Sharjah calling

It was an incredible experience to be at the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF). The fair began on Wednesday and will continue until Nov.15. I have been making it a point to visit almost every day after office hours, spending my evenings at the Expo Centre Sharjah. SIBF is a wonderful event that brings together authors, intellectuals and literary enthusiasts from across the world. One of the highlights for me was listening to the legendary British musician Cat Stevens, now known as Yusuf Islam. Hearing him speak about his remarkable life journey was truly fascinating. I also had the pleasure of getting his book, “Cat on the Road to Findout,” signed by him.

Another enriching experience was interacting with Daisy Rockwell, the International Booker Prize-winning translator. She shared valuable insights and practical tips on writing and literary translation. Apart from these encounters, I attended several events featuring Arabic and other languages, making the experience even more diverse and enriching. I would also like to place on record my appreciation for the Sharjah Police for their efficient traffic management, particularly around the Al Taawun Roundabout.

Zaina H.,
By email