Hands-On Creativity for Children

Al Jalila Cultural Centre for Children presents Bait Al Khazaf, a dedicated space for pottery and ceramics. Designed to inspire young artists, the workshops include pottery-making, painting, and performing arts. Children can shape clay on a wheel, decorate candles, and design costumes while learning from theatre experts. The Centre for Musical Arts leads music sessions, and families can participate in a collaborative mural.

Ceramic Art Exhibition

Curated by Kamal Al Zoubi, Head of the Pottery Department at Al Jalila Cultural Centre for Children, Bait Al Khazaf features works by 55 Emirati and UAE-based ceramicists. Highlights include:

• Communication and Connection by Emirati artist Shamsa Juma, reflecting her search for perfection.
• Ibahar (Sailing) by Abdulla Al Hammadi, inspired by pearl diving.
• Calligraphy Mural by Pakistani artist Adeel Umar.
• Cultural Diffusion by Australian artist Alex Rawson, exploring cross-cultural exchange.
• Oryx the Survivor by Sudanese artist Amani Badur, symbolizing resilience.

The People of Determination Exhibition showcases inspiring works by artists with disabilities, highlighting their creativity and perseverance.

Literature and Visual Arts

Dubai Public Library’s School of Life initiative offers workshops such as:

• Ruq’ah Calligraphy by Mohammed Al Tamimi.
• Doors and Wooden Carvings by Dr Saeed Abdullah Al Wail, exploring Emirati craftsmanship.
• Sikka Folktales by Magdy ElKafrawy, bringing local stories to life on canvas.

Theatre and Folktales

The World Stage Design House (House 203) hosts theatre workshops, including:

• Puppet Workshop by Jacqui George, where children create shadow puppets.
• Lighting Workshop by Youmna Aboelella, teaching stage lighting techniques.
• Costume Design by Salma Lakharouti, using recycled materials.

At Masterpieces House – House of Folklore Tales (House 355), students from the Ministry of Education’s 2024 summer camp present artworks inspired by Kharareef (local folktales), blending tradition with modern creativity.

Festival Partners

The Sikka Art & Design Festival is organized in collaboration with Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), Dubai Municipality, Dubai Police, Dubai Civil Defence, and the Emirates Council for Rural Development.

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Bodour Al Qasimi, founder and honorary president of UAEBBY and president of the International Publishers Association (IPA), inaugurated the display as part of Sharjah’s Guest of the Honor program at the book expo in Mexico, which ends today, December 4.

It was widely praised for culturally enhancing the folkloric histories of the UAE and Italy when Folktales Reimagined was initially released earlier this year in conjunction with the Bologna Children’s Book Fair in Italy.

The current edition comprises the works of five commissioned UAE artists who have reinvented and produced artworks revolving around Mexican stories and fables to foster creative interchange between the UAE and Mexico. Five Latin American artists who have illustrated five works about Emirati folktales are also featured in the exhibition.

The cross-cultural initiative, which requests that artists from two very different cultures reimagine each other’s most well-known folk tales, was developed due to the collaborative relationships formed during the Sharjah World Book Capital.

A new generation of artists retells historical tales in the collaborative exhibition using their perspectives and experiences. This genuine cross-cultural exchange of ideas reflects the sociocultural values of Mexico and the Emirati.

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