Sharjah: Huge crowds are now flipping through countless pages at the opening of the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) at Expo Centre Sharjah.
The annual fair’s 35th edition has been inaugurated by His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah.
Shaikh Sultan signed a copy of his latest Arabic book, translated as Power Struggles and Trade in the Gulf, which covers developments in the region between 1620 and 1820.
He toured stands at the giant book fair that is featuring 1.5 million books.
Present during the opening ceremony was Shaikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development, other shaikhs, senior officials and dignitaries.
During the ceremony, it has been announced that a new Dh2 million translation award, called Tarjuman, has been launched by Sharjah. Details will be revealed at a later stage.
Speaking during the ceremony, AhmadBin Rakkad Al Ameri, Chairman of Sharjah Book Authority, said the fair is not just an event for books, but a cultural and intellectual movement that aims to bridge societies and fight extremist thought.
Awards in various categories have also been distributed. This year's Children's Book of the Year goes to Ehm! Ehm! Let Me Pass Please (authored by Nabiha Mheidly and published by Al Hadaek Group).
Shaikh Sultan also awarded Ghassan Salame, former Lebanese minister of culture, as this year's SIBF Cultural Personality of the Year.
Excited school children from various schools are browsing books as supervisors watch over.
Turnout on the opening day seems to be strong despite it being a workday.
The fair runs tills November 12.
