Dr Jitendra Matlani leads the World Book of Records London International Excellence Awards Dubai 2025
Dubai witnessed a spectacular evening of global recognition and celebration as Dr Jitendra Matlani, president, (Middle East) of World Book of Records London, and chairman of JM Global Group, hosted the highly anticipated World Book of Records London International Excellence Awards 2025. The grand gala took place at the esteemed Atlantis The Palm, setting a new benchmark for international recognition and excellence.
Bringing together an illustrious gathering of distinguished personalities from over 15 countries, the event underscored its truly global stature. The ceremony was graced by Santosh Shukla, president and CEO of World Book of Records London, along with the WBR team and key representatives of the London Press.
The evening reached an even higher level of distinction with the esteemed presence of Ramdas Athawale, Union Minister of the Government of India, as the chief guest, alongside high-profile Emirati dignitaries Mahir Julfar and Mirza Al Sayegh.
The awards ceremony was a resounding tribute to exceptional achievements across various fields. With a meticulously curated programme featuring captivating performances and an atmosphere of grandeur, the event served as an extraordinary platform to celebrate excellence on a global scale.
A special Dubai edition of the World Book of Records London was also unveiled at the event, marking a significant milestone in international recognition. This prestigious occasion stands as a testament to how excellence knows no boundaries.
Meticulously curated by Marquisse Events Managing LLC, a subsidiary of JM GLOBAL Group, the spectacular event set a new benchmark in global awards, solidifying its place as a landmark moment in the realm of international recognition.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Gulf Today
2 hours ago
- Gulf Today
SBA displays cultural vision of Sharjah at Rio Book Fair
Under the directives of Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), the emirate of Sharjah is showcasing its rich cultural vision at the Rio International Book Fair 2025 (Bienal do Livro) in Brazil, highlighting the vibrancy of contemporary Emirati and Arab literature. The authority is also presenting a selection of Emirati works translated into Portuguese, reflecting the emirate's commitment to sharing the UAE's cultural achievements with the world. The authority's participation in the largest event of its kind in Latin America, which runs until June 22, comes as part of Brazil's celebration of World Book Capitals following the selection of Rio de Janeiro as the World Book Capital for 2025. This prestigious title, which Sharjah held in 2019, recognises the emirate's global standing in supporting culture and the publishing industry. Through its pavilion, SBA shed light on the diversity of the cultural movement in the UAE and the wider Arab world, highlighting major achievements in knowledge, literature and publishing. The authority actively engaged in panel discussions and held meetings with publishers, translators and cultural organisations, to strengthen knowledge exchange and expand opportunities for translating works to and from Arabic. As part of its efforts to build lasting partnerships, SBA invited key players in the publishing industry to take part in the emirate's leading international initiatives, including the Sharjah International Book Fair, the Sharjah Children's Reading Festival, the Sharjah Publishers Conference, the Sharjah International Library Conference and other prominent global events held throughout the year. Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of SBA, affirmed that the authority's participation in the Rio International Book Fair reflects the vision of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, who places culture at the heart of development strategies and views books as a powerful tool for building bridges of dialogue with the world. Al Ameri said: 'Sharjah's presence in Rio highlights the central role of Emirati and Arab culture on the global knowledge map. Today, we are not only sharing our Emirati identity but also fostering a vibrant dialogue between Latin America, with its rich intellectual and cultural heritage, and the Arab world in all its expressions of thought, literature, art, and creativity. The selection of Rio as World Book Capital for 2025 offers us an opportunity to renew and strengthen our partnerships with the cultural community in Latin America.' He added: 'Under the guidance of Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the SBA, we are committed to empowering Emirati and Arab publishers and authors to reach new markets and to developing sustainable support systems that enhance their presence on the global publishing stage.' As part of the cultural programme at the book fair, SBA organised a panel discussion titled, 'The heritage of Arab literature and Sharjah-led new literary movement', which explored the evolution of the Emirati literary landscape and the emirate's vital contribution to nurturing writers and advancing cultural initiatives. On the sidelines of the event, SBA organised a special book signing ceremony for the translated titles, underscoring the authority's commitment to deepening cultural exchange and strengthening the international presence of Emirati literature. During its participation, SBA highlighted several of its leading initiatives in publishing and knowledge exchange. These include the Sharjah International Book Fair, the Sharjah Children's Reading Festival, and the Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone. The authority also introduced the Sharjah Publishing Sustainability Fund (Onshur), an initiative designed to support publishing industries in emerging markets, and the Sharjah Literary Agency, which works to protect the rights of Arab authors and publishers while expanding their international presence. The authority has also drawn attention to the role of Sharjah Public Libraries, one of the region's oldest cultural institutions, which has been promoting knowledge for more than a century. Publishers have been briefed on the specialist international conferences hosted annually in the emirate, including the Sharjah Publishers Conference, the Sharjah International Library Conference, the Booksellers Conference and the Sharjah Animation Conference.
