Sharjah - At a recent Press conference, Sharjah Book Authority Chairman Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri noted that the success of the book fair stems from passion.
Published: Mon 31 Oct 2016, 11:00 PM
Last updated: Wed 2 Nov 2016, 3:38 PM
His Highness Dr. Shaikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah today inaugurated the 35th edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF).
During the opening ceremony, he launched his book "Power struggle and trade in the Gulf."
Dr Shaikh honoured the culture personality Gassan Salma and the winners of Etisalat Award for children books at the ceremony.
Thousands of book lovers, authors, publishers and prominent local and international personalities will descend on Sharjah today for the opening day of the book fair.
This year's event - which is being held under the theme of "Read More" - will see the participation of 1,420 publishing houses drawn from 60 countries, with over 1.5 million books on display throughout the 11-day event.
At a recent Press conference, Sharjah Book Authority Chairman Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri noted that the success of the book fair stems from passion.
"There is no word that reflects the history of the SIBF better than the word 'passion.' The passion of His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, has led us to the 35th edition of SIBF," he said. "The forthcoming event will celebrate the array of Arab cultural and literary achievements that have made the fair a preeminent feature in the story of our nation's progress."
Additionally, visitors to Sharjah Expo Centre - of which the book fair now will take up 250,000 square-metres - will be able to enjoy more than 1,417 activities that cover the spectrum of arts, entertainment, education, culture and creativity, such as the 'cultural cafe' and Beijing Circus, as well as performances such as 'Sesame' and the 'Addams Family'.
Colourful Pastes workshops are starting now in the kids' activities section opposite of the main Sharjah Expo entrance. Image via Twitter
Naturally, the GCC is well represented, with guests such the UAE's Shaikha Maysoon Al Qasimi, poet, novelist and conceptual artist, author of 'Ryhana' (Rayhana) and 'Loloaa Fi Fami' (A Pearl in My Mouth).
As the SIBF is expected to be wildly popular with the UAE's large and diverse Indian community, a number of prominent Indian authors and personalities will be in attendance, including Nobel Peace Prize winner Kailash Satyarthi, novelist Chetan Bhagat and activist and author Dr Shashi Tharoor.
A number of guests will be coming from as far afield as the UK and the US, such as Cassandra Clare, author of the best-selling 'Mortal Instruments', Eric Van Lustbader author of 10 'Bourne' novels, activist and novelist Sister Souljah and Palestinian-American poet, songwriter and novelist, Naomi Shihab Nye.
For the first time this year, the SIBF will also include a new interactive initiative under the title "Read for Me".
"This feature utilises special kiosks that are equipped with sound recording systems. Visitors to the fair can choose a book to read and their audio recordings will be sent to centres for specially-abled persons and to nursing homes," Al Ameri noted. "The activity has an important humanitarian component aimed at encouraging people to take responsibility towards their society and to participate actively in community initiatives."
What, when, where?
SIBF 2016 will take place in Sharjah Expo Centre from November 2 to 12.
Daily visiting hours for general public is from 9am to 10pm.
Visiting hours for school boys: Monday & Wednesday from 9am to 2pm.
Visiting hours for school girls: Sunday & Tuesday from 9am to 2pm.
All associated activities: Daily from 9am to 10pm.
The timings may vary slightly on special occasions and if situation demands.
reporters@khaleejtimes.com
At the opening of the Sharjah International Book Fair on Nov 2 , 2016. Photo by M. Sajjad/ Khaleej Times
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