Sharjah's Sultan publishes autobiography

Sharjah: His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, on Wednesday inaugurated the 28th edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair 2009.

Dr Shaikh Sultan also launched his latest book titled, Sard Al That.

The book is an autobiography written by the Sharjah Ruler.

"I have written this book to document 26 years of history that involves my family, people and my country. To narrate the story in eloquent Arabic, I experimented different writing styles, edited and refined the language until I was convinced and decided to name the book Sard Al That," explained Dr Shaikh Sultan.

Sharing

A significant aspect of the book is the author's ability to objectively and concisely discuss the region's extensive history, and its interrelation with his own personal life, travels and experiences.

"In sharing my autobiography, I hope readers will get to relive my experiences vicariously, and know more about that historical period. The vast legacy of heritage and the peoples' attachment to special landmarks like Sharjah Fort did not only help them define their personality but has given Sharjah a unique cultural identity," remarked Dr Shaikh Sultan.

Visitors at the International Book Fair will be among the first to be purchase the Arabic book. The hardback copy costs Dh50.

The book is an exclusive look into the Sharjah Ruler's life from the 1940s to 1970s historical events, and also discusses about major milestones in the emirate of Sharjah, the Gulf and the Arab world including the spread of Arab nationalism, and the fast cultural and educational progress of the emirate.

A total of 770 publishers from 49 countries are participating at the Book Fair which runs until November 21.

Organised by the Department of Culture, the event is held under the theme, "The Love of the Written Word."

Winner gets a million

Dar Al Hadaeq, a publishing house from Lebanon, was yesterday announced as the winner of the Dh1 million Etisalat Prize for Arab Children's Literature for its book, Ana Oheb, which means "I Love."

Shaikha Bodour Al Qasimi, Consultant of the Arab Children's Book Publishers Forum, said: "Our key objective is to encourage and support Arab children to present their own perspective, as well as highlight their Arab culture and lifestyle."

Quick info

What: Sharjah Book Fair
Where: Sharjah Expo Centre
When: November 11 to 21
Timings:
General Public: 10am to 10pm
Friday: 4pm to 10pm
Children's Activities and Cultural Activities Daily: 10am to 10pm