Huge crowds flock to Sharjah Book Fair on its last day

Syed Shayaan Bakht, Staff Reporter

Huge crowds flocked to the Sharjah International Book Fair on its last day on Saturday in an attempt to grasp all the knowledge that they might have missed over the past 10 days.

The 40th edition of the book fair crossed a major milestone on behalf of the Emirati and Arab cultural world, as well as the region’s publishing industry, earning the title of the world's largest book fair for the first time since its inception in 1982.

A Gulf Today reporter and photographer noted that people of all ages were visible browsing through books and buying it in bulk.

An elderly man, who refused to give his name, said I bought 12 books today.

He was carrying a rucksack with books peeking out from the top.   

Young children were seen crowding the ice cream counter set up at the fair.  

On the other hand, as the UAE gears for its golden jubilee celebrations, the Sharjah National Day Celebrations Committee has announced an 11-day cultural extravaganza to mark the nation’s remarkable 50-year journey dotted with memorable accomplishments. The cultural programmes will be staged across the emirate’s different regions from Nov.23 to Dec.3.

Catering to all age groups and nationalities, the festivities to mark the UAE turning 50 will be held across the Sharjah’s key tourist and cultural destinations – Khorfakkan Amphitheatre, Sharjah National Park, Al Majaz Amphitheatre, Al Hisn Island in Dibba Al Hisn, Al Madam Municipality, Al Hamriyah Heritage Village, Kalba Corniche Park, and Al Dhaid Heritage Village.