Sharjah Ruler Funds Emirates Children’s Theatre Festival

His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, has approved an annual budget of AED950,000 for the Emirates Children’s Theatre Festival (ECTF). The festival is organised by the UAE Theatrical Association in collaboration with the Sharjah Department of Culture. This generous support reaffirms His Highness’s long-standing commitment to nurturing cultural and artistic growth in the UAE.

The funding comes as preparations begin for the 19th edition of the Emirates Children’s Theatre Festival, set to be held this December at the Sharjah Cultural Palace. The festival remains one of the UAE’s key cultural events dedicated to young people, offering them a platform to express creativity, explore performance arts, and learn through theatre.

Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Owais, Chairman of the Department of Culture in Sharjah, extended deep gratitude to the Ruler of Sharjah for his continued support. He stated that Sheikh Dr. Sultan views children’s theatre as a foundation for nurturing creativity, imagination, and emotional intelligence among youth. According to Al Owais, the Ruler’s vision aims to help young Emiratis become well-rounded and innovative individuals capable of shaping the future.

Al Owais added that His Highness’s ongoing support for the festival reflects his strong belief in the power of theatre to develop character, enhance creativity, and promote cultural identity. By investing in children’s theatre, Sharjah continues to build a society that values artistic expression and education through creative storytelling and performance.

The Emirates Children’s Theatre Festival is part of Sharjah’s broader cultural vision that includes various theatre and performing arts initiatives. Al Owais highlighted that the Sharjah Ruler’s pioneering approach has created a vibrant theatrical scene across the emirate, inspiring young talents and supporting professional artists alike.

Sharjah now hosts a wide range of specialised theatre festivals, including the Kalba Short Plays Festival, School Theatre, Desert Theatre Festival, Dibba Al Hisn Monodrama Festival, Scout Theatre, Khorfakkan Theatre Festival, Sharjah Theatre Days, Sharjah Gulf Theatre Festival, and the Arab Theatre Festival. The Ruler’s continuous support—both financial and moral—extends to regional and international cultural events, strengthening Sharjah’s position as a global cultural capital that promotes dialogue, creativity, and artistic innovation.

Al Owais described the Emirates Children’s Theatre Festival as a distinguished annual event that celebrates imagination and promotes meaningful storytelling for children. The festival encourages young performers to explore their artistic potential and reinforces cultural and moral values through interactive plays, workshops, and performances.

Ismail Abdullah, Chairman of the Emirates Theatrical Association, also expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Ruler of Sharjah for his constant encouragement of Emirati artists and the national theatre movement. He said that this sponsorship is a renewed motivation for artists to enhance their work, strengthen theatre’s humanitarian message, and showcase Emirati culture both regionally and internationally.

Abdullah emphasised that His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan’s leadership has placed Sharjah at the heart of the Arab cultural renaissance, making it a hub for creative expression and cultural exchange. The continuous support for festivals such as the ECTF underscores Sharjah’s belief that theatre plays a crucial role in education, creativity, and moral growth.

The Ruler’s decision to allocate AED950,000 to the Emirates Children’s Theatre Festival stands as a testament to his dedication to arts and education. It ensures that the next generation will continue to find joy, inspiration, and learning through theatre. The festival, now entering its 19th year, will carry forward Sharjah’s mission to foster creativity, encourage artistic excellence, and celebrate the imagination of young people.