Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi opened the Sharjah Animation Conference 2025 at Expo Centre Sharjah.
He was joined by Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi and Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi.
Organised by the Sharjah Book Authority, Sharjah Animation Conference 2025 runs from May 1 to 4.
It brings together professionals, creators, and fans for four days of creative dialogue and animation innovation.
During the opening, His Highness toured the venue and explored the latest tools and creative technologies.
He also engaged with international creators, exhibitors, and students participating in this year’s programmes.
The event includes 26 specialised workshops, 21 panel discussions, curated screenings, and global showcases.
More than 70 international experts are participating in this landmark regional animation event.
A highlight of the ceremony was a short film tracing the history of Arab animation.
It celebrated stories from souks to screens, with nods to Bakkar, Freej, and Shaabiat Al Cartoon.
The film honoured the art of Arabic dubbing, key to localising global content for Arab audiences.
It also highlighted Spacetoon’s major role in transforming Arabic children’s media and storytelling.
The screening concluded by affirming Sharjah’s support for Arab creators and culturally rooted animation.
Sharjah Animation Conference 2025 stands as a hub for nurturing regional talent and global collaboration.
This year, the conference pays tribute to Japanese anime and its global storytelling influence.
Honoured guests include Masayuki Miyaji and Tamiya Terashima from Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away and My Neighbour Totoro.
Other featured guests include Disney legends Tom and Tony Bancroft, known for Mulan and Aladdin.
Sandro Cleuzo, celebrated for Anastasia and Tarzan, also joins the international guest list.
Sharjah Animation Conference 2025 reinforces Sharjah’s role as a cultural and creative capital in the Arab world.
