Author: Kashan Tumsil

A calligraphic handwritten Holy Quran weighing over 30 kilos is turning heads at the ongoing 42nd  Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF). Jaleena, who spent more than a year working on the one-of-its-kind edition containing all 114 surahs spread across 604 pages, says this was her way of paying homage to Islam’s holiest writing. “I always wanted to memorise the Quran and never had the opportunity to do so previously. So, I got involved by writing it using calligraphy, something that I had to learn as well from scratch,” says the 46-year-old woman from India’s southern state of Kerala. “And soon…

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In a vibrant celebration of cultural exchange, visitors donned traditional Korean costumes as part of a unique Hanbok workshop hosted by the South Korea pavilion at the 42nd Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF). “For all those interested in our culture, this was a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the elegance of Korean Hanbok through various types of Hanbok experience, including trying out everyday wear, ceremonial attire, and royal garments,” said Kyung Pung ‘Harry’ Kang of the Korean Cultural Center UAE that organised the Hanbok Trial Programme to showcase traditional Korean costumes. The event was part of South Korea’s  participation…

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Purple, pink, yellow, fuchsia, and bright flowers sat in little planters till children attending the hands-on Agriculture Workshop at the 42nd Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) 2023 reached for their favourite colour and began potting excitedly. “It’s new and exciting for them. When a child puts the seed into the soil themselves, they can witness each stage of growth in the plan. This creates enthusiasm towards planting,” said  Eman Al Marri, Founder of plantwith.amy, a one-year-old agricultural company. Keen to motivate children to move towards nature and organic farming, Al Marri shared valuable information, teaching them that seed…

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Workshop on “Fabric Collage” enables aspiring artists to transcend boundaries with their creations Creativity reached new heights at Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF 2023)’s bustling kids workshop space, with a unique activity that taught children the art of making fabric collage. With spools of vibrant textiles and the guidance of expert mentors at their disposal, the workshop’s young attendees transcended the conventional boundaries of artistic expression. After receiving a detailed introduction to collage concepts and techniques, the participants were divided into groups and encouraged to transform ordinary pieces of fabric into extraordinary masterpieces. First, participants sketched their ideas, translating imagination…

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Treasure Hunt workshop sees scores of children digging for hidden treasures and uncovering ancient dinosaurs at the Sharjah International Book Fair Groups of young explorers are embarking on an exciting journey through time at the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF 2023), as they partake in a captivating treasure hunt workshop, which is also leading them to uncovering ancient dinosaur species that date back millions of years. “So, this activity involves children literally digging up treasure as the name of the workshop suggests with each of them meant to look for either a dinosaur or an animal figure through a series…

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Global event highlights library industry through innovative sessions, networking and awards during productive two-day conference. The 10th annual Sharjah International Library Conference (SILC), organised by the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), in collaboration with the American Libraries Association (ALA), has offered key learning and networking opportunities to 250 participating librarians, academics, thought leaders, and other industry professionals from 14 countries who partook in the milestone decennial edition of the event. From learning about current trends and beneficial emerging technologies to advance the library sector, to creating innovative spaces and services to engage readers more meaningfully, and exploring the positive impact of…

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Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone (SPC Free Zone) and The National Bank of Ras Al Khaimah (RAKBANK), have officially inked a strategic partnership agreement. Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone (SPC Free Zone) and The National Bank of Ras Al Khaimah (RAKBANK) have unveiled an Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that signifies a memorable milestone in the world of publishing and business development. The signing took place at the Sharjah International Book Fair, recognised as the largest book fair in the world regarding publishing rights, and is currently captivating literary enthusiasts at the Sharjah Expo Centre until the 12th November. Providing benefits…

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A mesmerising fusion of myth and artistry captivates visitors of all ages during SIBF 2023 In an attention-grabbing display of colourful theatrics, the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF 2023) hosted the mesmerising spectacle known as “Dragon Fantasy,” which involved roaming performers dressed in a magnificent mythical dragon costume. Engaging with attendees in the halls and lobbies, the enigmatic creatures captured the hearts and imaginations of visitors of all ages, bringing a dynamic fusion of visual artistry to the forefront of the event. A culmination of creativity and mythical celebration, the roaming act added a dynamic layer to the diverse offerings…

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Food lovers at the book fair dive into Ethiopia’s culinary heritage with chef Yohanis Gebreyesus Continuing its celebration of global gastronomy, the 42nd Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF)’s popular Cookery Corner recently hosted a vibrant and flavorful exploration of ‘Ethiopian Cuisine’. The 2022 James Beard Award winner, Yohanis Gebreyesus, showcased the diversity and richness of this East African cuisine, demonstrating the recipe of a hearty Ethiopian stew. His expertise unfolded as he initiated the creation by sautéing finely chopped onions in a generous amount of oil, patiently waiting for them to achieve a golden brown hue. This, he clarified, laid…

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Sportz will offer the highest number of Sports amenities in any residential building in the Middle East With Eleganz, Danube Properties will foray into ready-to-move-in properties that will help investors and home buyers cash in on higher returns with low initial payments while enjoying the stylish lifestyle in full Danube Properties, the fastest-growing private real estate developer in the UAE, today announced Sportz, a stylish 39-floor tower that will deliver 1,100 apartments in Dubai Sports City, while also unveiling their first ready-to-move-in project, Eleganz, which will deliver 259 stylish and elegant apartments and townhouses at the Jumeirah Village Circle. Sportz…

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