Visitors read the recently released book of Dr Sheikh Sultan at Sharjah International Book Fair. WAM

Sharjah Broadcasting Authority (SBA) has released a book titled “Calls from His Highness Ruler of Sharjah to Sharjah Radio’s Direct Line Programme, at the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) 2019.

The work presents a detailed seven-year account of the counsel, opinions and interventions offered by His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah from December 2011 – 17, during calls he made to Sharjah Radio’s Direct Line Programme aired on Sharjah Television and Radio.

Published by Al Qasimi Publications, the book presents the Sharjah Ruler’s strategic mindset and is an excellent reference for government departments, researchers and the media who are following up on the needs, suggestions and complaints of members of society. In addition to documenting the innovative solutions to community’s challenges and key advice His Highness offered to young Emiratis during these calls, the book is an exemplary and actionable model in management because many of His Highness’s ideas and thoughts shared on the programme have become projects that were implemented and came to fruition exactly the way he described them.

Mohammed Khalaf, Director General of Sharjah Broadcasting Authority (SBA), said: “The book reflects the Sharjah Ruler’s wise vision and strategy that promotes transparency in the management of the emirate’s public affairs. We hope the book will serve as a useful reference to those who want to gain an in-depth understanding of how Sharjah has built and managed its unique cultural and developmental project over the years. The book also offers information on the history of the UAE, the GCC and Arab World.”

Muhannad Abu Saeeda, Director of Al Qasimi Publications, said: “The book describes the vision the Ruler of Sharjah has for the emirate’s media sector, and highlights media’s role in promoting community development in Sharjah and shaping public opinion. The book embodies His Highness’s commitment to communicate with all members of society, and is a great insight into his personality not only as a Ruler but also as a human being, an intellectual and researcher.”

In the first chapter, the book underscores the call of His Highness, in which he praises the initiative of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE to increase the salaries of citizens, and discusses other topics.

In the second chapter, the book documents the Sharjah Ruler’s opinions on various topics including housing problems, increasing the salaries of retired personnel, supporting teachers, in addition to interventions on Sharjah the Capital of Islamic Culture, the importance of supporting scientific research and strengthening family systems in society. Other comments include employment policies in Sharjah, desert plants and health insurance for the elderly.

The book concludes with an intervention on Sharjah’s budget, the promotion of the Arabic language, in addition to comments about markets in Sharjah, scholarships and cultural and development projects.

On Thursday night, Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) set a Guinness World Record, successfully hosting the world’s largest simultaneous book signing ceremony with 1,502 authors from the UAE and beyond signing their own books.

Guinness World Records officials present at the event verified and confirmed the number and endorsed the record, which beat the previous record set by 1,423 authors in Turkey.

Amid thousands of fair visitors cheering and applauding the landmark accomplishment, SBA received the Guinness World Record certificate the from organisation’s representatives.

The signing ceremony commenced with a message from Sheikh Sultan, delivered by Ahmed Bin Rakkad Al Ameri, Chairman of SBA, “I am honoured to convey the greetings and best wishes of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, to all participating authors. This event is another step forward for Sharjah in the Arab and global cultural arena – an outstanding intellectual and creative achievement to be remembered as a fruit of Sharjah’s efforts for more than 40 years promoting a love of books and reading. Sharjah World Book Capital 2019 wishes you all success. With the blessings of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, let’s begin the world’s largest book signing ceremony.”