Emirati writer says content important, not format

Sharjah - The session was titled "The Importance of the Book to Author and Reader"

Good content is important, whether it comes in a print or digital format, said an Emirati author at an event organised by Sharjah Libraries.
Fathiya Al Nimr shared her experiences as a writer at a session titled The importance of the book to author and reader" organised by Sharjah Libraries, a subsidiary of the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), as part of the Year of Reading initiative, announced by the President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
The event aimed at fostering a culture of reading was the first in a series of sessions in response to the directives of His Highness Dr. Shaikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah.
Al Nimr talked about her personal experience as well as her passion for reading and writing at the session moderated by theatre artist Mohammed Ghobashy.
The Emirati writer said she was a teacher before she became a writer and was passionate about mythology, specifically the ancient poem, "Epic of Gilgamesh".
"I believe that reading the book 'A Chat with an Agnostic Friend' by Egyptian thinker and philosopher, Dr. Mustafa Mahmoud at an early age motivated me to think about and study philosophy, an important human science in understanding mankind, life and existence. The book focuses on the meaning and the fundamental fact of human existence and was one of the most important books that influenced me."
Al Nimr added: "I enjoy a special relationship with books as do many of my generation that was not exposed to the world of digital technology at a young age."
Hind Lenaid, Manager of Fairs and Festivals at SBA, said: "Everyone is invited to attend the session featuring renowned authors, intellectuals and literary figures who will share their personal experiences of reading and writing with their audiences."
reporters@khaleejtimes.com

• Sharjah