Sharjah Media City (Shams) concluded its participation at the 44th Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF 2025) with a dynamic cultural showcase that highlighted its growing role in empowering young writers, creators and storytellers across the UAE and the wider Arab world.
A standout moment of Shams’ presence was the Writing Room (Hikaya) short story competition, which attracted promising literary talents from multiple age groups. The contest reflected a rising enthusiasm for creative writing among youth and adults. Winners were announced during a celebratory closing ceremony.
In the juniors category, Abdelkarim Ismat Al Ghazal won first place, followed by Shahd Hassan Al Suwaidan in second, and Layan Nidal Al Najjar in third.
In the adults category, Huda Mowafaq Kermanshahi secured first place, with Du’a Al Hindi taking second and Nibal Akram Al Razi placing third — all recognized for their creativity and human-centered storytelling styles.
Shams also enriched the fair with interactive cultural content. The “Bauh Al Kitab” podcast hosted emerging writers in live sessions, allowing audiences to experience real-time storytelling insights and discussions. For children, Shams offered AI-enhanced creative activities that introduced new digital tools to help young minds explore writing, imagination and self-expression in engaging, educational ways.
Highlighting the success of Shams’ participation, His Excellency Rashid Abdullah Al Obad, Director General of Shams, said the achievements reflect Shams’ commitment to strengthening the UAE’s creative landscape.
“Our mission is to sustain and elevate the cultural and creative scene, offering platforms for new voices to enrich the Arab library. We continue to innovate in alignment with the evolution of content creation and Sharjah’s global cultural vision,” Al Obad said.
Shams reaffirmed its dedication to expanding creative programs, discovering emerging talent and supporting the region’s digital and cultural economy through future-focused initiatives.
