I am thrilled to share that I have been invited to be a special guest at the 14th edition of Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival (SCRF23) in the United Arab Emirates. On behalf of Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) and its chairman Mr. Ahmad Al Ameri, I was extended an invitation to participate in the festival that is scheduled to take place from May 03 to 14, 2023.

As an author, educator, and an advocate for bilingual education, I am very excited to share my work and knowledge with the festival attendees. I have been asked to be part of a distinct discussion titled ‘The importance of raising a trilingual generation: Children with three languages.’ I am thrilled to share my expertise in this area and hope to benefit the thousands of readers and visitors who attend the festival every year.

SCRF is a twelve-day annual event that promotes reading, publishing, and literary activities under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, the UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. The festival is a yearly cultural celebration that spreads the joy of learning, not only to the children and teens it’s named after but to parents and adults as well. Sharjah, being among the most culturally rich places on earth, has earned several international accolades, including the ‘World Book Capital’ title for 2019 by UNESCO, listed among 50 Best Places to Visit in 2019 by Travel + Leisure, Arab Tourism Capital for 2015, the Islamic Culture Capital in 2014, and Cultural Capital of the Arab World by UNESCO in 1998. Sharjah is one of the seven emirates that form the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Throughout the festival, there will be readings for students, panel discussions, book signings, cooking demonstrations, and workshops of different kinds, including illustration, with the goal of inspiring young minds to invest their time in books and other creative activities. I am thrilled that my work will also be included in the outreach programs at schools, and my books will also be offered for sale.

SBA has the honor of hosting popular international authors and celebrities from around the world for children and adults alike, including Trevor Noah, Steve Harvey, Dan Brown, Orhan Pamuk, Jay Shetty, Robin Sharma, Deepak Chopra, Mark Manson, Jeffrey Archer, Lincoln Peirce, Vashti Harrison, Claire Legrand, Gayle Forman, Elisabetta Dami, Rupi Kaur, Cassandra Clare, Lisa Genova, James Clear, Misako Rocks, Peter Lerangis, Leonard Mlodinow, Swaady Martin, Brandon Sanderson, and many more.

I am looking forward to this incredible opportunity to meet and learn from renowned authors and celebrities, engage with the festival attendees and share my passion for bilingual education.