The 42nd edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) commenced on Wednesday, attracting bibliophiles, families, and readers from all around. The fair, which will last for 12 days at the Sharjah Expo Centre, offers a wide range of options for visitors, including colorful performances, educational workshops, and thought-provoking panel discussions. With over 2,000 publishers presenting more than 1.5 million titles, there is no shortage of books to explore.
For a Syrian-Venezuelan couple named Hiba and Waleed, the fair provided an excellent opportunity to find books for their young children, 3-year-old Ilyas and 2-year-old Valencia. Hiba shared her excitement, stating that they bought board books for Valencia and number books for Ilyas. The children are eagerly looking forward to reading the books together at home. Hiba is no stranger to the fair, as she has attended in previous years and believes it to be a wonderful environment for children to discover books and engage in fun activities.
The number of publishers attending the SIBF has steadily increased each year, with this year’s fair welcoming publishers from 108 different countries. CEO of Penguin Random House Grupo Editorial, Núria Cabutí, was attending the fair for the first time and expressed her enthusiasm for the event. She mentioned that her introduction to the SIBF came about after meeting with representatives from the Sharjah Book Authority at a book fair in Guadalajara, Mexico. Núria hopes that her presence at the fair will foster greater exchange between the Spanish-speaking world and Arab countries, and she is open to the possibility of returning with a stall next year.
The fair boasts a lineup of 130 theatrical performances, including the highly anticipated play “Barcode Prison,” which is considered the most significant Emirati theatrical production of 2023. Children also have the opportunity to participate in various workshops, such as art based on calligraphy, Photoshop, and 3D drawing. Furthermore, students will have the chance to interact with renowned personalities, including Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka, American astronaut Sunitha Williams, and Canadian journalist and author Malcolm Gladwell.
Indian college student Anand, who is returning to work part-time at the SIBF for the second year, shared his excitement about the event. Despite not being an avid reader, he appreciates the opportunity to meet new people and enjoy the lively atmosphere. Anand noted that the fair tends to be bustling on weekends, where he finds himself constantly engaging with customers, which can be tiring but ultimately enjoyable.
As the Sharjah International Book Fair continues to captivate visitors with its diverse offerings, it proves to be a must-visit event for book lovers and families alike.
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