Author: Gulf Times

Visitors to the ongoing 43rd Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) were in for a treat Friday as they got to meet and greet two friendly, gigantic robots roaming the halls and lobbies, spreading smiles with their cheeky personalities. But if you missed the show then fret not because the colorful, interactive mascots – one in cool blues and the other in perky pink – are all set to create unforgettable experiences for fairgoers until the last day of the fair on Sunday. Performing at the SIBF for the first time under the banner of Bratislava-based company, Montiki Entertainment, Veronika Dokupilova,…

Taking inspiration from the tale of Cinderella who turned from a plain girl into a beautiful princess at the waving of a wand, a group of young girls turned a simple sketch of a girl given to them to beautiful fairies and ballerinas at the “Nature Puppets” workshop during the 43rd edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) happening at Expo Centre Sharjah. Workshop facilitator Sara Mezher spread before the girls, aged 9 and above, delicate dried flowers and leaves, glitter, picture tapes, crayons, pencils, scissors and glue. She gave them a briefing first: “Create a beautiful dress for…

At the 43rd Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF 2024), Tamer Said, Director of the Sharjah Literary Agency (SLA), introduced the agency’s extensive services aimed at enhancing the visibility and reach of Arabic literature worldwide, detailing its role in supporting and bridging Arabic authors and publishers with international markets. During a session titled ‘An Introduction to the Sharjah Literary Agency and its Range of Services,’ moderated by Rashid Al Kous, Executive Director of Emirates Publishers Association (EPA), on Tuesday, Said noted that the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) launched SLA in 2020, building its portfolio with diverse authors and publishers. He…

Dubai, The DP World ILT20 Schools Cup 2024 is set to culminate in a thrilling final that will see Cambridge High School Abu Dhabi take on Gems Modern Academy, Dubai on Saturday, November 16 at the ICC Academy. The tournament that was conceptualized in a bid to promote the DP World ILT20, strengthen community ties through cricket and provide aspiring cricketers valuable exposure, saw participation from 32 school-teams across Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah. Earlier in the week, Cambridge High School Abu Dhabi cemented their berth in the final following a clinical 43-run victory over The Winchester School. Put…

Dubai, Dubai Sports Council has announced the appointment of Indian cricket legend Harbhajan Singh as Sports Ambassador for Dubai, marking a significant step in the emirate’s commitment to developing its sporting infrastructure and culture. The announcement was made in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, along with other distinguished sports personalities including UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov, tennis star Sania Mirza, and football icon Patrice Evra. Harbhajan Singh, who has represented India in over 100 Test matches and claimed more than…

Colombo: The inaugural edition of the Lanka T10 Super League 2024 is all set to begin on 11th December, 2024 in Kandy and the cricket carnival will kickstart with the opening ceremony ahead of the first game between Jaffna Titans and Hambantota Bangla Tigers. The competition will see six franchises, Jaffna Titans, Hambantota Bangla Tigers, Colombo Jaguars, Nuwara Eliya Kings, Kandy Bolts and Team Galle Marvels up against each other in a round-robin format. The Qualifiers and the Eliminator matches are scheduled to be played on 18th December, 2024. Team 1 will lock horns with Team 2 in Qualifier…

During a panel discussion at the 43rd Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) on Tuesday evening, renowned mindfulness coach Lynn Rossy and Dr Nilly Shams offered an insightful examination of how mindfulness practices can assist individuals in cultivating a healthier relationship with food. Rossy, who is a health psychologist, author and yoga teacher based in the US, said she teaches people to be aware of their hunger signals to combat their lack of awareness on why they eat. Noting that mindfulness was an effective way to curb emotional eating, she said: “A brownie will not solve your anger, instead go for…

Young content creators unleashed their creativity and storytelling skills at the 43rd Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) during a hands-on YouTube vlogging workshop. Held at the event’s popular Social Media Station, the session was led by Palestinian content creator Faisal AlQedra, who guided children through the essentials of planning, scripting, and filming engaging vlogs. The workshop introduced participants to the fundamentals of video storytelling, with a focus on creating short, engaging vlogs for two scenarios: at school and at home. The children were encouraged to think creatively, write simple scripts, and explore two filming styles – “talking head” and “follow…

Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Founder of Kalimat Group, unveiled her latest literary work, the Mommy series, at the 43rd Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF). This heartfelt and insightful collection explores the profound role of breastfeeding in strengthening the emotional connection between mother and child. It also sheds light on its impact on the child’s physical, mental and cognitive development. Illustrated by Daniela Stamatiadi, the Mommy series captures how a mother’s milk, voice and touch foster security and well-being in the infant, helping shape their early identity and perception of the world. The collection celebrates the intimate sensory and…

The ongoing 43rd Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) is bringing the world to its attendees, offering a wide-ranging programme that includes cultural performances from diverse corners of the globe. Among these, the Tizwit International Youth Band from Morocco captivated audiences with an energising display of traditional rhythms and dance, infusing the fair with the rich cultural essence of the Berber heritage. The fair’s halls and corridors pulsed with the rhythmic beat of five tambourines as Tizwit’s nine-member troupe, composed of five men in white robes and four Moroccan women in vibrant traditional attire, performed the Ahidous n M’Goun dance from…