Sharjah's academic and culturaldrive has reached international levels, despite the pessimism of others who expected our failure, affirmed H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah.

''The Sharjah International Book Fair has become the fourth largest book show in the world, and our ambition is to be the best and number one,'' HH Dr. Sheikh Sultan said during his opening remarks at the 27th Sharjah Theatrical Days on Saturday.

''Sharjah has been hosting Theatrical Days for the last 27 years, honouring pioneers and influencers of the theatre, and generated a theatrical generation which recognises the inevitable role of the stage in addressing objectives and social concerns that touch the hearts and minds of the audience,'' His Highness added.

The event, which took place at the Culture Palace, attracted more than 150 participants including prominent Arab dramatists, actors and directors.

Later, Sheikh Sultan honoured Ibrahim Al Salal, a prominent Kuwaiti actor, for winning Sharjah Prize for Arabic Theatrical Creativity, and Humaid Sambeig, a UAE actor, for being named the local theatrical personality.

Four plays are contesting to win other awards.

The Sharjah theatrical day is a local annual cultural and theatrical demonstration in which all theatrical troupes in the country meet to contest. Also, the demonstration hosts other theatrical specialists from different foreign and Arab countries to follow the theatrical shows and participate in the associated intellectual symposium.