The UAE News Report
Sharjah: Kalimat, an imprint of Kalimat Group, has brought a programme of children’s readings, author meetings and discussions on personal safety and Emirati heritage to the 45th Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF 2026), using books to encourage conversations between young readers, families and educators.
The programme, outlined in a release dated 12 November, includes sessions for children aged six to nine, new book launches and a discussion exploring how stories can help adults explain body safety and personal boundaries to children. It also introduces young adult readers to fiction inspired by the UAE’s cultural history.
Stories as a starting point for conversations about safety
Kalimat opened its programme on 5 November with a reading of Will You Enter the Ice Cream Truck? by author Nermin Magdy Badr for children aged six to nine. A panel titled From Storytelling to Safe Conversations: How Do We Talk to Children About Body Safety? followed the reading.
The discussion featured Dr Bana Bouzbon from the Child Safety Organisation and was moderated by Rania Hassan. It explored ways parents and educators can use age-appropriate stories to discuss personal boundaries and help children identify situations that make them uncomfortable.
According to the release, speakers emphasised encouraging children to express their feelings, say no when uncomfortable and seek help when needed. The conversation also addressed the importance of practical guidance that builds children’s understanding and confidence rather than relying on fear or repeated warnings.
The session demonstrated one way children’s literature can be used beyond reading enjoyment: as an accessible starting point for discussions that may otherwise be difficult for families or classrooms to initiate.
Authors meet young readers
The programme continued on 6 November with author Nasser Al Dosari, known as Al Sayed Noon, launching and signing his book On This Chair. The event included a storytelling session aimed at children aged six to nine.
On 7 November, author Rahaf Al Sabeh hosted a reading of her book Hellosito for the same age group. The session allowed children to listen to a story directly from its author and interact with the person behind the book.
By combining readings with opportunities to meet writers, Kalimat’s activities are intended to introduce younger visitors to books through participation as well as the printed page. The events formed part of the publisher’s wider presence at the fair.
Emirati heritage inspires a young adult novel
Emirati author Mohammed Alotaiba participated on 8 November with a book signing and discussion of his novel The Pearl, which brings together adventure, mystery, fantasy and the UAE’s cultural heritage.
The discussion, titled Beyond the Pearl: Exploring Time, Heritage and Storytelling with Mohammed Alotaiba, was moderated by translator and cultural consultant Lina Tarakji. It examined the true story of a natural pearl that inspired the novel’s time-travelling adventure and how the author connects the past and present through fiction.
The session also explored the challenges of combining historical material with fantasy and mystery for young adult readers, highlighting how familiar cultural elements can provide the foundation for imaginative storytelling.
New series developed with Dibba Al-Hisn Municipality
Kalimat’s programme also included events for the new Friends of Dibba Al-Hisn Municipality series, developed in collaboration with Dibba Al-Hisn Municipality. The schedule listed Maryam Al Jamal for 9 November, Noura Al Khouri for 10 November and Nadia Al Najjar for 12 November.
The series events were designed to introduce the publications and give visitors opportunities to meet their authors. Together with the readings, book signings and heritage discussion, they reflect Kalimat’s emphasis on connecting books with children’s everyday experiences and the stories of their communities.
The 45th Sharjah International Book Fair is taking place at Expo Centre Sharjah from 4 to 15 November 2026.
