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Sharjah 24
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Sharjah 24
A sketch a day captures the spirit of SCRF 2025
Wahba, a master of comic creation, has been drawing a sketch each day at SCRF 2025. If the first day sketch depicted His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, inaugurating SCRF, the second day sketch was a detailed study of a storytelling session at the UAEBbY pavilion, where mothers excitedly took photographs on their mobile phones while children sat on stools gazing at storybooks. The third day's illustration was the House of Wisdom, the new icon of Sharjah's reading culture. 'This is my first time at SCRF, and it is an honour to be here as part of EBBY. I make a live drawing of an activity here every day. The vibes here are magical, with numerous books and activities,' said Wahba who began drawing at the age of four and has numerous illustrated books in Arabic and English. The Cairo-based artist said he had received professional training in Japan, South Korea, France and Turkey and likes to travel around the world to imbibe more cultures. 'For the past 20 years, I only do pen sketches; before that, I used to do pencil sketches. I do this like a game and a challenge,' said the artist. The UAEBbY is exhibiting numerous children's books from Egypt including a few in English at SCRF 2025. Adding colour to the sessions with children are author Dr Ibrahim Shalaby and storyteller Haitham Shoukry who read aloud the books from Egypt. The EBBY team is led by its President Nadia El Kholy, a Professor of English at Cairo University and a distinguished translator. Under the stewardship of UAEBbY President Marwa al Aqroubi, the organisation has collaborated with EBBY for a cultural exchange of ideas. At SCRF, it is organising workshops for children every day. The visiting EBBY team will witness cultural programmes and will be taken for sightseeing across Sharjah including Heart of Sharjah; they will return to their country enlightened about SCRF and its reach. By hosting Egypt at SCRF 2025, UAEBbY is furthering its collaboration with EBBY, which started during its participation in the Cairo International Book Fair earlier in the year. There, UAEBbY had organised a Kan Yama Kan event to visit schools and libraries and gift children with books. One of the stated objectives of the organisation is to donate books to children in need or have poor access to them, and also in places of unrest. In 2024, it had donated over 15,000 books to countries including Jordan, Lebanon and Morocco fulfilling its mission to nurture creativity and positive values in younger generations. Taking place from April 23 to May 4 at Expo Centre Sharjah, the 16th edition of SCRF promises an immersive experience under the theme 'Dive into Books'. Organised by the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), this year's agenda features 133 guests from 70 countries, and 122 Arab and international publishing houses from 22 nations. For more information on this free-to-attend event, visit
Muscat Daily
26-04-2025
- General
- Muscat Daily
Sharjah Ruler unveils 21-volume series at Muscat book fair
Muscat – Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah and UAE Supreme Council Member, visited Muscat International Book Fair – themed 'Cultural Diversity: A Treasure of Civilisations' – on Thursday. During his visit, Sheikh Qasimi signed copies of his latest historical work – The Portuguese in the Sea of Oman: Annals of History 1497 CE – 1757 CE – published by Al Qasimi Publications. The new series comprises 21 volumes in Arabic and English. Each volume ranges from 400 to 600 pages, with the complete set exceeding 10,500 pages. The work includes 1,138 original documents – letters, reports and manuscripts – sourced from archival centres around the world. Each volume records events year by year, supplemented by comprehensive indices, detailed footnotes and references. In addition to official documents, the series features previously unpublished manuscripts authored by Portuguese writers. Sheikh Qasimi described the series as a major historical record, documenting critical developments in the Sea of Oman over a 260-year period. It captures the era when Portuguese fleets expanded their presence towards India, chronicling key events and battles of the time. The series is based on extensive research. Sheikh Qasimi collected Portuguese, Dutch and British manuscripts, which were sorted by year, translated from Old Portuguese into Modern Portuguese, and subsequently into English and Arabic.
