Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

Absorbed in focused reading or animatedly discussing books with each other, visitors to the Emirati Book Fair (EBF) can be seen exploring shelves stacked with titles by Emirati authors well into the final hours of the second edition, which concluded on Sunday, April 24.

The Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) headquarters in Al Zahia was transformed into a haven for book lovers as the fair got under way with latest books released by local publishers on display and enlightening panel discussions held on the sidelines of the event.

Visitors left with bags filled with the written word, excited about expanding their personal libraries with works by established and emerging Emirati writers.

EMIRATI PUBLISHERS AND WRITERS: In a related development, distinguished Emirati publishers and writers have noted that the second edition of the Emirati Book Fair (EBF) in Sharjah is making notable strides fostering the local cultural movement, and providing readers with a one-of-a-kind opportunity to connect with the works of homegrown publishers.

They also lauded the event for offering both established and emerging publishing professsionals in the UAE a vibrant platorm to network, exchange ideas and expertise, and take part in key discussions on shaping the future of Emirati publishing both locally and globally.

Highlighting the value of the four-day event, local author Salha Obaid said: “Promoting and safeguarding books and the Emirati culture form the core of Sharjah’s cultural project, which has been growing and flourishing for more than 40 years. Since this second edition of the Emirati Book Fair is being held right after the global pandemic, its role in showcasing the talent and work of Emirati content creators to the public as well as industry professionals is more significant than ever.”

Concluding the testimonial, Obaid lauded book fair organiser Sharjah Book Authority (SBA)’s efforts in strengthening the presence of Emirati books on local, regional and international levels.

On her part, Emirati writer Nadia Al Najjar said the book fair offers visitors a unique insight into the status of the local book industry, adding: “The event is necessary because its characteristics differ from all other literary events hosted in the UAE. Through the Emirati Book Fair, the progress of the local cultural movement can be assessed as it attracts the participation of several local players who not only bring their works but also practical insights and opinions about the reality of the UAE’s publishing sector to the event.”

On her part, Afra Mahmoud, Founding Partner of Ghaf Publications, said: “As Emirati publishers, we have several opportunities to present our work at international book fairs. However, this book fair has a special status because it spotlights the local publishing scene right here in the UAE.”

An earlier report says that helping children’s  mental and emotional development as well as instilling a love of the Arabic language in them in order to make it an integral part of their daily lives are a set of interactive educational publications that have become a runaway success at the second edition of the Emirati Book Fair (EBF), held at the Sharjah Book Authority’s (SBA) headquarters in Al Zahia. The book fair has brought together publishers specialised in various genres, including children’s literature. Some of the popular offerings at EBF are the following:

THE PUPPET BOOKS: Authored by Bodour Al Qasimi, International Publishres Association President, The Puppet Books set from Kalimat Group introduces toddlers to six animals through finger puppets that the child can interact with and learn about their habitat, sound, food and baby name. The sets, illustrated by Muriel Abichaker, employ storytelling and movement to make the  learning process playful and fun.

Another set  of interactive children’s books from Kalimat Group is the ‘Sequential Reading’ set, which consists of 144 books covering three levels. The first one teaches children the Arabic alphabet and how to pronounce them, while the second and third levels introduce young readers to the most frequently used words in the Arabic language and  assist them in reading sentences with  two or more words.