World’s third largest book fair opens today in Sharjah, featuring famous authors, celebs, and 1.5 million books. Here's how the events unfolded on the opening day. (With inputs from Faisal Masudi, Staff Reporter)
11.10am
Shaikh Sultan, other shaikhs and dignitaries take a tour of SIBF after the official inauguration
11.06am
Sultan signs four new books
Shaikh Sultan signs his four new books announced at SIBF. He will discuss details in an interview with Sharjah TV on Thursday.
The books include poetic discussions with one of his friends; volume two of a historical account of Sharjah launched last SIBF; a collection of Spanish historical documents; and a discourse on a 16th century Portuguese explorer.
11.00am
Honour dedicated to the 'spirit of martyrs'
Dr Mohammad Sabir Arab, Egypt’s former minister of culture who is honoured as the Cultural Personality of the Year for 2017 at SIBF, dedicates the commemoration to the "spirits of the martyrs of Egypt who are dying defending their homeland" from armed groups.
10.48am
Cultural Personality of the Year for 2017 honoured
His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah honours Dr Mohammad Sabir Arab, former Egyptian minister of culture, as the Cultural Personality of the Year for 2017, at the opening day of Sharjah International Book Fair 2017.
10.36am
Shaikh Sultan honours winners of various award categories in the publishing industry, given by SIBF and Etisalat.
10.30am
Sultan stresses role of knowledge, education
Shaikh Sultan tells SIBF guests that "dark currents" of extremism can only be turned back through the light of knowledge and education.
10.12am
Sharjah International Book Fair opens
Sharjah International Book Fair 2017 begins with a glittering opening ceremony at Expo Centre, in the presence of His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, other shaikhs and guests.
Wednesday, November 1
8.44am
Dubai Culture is taking part in the Sharjah International Book Fair
We’re looking forward to welcoming you to our stand at Sharjah International Book Fair at Expo Centre Sharjah at stand P2 in Hall 3#SIBF17 pic.twitter.com/wOPplc1tQu— Dubai Culture (@DubaiCulture) October 31, 2017
October 31, Tuesday
Sultan inspects readiness of Sharjah Book Fair
His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, on Tuesday inspected the readiness of Sharjah International Book Fair, which begins Wednesday at Expo Centre Sharjah.
#حاكم_الشارقة يتفقد الاستعدادات النهائية لمعرض الشارقة الدولي للكتاب@SharjahBookAuth #SIBF17 pic.twitter.com/8iQOJC1LgY— @SharjahMedia (@sharjahmedia) October 31, 2017
He visited the Expo Centre where he inspected the progress of work at the stands of publishing houses and exhibition halls. Shaikh Sultan, accompanied by Shaikh Sultan Bin Ahmad Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Media Council, issued instructions to facilitate the participation of exhibitors and provide them with all they need.
He assured himself that all arrangements are in place and listened to publishers about their satisfaction.
Cultural seminar on Wednesday
What: Titled ‘History and Science’, the hourlong session will feature academics discussing the value of studying early Quran manuscripts against the backdrop of the University of Birmingham, which holds one of the oldest manuscripts of the Quran belonging to the early seventh century.
Where: Ballroom, Expo Centre Sharjah
When: 7.30pm-8.30pm
Book fair at a glance
Runs November 1 to 11
Held at Expo Centre Sharjah
Entry free of charge, open to all
1,650+ publishers from 60 countries
1.5 million books on sale
