Sharjah’s year as Unesco World Book Capital 2019 has a number of exciting literary events to look forward to.
Desert Theatre Festival
When: Thursday, December 12 to Monday, December 16
Where: Al Kaheef
Using the desert as backdrop and inspiration, this festival celebrates the many forms of theatre in the Arab world and features seminars, art exhibitions and plenty of performances. Events will be held in the evening under the stars.
Sharjah Arabic Poetry Festival
When: Sunday, January 5, 2020, to Friday, January 10
Where: Cultural Palace
Poets from the region will perform and take part in seminars at this annual event. Old and new will collide, as local poetic traditions are celebrated in a variety and the next generation of literary wizards are given a platform to express themselves.
The Used Book Fair
When: Wednesday, February 26, 2020, to Sunday, March 1
Where: Al Nakheel Park, Khalid Lagoon Corniche
There are few things better than finding a gem of a second-hand book at a pinch of the original price. With books ranging from Dh2 to Dh200, this fair is the perfect place to fill your arms with paperbacks, which you may not read but will look good on your bookshelf.
Exhibition: Hans Christian Andersen
When: February 26, 2020, to Saturday, April 25
Where: Sharjah Art Museum
The Danish writer responsible for some of the world’s best-known fairy tales is being celebrated in this exhibition, which will feature paintings and original texts.
Sharjah Calligraphy Biennial
When: Wednesday, April 1, 2020, to Friday, May 1
Where: Calligraphy Arena
Artists showcase their talents and inspire young hopefuls to pick up a pen via a series of workshops and exhibitions. There will also be seminars on the history of Arabic calligraphy.
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Read more:
[ How Sharjah became the go-to destination for publishers and readers ]
[ What to expect from Hay Festival Abu Dhabi: 'We put up tents in Wales, here we get palaces' ]
[ Is it any good? A round up of the early reviews of Margaret Atwood's 'The Testaments' ]
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