etisalat sponsors Kalimat Publishing at Beirut Book Fair

Dubai: etisalat has sponsored Kalimat Publishing, publishers of Arabic children's books at the Beirut Book Fair, marking their first appearance at the Lebanon book exhibition.

The book fair, among the most renowned in the Middle East, is the first among a series of international book fairs supported by etisalat and scheduled by Kalimat Publishing in 2008 and 2009.

Launching three books from their new nine-book classic series Min Wahi Kalila wa Dimna, Kalimat Publishing registered overwhelming success at the exhibition with an urgent book replenishment order made to cater to the unexpected demand.

Illustrated by Samar Ziadeh and written by authors Fatima Sharafeddine and Sana, six more books are set for release early 2009, making the series a complete collection for the young readers. Celebrating its completion of 52 years, the Beirut Book Fair is the oldest, the most established and prestigious book fair in the Arab region.

"Our books fulfil a niche segment that aims to drive Arabic reading at grass root level. The tremendous response we have received is a true statement of urgency that the communities wish to pursue in order to maintain Arabic literature.

"We are fortunate to have found like-minded partners like etisalat who recognise the importance of cultivating young minds. We are pleased with the unexpected outcome at this book fair and we look forward to coming back to the next one" said Shaikha Bodour Al Qasimi, founder and chief executive, Kalimat Publishing. At the Kalimat Publishing stand, Sharafeddine, Rida Bouzeineddine and illustrator Manal Ziadeh participated in book signing sessions organised throughout the fair.