Observer
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Observer
A WINDOW TO THE WORLD OF LETTERS
MUSCAT, APRIL 25 The 10-day-long Muscat International Book Fair (MIBF) commenced on Thursday at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre, under the auspices of HH Sayyid Dr Fahd bin Al Julanda al Said, Vice-Chancellor of Sultan Qaboos University and with the esteemed presence of Shaikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed al Qasimi, Member of the UAE Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah; and Dr Abdullah bin Nasser al Harrasi, Minister of Information and Chairman of the Fair's Main Committee. The event serves as a central hub for literati, academia and reading enthusiasts from Oman and beyond. This year's edition, themed 'Cultural Diversity Enriches Civilisations,' emphasises cultural exchange and openness through its diverse events and international guests. The Fair offers an expansive window into the world of literature, where authors and readers alike engage in enriching discussions about writing and its impact on contemporary reading culture. One of the highlights is the vibrant showcase of Al Sharqiyah North Governorate, this year's 'Guest of Honour'. The exhibition brings to life the region's rich history, local culture and contributions to Omani society, alongside its tourist attractions and modern developments, fostering pride among local generations. Strong Palestinian presence The Fair also welcomes a significant representation from Palestine, with publishers such as Dar Tabaq, Sameer and Mansoor Books; and Dar Al Jundi bringing forward narratives of historical and ongoing struggles. These publishers offer readers a chance to engage with the poignant stories of Palestinian suffering and resilience. A representative from Dar Al Jundi shared, 'We make it a point to attend the book fair every year and the number of titles we bring continues to grow. We are grateful that there are people who listen to us.' Expansive range With 681,041 listed publications, including 467,413 Arabic books and 213,610 foreign titles, the MIBF provides a wide selection for readers of all backgrounds. Notably, 27,464 Omani titles and 52,205 newly-printed books (2024-2025) are available for exploration. Contrary to concerns over a decline in youth reading habits, the high number of new publications reflects a continued vibrancy in the literary world. Exciting events, activities With 155 planned events, the fair features interactive shows, youth initiatives and puppet performances. A special space has been set up for children, offering a theatre for performances and workshops, as well as an Arabic language corner and cultural activities for families. Additionally, several cultural cafés are available across the pavilions, further enhancing the experience. The MIBF is open daily from 10 am to 10 pm and will run until May 3. Special morning hours from 10 am to 2 pm are dedicated to school groups on weekdays, providing a safe and educational environment to cultivate reading habits among young learners.
Observer
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Observer
Muscat International Book Fair opens with wide participation
MUSCAT, APRIL 24 The 29th edition of Muscat International Book Fair kicked off on Thursday at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre under the auspices of HH Sayyid Dr Fahd bin Al Julanda al Said, Vice-Chancellor of Sultan Qaboos University. The opening ceremony was attended by Shaikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Ruler of the Emirate of Sharjah, Dr Abdullah bin Nasser al Harrasi, Minister of Information and Chairman of the Main Committee of Muscat International Book Fair. The chief guest toured the exhibition pavilions, which feature a wide array of cultural, intellectual and scientific titles. The total number of listed publications reached 681,041, including 467,413 Arabic books and 213,610 foreign titles. The Omani collection comprises 27,464 books, while newly-printed publications (2024-2025) account for 52,205 titles. Notably, 52,205 of the displayed books were published between 2024 and 2025. A dedicated space has been created for children and family activities, including a theatre for performances and workshops, a corner for the Arabic language and a children's cultural corner. A total of 155 events are planned, featuring interactive and entertainment shows, youth initiatives and puppet performances. Additionally, cultural cafés have been set up in several participating pavilions. Al Sharqiyah North Governorate is this year's 'Guest of Honour', with a special pavilion showcasing the governorate's local culture, history, notable figures, scientific and humanitarian contributions, tourist attractions and modern lifestyle across its various wilayats. Ahmed al Rawahi, Director of the Muscat International Book Fair, expressed pride in the visit of Shaikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed al Qasimi, who signed his new publication 'The Portuguese in the Sea of Oman: Events in Annals from 1497 to 1757' at the Sharjah Book Authority's pavilion. Al Rawahi noted that this year's edition celebrates a number of intellectuals and creatives from both Oman and abroad, welcoming all guests attending the cultural programme and exploring Omani culture, people and national identity. He added that the cultural programme of Al Sharqiyah North will highlight the governorate's cultural, historical and developmental heritage. The fair also celebrates Saudi Cultural Days, featuring a series of events led by prominent Saudi intellectuals with participation from Omani writers. The current edition is held under the theme: 'Cultural Diversity Enriches Civilisations', emphasising openness and cultural exchange through its events and hosted figures. Ibrahim Saad Bishan, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the Sultanate of Oman, said that the Kingdom is participating in this year's exhibition with 38 publishing houses as part of the Saudi Cultural Days. Several cultural events will also be held to celebrate Omani-Saudi relations, reflecting initiatives by the Omani-Saudi Coordination Council to strengthen cultural cooperation. Speaking on the occasion, Mahmood bin Yahya al Thuhli, Governor of Al Sharqiyah North, emphasised that the governorate's participation as guest of honour marks a significant cultural milestone, showcasing its literary, tourism, economic and heritage treasures. The pavilion features an AI-powered platform to promote the governorate and a children's corner dedicated to the Omani identity. The governorate is organising 15 diverse events, including seminars and lectures on literature, sports, education and tourism. The pavilion also aims to promote the governorate's unique tourist sites from golden sands and resorts to natural water springs and historic landmarks across its wilayats — inviting visitors to discover these treasures firsthand. The book fair runs till May 3, and is open daily from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm, allowing visitors of all ages to explore exhibits and events at convenient times. The organising committee has allocated special morning hours for school students - from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm on weekdays - to provide a safe and educational environment that nurtures young people's love for reading and learning from an early age.
