With an aim to develop the skills of the members of Rubu’ Qarn organization, as well as spur their creativity and innovation in the world of theater and performing arts, as well as provide the opportunity for expertise exchange, Rubu’ Qarn Foundation for Creating Future Leaders and Innovators organized an event titled “From Tunisia to Sharjah” under the slogan “Our Eid at Rubu’ Qarn Theater” from June 28 to July 1, 2023, which included unique theater performances presented by a team from Tunisia’s National Centre for Puppetry Art, at the Rubu’ Qarn for Theater and Performing Arts in City Centre Al Zahia, during Eid Al-Adha.

The event involved puppet shows targeting children and adults, and a group of short interactive workshops for visitors, in addition to specialized workshops for female and male members of Sharjah Children, Sharjah Youth, Sajaya Young Ladies of Sharjah, and Sharjah Capability Development, who have an interest in learning. Moreover, this occasion is considered an exceptional opportunity for the audience to explore the Tunisian culture and theater art through the performances presented by a team of distinguished talents from Tunisia, and which also is meant to provide Rubu’ Qarn members with additional technical skills.

In celebration of the event’s success in earning the participants’ admiration and members’ satisfaction, and for the continuous enhancement of their artistic and theater skills, a formal meeting was held between Tunisia’s National Centre for Puppetry Art and a team from Rubu’ Qarn Foundation for Creating Future Leaders and Innovators, which was in the presence of Dr. Abdul Aziz Al Noman, member of the Board of Trustees of Rubu’ Qarn Foundation for Creating Future Leaders and Innovators, and directors of the affiliate organizations. The meeting aimed at discussing opportunities of cooperation in the puppetry field, and participation in festivals that are organized by the Centre in the Republic of Tunisia. Additionally, tours were organized for the Centre’s team to numerous centres of Rubu’ Qarn organizations, to identify tracks of work, creativity and innovation, as well as procedures of activating cooperation to benefit from expertise in puppetry, with the aim to develop skills and link them to the creative economy concept of international organization’s aspect in this field.

H.E. Dr. Abdul Aziz Al Noman, member of the Board of Trustees of Rubu’ Qarn Foundation for Creating Future Leaders and Innovators, emphasized on the importance of cooperation with various international organizations that support theater and performing arts, saying: “By providing the opportunity for young people to learn about performing arts presented in different countries of the world, especially those pioneering this field, we open the doors for them to acquire valuable knowledge that support in presenting innovative methods, which contribute to enhancing their capabilities in the field of theater, and are beneficial to the Emirate of Sharjah.”

Nevertheless, Dr. Adnan Salloum, a performing arts expert at Rubu’ Qarn Foundation, pointed out the importance of hosting the National Centre of Puppet Art, stating: “The hosting was full of workshops and performances, as it resulted with in-depth and significant benefits for Rubu’ Qarn members to discover the Tunisian theater art to develop their skills and abilities in this field. We hope that this will be the beginning of a successful and continuous cooperation with Tunisia’s National Centre for Puppetry Art which we hope presents great benefits for Rubu’ Qarn members.”

Rubu’ Qarn Foundation for Creating Future Leaders and Innovators, which was established in September 2016 by H.H. Sheikha Jawaher Bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, wife of the Ruler of Sharjah, Chairperson of Rubu’ Qarn for Creating Future Leaders and Innovators, is the first UAE, Arab and regional initiative to grow an Emirati generation capable of leading and influencing the future. Rubu’ Qarn is the umbrella for four Sharjah-based entities: Sharjah Children, Sharjah Youth, Sajaya Young Ladies of Sharjah, and Sharjah Capability Development (Tatweer).