What's On
a day ago
- What's On
Inside CHAR x Around The Block, Nad Al Sheba's newest grill bar concept
Roll out the red carpet for we have a new chip on the block. CHAR is the latest venture by homegrown, Emirati-owned concept Around The Block, known and loved for its high-quality, handcrafted specialty coffee and a new avatar with every opening. The latest transformation is all about flames and fire-fuelled flavours, drawing inspiration from global classics and pairing it with a Dubai story. Located in the brand new Nad Al Sheba Mall, the space offers, a sleek, minimal experience, stripped down to bare brown tiles, smooth wooden furniture, low yellow lighting and the centre of all the action – the exposed grill, firing up your dishes for you. The grilled varieties come from all parts of the world, incorporating Asian and Middle Eastern influences – perhaps the hotbeds of open-flame cooking. Think chicken shawarma, chicken tikka, tenderloin, sea bass and more, all flame-kissed and served with a variety of cold plates and sides designed to complement the depth of smoke and char with bright, light flavours. Everything is bold, refreshing, rich and packs an indulgent punch. What's new? The space functions in a unique way – by day it is the Around The Block we all know and love, serving specialty coffees, comfort dining and that light, daytime atmosphere. After 2pm is when the heat and speed picks up, and CHAR is brought to life. You start with freshly-baked bread, finish with smoky, specialty non-alcoholic drinks, savoury tender meats and a fitting end – something sweet. It's the perfect day-to-night transformation, much like ATB's other concepts – The Kitchen by Around The Block in Wasl 51, and TŌRI at Al Khawaneej Walk, turning into a modern Japanese eatery in a Cinderella-esque fashion. CHAR x Around The Block, Nad Al Sheba Mall, now open, daily, 7am to 2pm, 2pm till late, @charconcept, @aroundtheblock Images: Supplied > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
Sharjah 24
a day ago
- Sharjah 24
UAE strengthens global publishing ties at Beijing Book Fair
This participation in Asia's largest copyrights exchange platform—and the second largest book fair in the world—reflects the EPA's ongoing commitment to empowering Emirati publishers, expanding opportunities for international collaboration, and strengthening the UAE's presence on the global publishing stage. Showcasing diversity and vision The EPA's stand at the fair serves as a vibrant window into the UAE's dynamic publishing landscape, showcasing a unique blend of seasoned expertise and emerging voices in children's literature and educational publishing. Among the participants are publishers who graduated from the 'Onshur' programme—an initiative launched to empower the next generation of publishing entrepreneurs in the UAE by empowering them with professional and technical support. Featured publishers include Hamda Al Baloushi, Manager of Aalamkom Publishing and Distribution, and Treasurer and Board Member of the EPA, Salim Abdulrahman, Managing Director of AlRewaya Publishing, and Ghassan Rabih, representative of Dar Rabie Publishing. Representing the 'Onshur' graduates are Dr. Asmaa Emara, Founder of Dal for Publishing, a publishing house dedicated to innovative approaches to Arabic language education, and Fatema Al Hammadi, Founder of Sohub Publishing and Distribution, which specialises in educational content for people of determination and students with autism. Bridging culture through publishing Running from 18 to 22 June, the Association's programme at the fair features a series of high-level events uniting content creators and publishing professionals from the UAE and China. A key event on the agenda is the 2025 Global Children's Book Forum, centred on the theme 'Integrated Innovation in Children's Books Amid New Realities.' Through this platform, the Association highlighted UAE's pioneering contributions to the global book industry, particularly in advancing children's publishing and fostering a culture of reading among young minds. The event agenda also features a panel discussion titled 'Nurturing Young Minds: Children's Publishing Priorities in the UAE and China,' with participation from publishers, Hamda Al Baloushi and Ghassan Rabih, alongside a group of distinguished Chinese children's publishers. Global messages with a local spirit Commenting on the Association's participation, Rashid Al Kous, Executive Director of the EPA, emphasised that the EPA's presence at major international book fairs represents a strategic opportunity for copyrights exchange, expanding professional networks, and exploring new markets for Emirati and Arabic content. He stated: 'This year, we placed special focus on the UAE's experience in children's publishing—a field that conveys universal messages with a distinctly local spirit, led by young publishers who possess clear vision and genuine passion. By empowering them, we are laying the foundation for a new generation that embodies innovation and authenticity.' He further noted: 'Our participation in the Beijing International Book Fair is an extension of the UAE's broader vision to support creative industries—particularly publishing—as a vital tool for knowledge dissemination and cultural dialogue. Each international platform is an opportunity to project our cultural voice globally and to showcase the wealth of creative potential that the UAE holds. The presence of 'Onshur' graduates at an event of this calibre sends a clear message: the youth are a powerful force shaping the future of Emirati publishing.' Publisher Hamda Al Baloushi described her participation as a significant milestone in her professional journey, highlighting the opportunity it provided for engagement and exchange with publishers from around the world. She added that it had opened new avenues for collaboration and copyrights exchange, particularly in the Asian market. She said: 'Our presence here not only reflects the quality of Emirati content, but also the prominent status that the UAE publishing sector has achieved on the global stage. I am proud to be part of this movement and to represent the UAE at one of the world's most important cultural events.' Ongoing efforts Through its active presence at prestigious international cultural events such as this, the EPA continues to advance its long-term strategic goals—chief among them being the development of the UAE's publishing ecosystem. This is achieved by connecting Emirati publishers with global networks, encouraging content export, and reinforcing the UAE's position as a dynamic hub in the international publishing industry.
