The UAE News Report: How do the buildings around us come into being? At the 45th Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF 2026), children are discovering how everyday construction materials are used to create buildings through a hands-on ‘DIY Concrete Mixing’ workshop.
Led by Abdallah Muhammad, the workshop introduces young participants to the fundamentals of building through a practical exercise involving cement, sand, water and small bricks. Children begin by mixing the materials to prepare a cement-based mixture, then use miniature bricks to assemble their own structures and experience the construction process on a smaller scale.
As their miniature buildings take shape, participants discover how different materials work together and how individual components contribute to creating a stable structure. The activity encourages them to experiment, observe and engage with the practical processes behind the buildings they encounter in their everyday lives.
“Children are naturally curious, and some may wonder how the buildings they live in, study in and play around are actually constructed. They see these structures every day, but rarely get the opportunity to understand what goes into making them,” said Muhammad.
“By allowing children to participate in the process themselves, we help them appreciate the materials, effort, and different stages involved in construction. This hands-on experience also creates a stronger connection between children and the built environments they inhabit,” he added.
Beyond the miniature structures they create, the workshop offers children a new perspective on their surroundings, turning an everyday part of life into an opportunity for discovery. By combining practical learning with creative experimentation, it introduces young visitors to construction in an accessible way while nurturing curiosity, patience and an appreciation of the spaces people build and inhabit. The 45th Sharjah International Book Fair runs till November 15 at Expo Centre Sharjah under the theme ‘Made of Stories’. Organised by the Sharjah Book Authority, this year’s edition brings together 3,212 publishers and exhibitors from 126 countries, showcasing more than 1.7 million titles in multiple languages. Its programme features 1,500 cultural, creative, and artistic events, with 106 writers, artists, and intellectuals from 25 countries, alongside literary discussions, workshops, performances, and interactive experiences for visitors of all ages.
