Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi Unveils Children's Adaptation of Ancient Classic 'The Conference of the Birds' with Environmental Focus

Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi, the chairwoman of the Sharjah Book Authority, has introduced a new children's book that reimagines a classic literary work from centuries past. This bilingual edition, titled The Conference of the Birds, retells a story of self-discovery and collective action for a younger audience. The book, published by Kalimat and illustrated by Noushin Sadeghian, was launched at the 45th Sharjah International Book Fair over the weekend and is intended for children aged eight to 12.

The narrative draws inspiration from the renowned 12th-century work of the same name by Persian poet Farid Al Din Attar of Nishapur. While preserving the original's central characters and symbols, Sheikha Bodour's version incorporates contemporary themes, with a particular emphasis on environmental protection. The story follows a group of birds who convene under the enigmatic Waq Waq tree after witnessing the devastation of their natural habitat. Faced with disappearing forests and polluted skies, they embark on a quest to find a means to save their home. Guided by a wise hoopoe, the birds traverse seven valleys en route to Mt Qaf, seeking the mythical Simorgh, believed to possess the answers they need.

Throughout their journey, the birds must confront their fears, overcome personal obstacles, and learn the value of collaboration. This quest becomes a journey of self-discovery, highlighting themes of courage, perseverance, and shared responsibility. Unlike Attar's original allegorical exploration of spiritual enlightenment, Sheikha Bodour's retelling prioritizes humanity's connection to nature and the critical role of collective action in addressing environmental issues.

The launch event at the book fair drew a significant crowd, and Sheikha Bodour also engaged with readers by signing copies of the book during an event that spanned over two hours. This publication marks the latest literary endeavor from Sheikha Bodour, who previously received the 2025 BolognaRagazzi Award's fiction prize for her children's book, House of Wisdom.

Her earlier work, Let Them Know She Is Here: Searching for the Queen of Mleiha, launched at the 2025 Sharjah International Book Fair, combined archaeological research with personal reflection. It explored the possibility of ancient Mleiha being ruled by a series of queens, inspired by a coin found at the Sharjah archaeological site depicting a female ruler. This book, which took five years to complete, also delves into themes of identity, heritage, and Sheikha Bodour's personal journey of self-discovery. It was published in both Arabic and English, with a Polish translation released in Warsaw during Sharjah's participation as guest of honour at the Warsaw International Book Fair.

Sheikha Bodour has been a prominent figure in international publishing. In October 2025, she was appointed a Unesco goodwill ambassador for education and book culture, acknowledging her contributions to promoting literacy, publishing, and educational access globally. She previously made history as the first Arab woman to preside over the International Publishers Association, serving from 2021 to 2022. As the founder and chief executive of Kalimat Group, she 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, all aimed at fostering reading and broadening access to books. She currently serves as chairwoman of the Sharjah Book Authority, overseeing the Sharjah International Book Fair, and as president of the American University of Sharjah. Her international advocacy in publishing includes founding PublisHer, a global network of over 1,000 women in the industry, to enhance representation and opportunities.

With The Conference of the Birds, Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi returns to children's literature, utilizing literary heritage to explore environmental concerns and the role of young readers in conservation efforts.