SHARJAH, UAE- From helping children understand personal safety to introducing young adults to Emirati heritage through fiction, Kalimat, an imprint of Kalimat Group, is engaging readers through a diverse programme of storytelling sessions, book launches and author discussions at the 45th Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF 2026).
The programme brings together authors, educators and young readers, offering opportunities to explore new books, discuss important childhood experiences and discover how storytelling connects generations.
From storytelling to conversations about safety
Kalimat opened its programme on Thursday, November 5, with a reading of Will You Enter the Ice Cream Truck? by author Nermin Magdy Badr for children aged six to nine. The reading was followed by a panel discussion titled ‘From Storytelling to Safe Conversations: How Do We Talk to Children About Body Safety?’
The discussion featured Dr Bana Bouzbon from the Child Safety Organisation and was moderated by Rania Hassan. It explored how children’s stories can help parents and educators discuss body safety and personal boundaries, encouraging children to express their feelings, say no when they feel uncomfortable and seek help when needed.
Speakers also examined ways to help children develop practical safety skills through conversation and guidance, without relying on fear or repeated warnings.
Book launches and storytelling sessions
On Friday, November 6, author Nasser Al Dosari, known as Al Sayed Noon, launched and signed his book On This Chair, accompanied by a storytelling session for children aged six to nine.
A reading session featuring author Rahaf Al Sabeh and her book “Hellosito” followed on Saturday, November 7. Designed for children aged six to nine, the session gave young readers an opportunity to listen to the story and interact with the author.
Emirati heritage in young adult fiction
Emirati author Mohammed Alotaiba’s novel The Pearl combines adventure, mystery and fantasy with the UAE’s cultural heritage. His participation on Sunday, November 8, featured a book-signing event and a discussion titled ‘Beyond the Pearl: Exploring Time, Heritage and Storytelling with Mohammed Alotaiba’, moderated by translator and cultural consultant Lina Tarakji.
The session explored the novel’s inspiration, including the true story of the natural pearl that sparked its time-travelling adventure. It also examined how Alotaiba draws on Emirati heritage to connect the past and present, as well as the creative challenges of combining history, fantasy, and mystery in a story for young adult readers.
Friends of Dibba Al-Hisn Municipality
Kalimat’s programme also includes three upcoming author events celebrating the newly launched Friends of Dibba Al-Hisn Municipality series, developed in collaboration with Dibba Al-Hisn Municipality.
Author Maryam Al Jamal will introduce the series on Monday, November 9, followed by Noura Al Khouri on Tuesday, November 10. The third event, featuring Nadia Al Najjar, will take place on Thursday, November 12, giving visitors further opportunities to discover the new publications and meet the writers.
