Sharjah Culture to host 25 festivals in coming months

March 23, 2026 / 2:27 PM

Sharjah24: Sharjah Department of Culture is preparing to organise 25 festivals and cultural forums in the coming months as part of its annual programme, in line with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. The events will take place locally, across the Arab world, and in Africa, reinforcing Sharjah’s cultural leadership and support for creative expression.

Supporting Arab culture and creativity

Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Owais, Chairman of the department, said the programme reflects the vision of Sharjah’s ruler to advance Arab culture, support creative talents, and strengthen Sharjah’s role as a hub for cultural exchange among writers and artists.

Wide-ranging cultural activities

He noted that the programme extends from Sharjah to the wider Arab region and Africa, attracting broad audiences eager for its intellectual and artistic value, while providing platforms for established and emerging creatives. Preparations are underway to ensure events reflect Sharjah’s cultural standing and meet expectations of participants.

Key events and timeline

The programme runs until the end of August. March features the launch of the 35th edition of Sharjah Theatre Days and honours authors of the department’s 2025 publications.

In April, the Sharjah Cultural Honouring Forum continues in Egypt (25th edition) and Jordan (26th), alongside events such as a poetry performance workshop at the House of Poetry, the 5th Dibba Al-Hisn Cultural Festival, and the 29th Sharjah Award for Arab Creativity ceremony at the Cultural Palace.

Activities across May and June

May will host five events, including the 7th Tetouan Festival for Moroccan Poets, an exhibition by the Sharjah Calligraphy Centre, the 13th Sharjah School Theatre Festival, and the 9th Dibba Al-Hisn Duet Theatre Festival. In June, the Sharjah Cultural Honouring Forum will be held in Morocco (27th edition) and Mauritania (28th).

Focus on Africa and theatre arts

Preparations are also underway for the 5th African Arabic Poetry Forums in July and August across several countries, including Chad, Guinea, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, and South Sudan. Additionally, the 13th Theatre Elements course will be organised at the Cultural Centre in Kalba in August.