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Arabic Titles Take Centre Stage
at Sharjah Book Fair

SHARJAH—Reading habits are still strong in the UAE despite the influence of the TV and the Internet.

There is proof of this as the response to the Sharjah Book Fair has been very encouraging. The 27th annual Sharjah Book Fair which began on October 29, is showcasing a big collection of Arabic literature from the Middle East with a few in English and other languages.

Yousuf Aydabi, general coordinator of the Sharjah Book Fair said: “All books will be sold at a 25 per cent reduction on the cover price. Last year over 400,000 people visited the stands and the expectation this year is a lot more.”

Over 700 publishers in virtually every sphere of life, magazines, encyclopaedia’s and children’s books are on display at the fair. Khidr Ismail, an exhibitor of religious and educational books from New National Publisher, Saudi Arabia, said: “Gift and cookery books are popular. This is the first time I have set up a stall at the fair and I am quite happy with the response.”

Elham Adhwan, who was selling books in Syrian poetry on war said: We haven’t seen quite as many people as yet, but are expecting a bigger crowd towards the end of the week.”

Mohammed Bashir, a visitor at the exhibition was seen along with his grand children looking for children’s

“There is a big variety for children. I bring my grandchildren here every year.” A few Asian expatriates were also seen looking for editions in English and other languages. These books were available only in one of the four halls, and many were looking lost looking for English titles.

Kamarjahan Kadri and Neethu Kumar, who were looking for English novels said: “The hall is quite massive and the collections here are quite impressive. But it’s a little disappointing that there is only one section in the entire hall that showcases English and foreign language books.”

• dhanusha@khaleejtimes.com

• UAE