Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi reimagines centuries-old classic for children

Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi, the chairwoman of the Sharjah Book Authority, has introduced a new children's book inspired by the age-old literary classic, "The Conference of the Birds." This bilingual Arabic-English publication was unveiled at the 45th Sharjah International Book Fair over the weekend. Illustrated by Noushin Sadeghian, the book, published by Kalimat, is designed for children aged eight to 12.

The story, while drawing from the same characters and symbols as the original 12th-century Persian poem by Farid Al Din Attar, introduces contemporary themes, particularly environmental protection. The narrative follows a group of birds, led by a wise hoopoe, as they embark on a journey to save their home. They navigate seven valleys towards Mt Qaf, where they hope to find the mythical Simorgh, a bird renowned for holding the answers to their collective struggles.

Their journey is a metaphor for self-discovery, exploring themes of courage, perseverance, and the power of collective action. While the original work serves as an allegory for spiritual enlightenment, Sheikha Bodour's retelling places a stronger focus on humanity's relationship with nature and the significance of working together to tackle environmental challenges. The book debuted at the Sharjah International Book Fair, where Sheikha Bodour engaged with readers during a lengthy event.

This literary project is part of Sheikha Bodour's growing portfolio. In 2025, she won the BolognaRagazzi Award's fiction prize for her children's book, "House of Wisdom." Her previous book, "Let Them Know She Is Here: Searching for the Queen of Mleiha," also debuted at the 2025 Sharjah International Book Fair. This book blends archaeological research with personal reflection, exploring the idea that ancient Mleiha may have been ruled by a series of queens, based on a coin found at the Sharjah archaeological site.

The book, which took five years to complete, also examines themes of identity, heritage, and Sheikha Bodour's personal journey of self-discovery.

Sheikha Bodour's commitment to literature extends beyond her publishing ventures. In October 2025, she was appointed UNESCO goodwill ambassador for education and book culture, acknowledging her work in promoting literacy and education worldwide. She previously held the position of president of the International Publishers Association, making history as the first Arab woman to do so.

As founder and CEO of Kalimat Group, Sheikha Bodour has significantly contributed to the development of the UAE's publishing industry, particularly in children's literature. She also established the Emirates Publishers Association, the UAE Board on Books for Young People, and Knowledge Without Borders, initiatives aimed at fostering reading and expanding access to books.