highly recommend checking the official Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival website closer to its annual dates for the full program of cultural events and activities.

Sharjah Museums Authority: Immersive Cultural Journeys

The Sharjah Museums Authority (SMA) oversees a network of museums, many of which offer exceptional cultural programs tailored for children, fostering an appreciation for local heritage and Islamic civilization.

• Sharjah Heritage Museum: This museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Sharjah and the UAE. It frequently hosts workshops and interactive exhibits that allow children to learn about Emirati traditions, customs, folklore, traditional crafts, and daily life from bygone eras. For instance, they might have sessions on traditional Emirati games, storytelling, or local crafts like sadu weaving or pottery.
• Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization: This museum offers a captivating journey through Islamic history, science, art, and culture. While it presents complex themes, it often designs child-friendly tours and workshops that introduce young visitors to the marvels of Islamic civilization in an accessible way. This could include interactive displays on Islamic inventions, calligraphy workshops, or storytelling about prominent figures in Islamic history.
• Sharjah Archaeology Museum: Children can explore the ancient history of Sharjah and the UAE through archaeological finds. The museum sometimes organizes workshops where kids can participate in mock archaeological digs or learn about ancient tools and pottery, connecting them to the deep roots of local culture.
• Children’s Happy Holiday Camps: SMA organizes annual “Happy Holiday Camps” at its museums, specifically for children aged 6-13. These camps feature a series of workshops and educational programs aimed at enhancing participants’ skills and knowledge in topics relevant to Sharjah Museums, including culture, art, history, and science.

To find out about current exhibitions, workshops, and children’s programs, including those with a cultural focus, we strongly advise visiting the Sharjah Museums Authority official website.

Sharjah Art Foundation: Engaging Artistic and Cultural Expression

The Sharjah Art Foundation (SAF) offers a dynamic array of programs, including those for children, that delve into contemporary art and its cultural contexts.

• Children and Families Sessions: SAF regularly offers “Children’s Sessions” (ages 6–15) that experiment with various art forms, including those with cultural significance, such as puppetry, storytelling, and traditional craft techniques adapted to contemporary art. These sessions, led by professional artists and practitioners, encourage children to explore their creativity and engage with art as a form of cultural expression.
• Summer School Programs: SAF’s summer school initiatives often feature a wide range of educational and engaging activities that enhance artistic and crafting skills, sometimes drawing inspiration from regional or international cultural themes. These workshops are often conducted in both English and Arabic, further enriching the cultural experience.

We recommend checking the “Children and Families” and “Workshops” sections on the Sharjah Art Foundation website for their latest programs, as they are constantly evolving and offering new opportunities for cultural and artistic engagement.

House of Wisdom: Modern Cultural Hub with Traditional Echoes

House of Wisdom, Sharjah’s iconic cultural landmark, seamlessly blends contemporary design with a deep appreciation for heritage, offering unique cultural events for children.

• Storytelling and Shadow Theatre: The House of Wisdom actively participates in events like the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival, where it highlights timeless fables and hosts engaging activities such as interactive “Shadow Theatre.” This time-honored storytelling art revives classic tales, immersing children in exciting performances that often highlight ethical lessons and cultural narratives.
• Interactive Cultural Explorations: The venue features innovative approaches to learning, sometimes using AI-powered interactive journeys to help children explore universal values through symbolic narratives, as seen with their focus on “Kalila wa Dimna” fables.
• Creative Workshops: Beyond explicit cultural events, the House of Wisdom frequently offers “Creative Kids Workshops” that may incorporate elements of traditional arts and crafts, or explore cultural themes through modern artistic mediums.

For the most up-to-date schedule of children’s cultural workshops and events, we suggest monitoring the House of Wisdom listings on the Sharjah Events website.

Cultural Palaces and Heritage Sites: Living History

Sharjah’s Cultural Palaces, such as the Culture Palace in Sharjah (part of Cultural Square), and various heritage sites throughout the emirate, occasionally host cultural performances and events that are open to families. While not exclusively for children, these events often include elements that appeal to younger audiences, such as traditional music, dance, and storytelling. Events like the “Emirates Festival for Children’s Theatre,” held at such venues, are examples of dedicated cultural performances. Exploring sites like Heart of Sharjah also provides an immersive experience in the emirate’s rich past, with traditional architecture and museums offering glimpses into Emirati heritage.

FUNN – Sharjah Media Arts for Youth and Children: Media and Art

FUNN, an organization dedicated to promoting media arts for youth and children in Sharjah, plays a significant role in cultural education through modern mediums. While primarily focused on film and media, their initiatives often incorporate cultural themes.

• Sharjah International Film Festival for Children and Youth (SIFF): Organized by FUNN, SIFF is the first film festival of its kind in the UAE. It screens culturally diverse films from around the world, exposing children to different narratives, customs, and global perspectives through the powerful medium of cinema.
• Workshops: FUNN also conducts workshops related to filmmaking, animation, and digital storytelling, which can be used by children to express their own cultural narratives or interpret existing ones in a contemporary context.

Following the FUNN section on the Sharjah Events website will provide information on their upcoming festivals and workshops relevant to media arts and cultural expression.

Sharjah’s dedication to culture means that new programs and events are frequently introduced. To ensure you catch the latest and most relevant cultural events for your children, it’s always best to regularly check the official websites of these institutions and the comprehensive Sharjah Events portal. This guide has been carefully compiled by the www.few.ae team.