A New Voice Reimagines a Timeless Tale: Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi’s ‘The Conference of the Birds’ Takes Flight

At the 45th Sharjah International Book Fair, the Founder and CEO of Kalimat Group launches an enchanting new book that breathes life into Farid al-Din Attar's celebrated classic, inviting young readers to journey through wonder, responsibility and collective courage.

The Waq Waq tree stands at the heart of an ancient story, and within its shade, a wise hoopoe gathers birds from across the world. This is where Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi’s new book begins, carrying forward the luminous legacy of the poet Farid al-Din Attar of Nishapur whilst speaking urgently to the moment we inhabit now.

At the 45th Sharjah International Book Fair, Sheikha Bodour, Founder and CEO of Kalimat Group, unveiled The Conference of the Birds, a reimagining of the literary classic for young readers aged 8 to 12. Published in both Arabic and English by Kalimat, the book drew a devoted audience to its launch, with attendees remaining for more than two hours as the story unfolded before them.

The journey that unfolds across these pages explores themes of self-discovery, courage, perseverance and the quiet power of working together to overcome challenges. Illustrated by artist Noushin Sadeghian with meticulous care, the narrative follows the birds as they traverse seven valleys toward Mount Qaf, home of the legendary Simorgh, all the while searching for wisdom to heal their world.

What distinguishes this retelling is the contemporary weight it carries. The forests are disappearing. Smoke darkens the skies. The book speaks unflinchingly to the environmental fragility of our time, yet does so with grace and invitation rather than despair. As the birds confront their fears and learn to let go of what constrains them, they discover something more profound: the transformative possibility of collective action and shared responsibility.

The reinterpretation of Attar’s central symbols—the hoopoe’s wisdom, the Simorgh’s transcendent presence, the seven valleys as stages of becoming—creates a bridge between literary heritage and the urgent questions facing young people today. Through fantasy woven with contemporary concern, the book asks its readers to examine their own relationship with the natural world and to recognise the difference they might make through cooperation and self-belief.

This work reflects a consistent commitment to nurturing young minds through literature. As we reported when Sheikha Bodour inaugurated the Horouf & Kalimat Early Childhood Literacy Conference in Abu Dhabi, her vision extends across the full spectrum of language learning and cultural formation, bringing together educators and researchers to advance Arabic literacy and intellectual development.

What it means for Abu Dhabi

Sheikha Bodour’s work across publishing, education and cultural institutions represents a sustained investment in the intellectual and creative formation of young people across the Emirates. The Conference of the Birds speaks to values that resonate deeply within Abu Dhabi’s own vision: the cultivation of thoughtful, engaged citizens who understand their connection to the natural world and the power of collective endeavour.

The book’s emphasis on environmental stewardship and collaborative problem-solving aligns with the UAE’s broader commitment to sustainability and intergenerational responsibility. Through literature that entertains whilst educating, Sheikha Bodour continues to strengthen the cultural and intellectual foundations that define the Emirates’ commitment to nurturing generations capable of thoughtful leadership and meaningful contribution to their communities.

Source: WAM