Five events to look out for during World Book Capital 2019 in Sharjah

On offer: everything from poetry, calligraphy and theatre, to a Hans Christian Andersen exhibition and a used book fair

1001 Nights The Last Chapter artists perform at the opening ceremony of Sharjah as Unesco World Book Capital 2019 in April. Satish Kumar/ the National

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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