SHARJAH, UAE- Young schoolchildren discovered how simple craft materials could be turned into musical instruments during the ‘Pocket Harp’ workshop at the 45th Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF 2026).
Designed for children aged 8–10, the hands-on activity involved building pocket harps using triangular corrugated cardboard frames, coloured rubber bands, screws and small hammers.
Following instructions from trainers Fatma Ayyad and Vanessa, the children hammered approximately eight screws into marked points along two sides of their harp frames. They then stretched rubber bands between pairs of screws, creating strings of increasing length from the narrow bottom towards the top of each frame.
Once assembled, the young participants decorated their instruments with crayons, adding personal touches before exploring the sounds they could produce.
Fatma explained that the activity helped children recognise colours and express feelings while developing their musical awareness and listening skills.
Rana Anis, a school teacher, said the school hoped the experience would strengthen the boys’ practical craft skills and cultural awareness through participation in workshops and other book fair activities.
Also taking part were sisters Maryam Salem, a Grade 7 student, and Aisha, a Grade 3 student, quickly grasped the construction process.
“I am here because I like craft activities and crochet,” Maryam said.
The workshop gave children an opportunity to explore music through hands-on construction, combining creativity, basic mechanical skills and an introduction to how stringed instruments produce sound.
Organised by the Sharjah Book Authority, the 45th Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF 2026) runs from November 4 to 15 at Expo Centre Sharjah under the theme ‘Made of Stories’, with the Sultanate of Oman as Guest of Honour. The fair brings together 3,212 publishers and exhibitors from 126 countries, showcasing more than 1.7 million titles. Its programme features 1,500 cultural, creative and artistic events, with 106 guests from 25 countries.
