Sharjah Theatre Days 35th Edition Opens with Awards

His Highness Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, officially inaugurated the 35th edition of the Sharjah Theatre Days on Tuesday evening at the Cultural Palace.

The prestigious annual festival brings together leading theatre artists, performers, and researchers from across the Arab world, featuring a total of 14 theatrical productions that reflect diverse creative expressions and cultural narratives.

Top Awards Presented to Arab Theatre Talents

During the ceremony, the Ruler of Sharjah presented the “Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi Award for Best Arab Theatrical Work 2025” to Wafa Taboubi for directing the Tunisian play The Runaways.

In the Sharjah Award for Playwriting:

• First place was awarded to Maryam Abdullah Mubarak for A Will Before I Was Born

• Second place went to Ahmed Abdullah Rashid for He Harm Himself

• Third place was secured by Bader Al Hamdani for The Station

Esteemed Jury Panel Announced

The judging panel for this year’s competition includes prominent figures from across the region:

• Ajaj Salim (Chairman)

• Walid Al-Zaabi

• Mufleh Al-Adwan

• Hatem Darbal

• Rania Yahya

Competitive Line-Up of Theatre Productions

A total of 11 plays are competing for the main awards, with seven productions shortlisted for the final stage. These include works presented by prominent theatre groups such as Sharjah Modern Theatre, Dubai National Theatre, and Khorfakkan Arts Theatre.

Additionally, four productions are featured in the parallel programme, offering audiences a broader theatrical experience from across the UAE.

Cultural Programmes and Student Engagement

The festival also features two performances from the Kalba Short Plays Festival, along with a specialized symposium titled “The Director's Visual Identity: Between Stability and Transformation.”

Another key highlight is the 14th Sharjah Forum for Outstanding Arab Theatre Students, which provides a platform for emerging talents to engage in workshops, lectures, and cultural activities while connecting with the region’s theatre community.

Strong Official and Cultural Presence

The opening ceremony witnessed the presence of several senior officials, cultural leaders, and theatre enthusiasts, reinforcing Sharjah’s position as a leading hub for arts and culture in the Arab world.