Author: Gulf Times

Bee’ah Group, joined the 43rd Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) to host an innovative workshop, “Frame Your Memories,” designed to teach children how to transform waste materials into beautiful, functional items. Taking place at Expo Centre Sharjah, where SIBF 2024 commenced on November 6, the workshop highlighted the importance of sustainability, showing young participants the creative potential of recycling. During the workshop, a group of young schoolchildren were provided with cardboard pieces repurposed from packing materials. Equipped with materials such as coloring pencils, sketch pens, shiny adhesive tapes, glitter flowers, and glue, each child decorated their frame in a unique…

The 43rd Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) turned into a vibrant learning hub for content creators, as they gathered to explore the art of iPhone photography under the guidance of renowned content creator Muhammad Alchaar. His workshop, “Mastering iPhone Photography: From Basics to Professional Level”, drew enthusiastic participants of all ages, eager to elevate their skills and produce high-quality visuals with just their iPhones. Muhammad Alchaar, a Syrian content creator with over 231,000 followers on Instagram (@chaar.mo) and a decade of experience in the UAE, shared practical insights and professional techniques for shooting stunning images. Throughout the session, Alchaar emphasised…

“Oil pipelines are the Silk Roads of the 20th century if you look at the huge amount of infrastructure in oil”, observed renowned author and historian Peter Frankopan during his talk “The Silk Roads: Weaving history through fiction and non-fiction” at the 43rd Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF). Referring to the UAE and the Gulf region, he said the part of the reason for the growth of this part of the world was not just because of fossil fuels, but the infrastructure that came with it. The British author and Professor of History discussed the various events that shaped his…

A masterclass on preparing kombucha, the wonder drink that is believed to improve gut health, was given to a batch of homemakers at the 43rd Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF). The festival has been conducting cookery workshops and shows that have attracted men, women and children. Kombucha is a fermented drink originating from China which is believed to improve gut health and is enjoyed for its unique flavour, explained Lebanese entrepreneur Maher El Tabchy, who founded Tabchilli in Dubai to promote his passion for fermented foods. The preparation began with taking the kombucha scoby, an active ingredient in…

At the 43rd Sharjah International Book Fair, workshops tailored for young attendees focus on edutainment —a blend of education and entertainment. School children aged 7 to 12 eagerly flocked to an arts and crafts session that turned a creative task into an inspiring lesson on one of the world’s smallest yet most important creatures: bees. The workshop began with a short video presentation highlighting the crucial role bees play in sustaining ecosystems. Children learned about the importance of bees to the natural world and their essential contribution to pollination. Some of the more informed students contributed to the conversation,…

Sharjah Public Libraries (SPL) is enriching visitors of all age groups coming to the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF 2024) with an engaging lineup of more than 18 activities designed to spark curiosity and deepen a love for reading. Themed around three core pillars – Cosmos Organisers, Writers in the Spotlight, and Behind the Scenes – SPL’s programme invites participants into the heart of literary exploration, uncovering the beauty of storytelling and celebrating authors’ contributions. Cosmos Organisers The Cosmos Organisers programme, aimed at readers and the general public, features 12 events. It started on November 6 with ‘Enhancing Creativity with…

Chetan Bhagat, best-selling Indian author who was at the 43rd Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) on Sunday to discuss his latest book 11 Rules for Life, underlined that the originality of the motivational book stems from its “Indianness”. “The big ones available in the market are all Western. There’s a meritocracy in the West but India doesn’t work that way.” Bhagat, who has written 10 novels including Half Girlfriend and 2 States, addressed a packed audience including schoolchildren at SIBF 2024. He said he chose to write about 11 rules for life because “it shouldn’t be too many rules or…

Critically acclaimed Bollywood actress Huma Qureshi was at the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF 2024) on Sunday, to give her fans a peek into her debut novel Zeba that tells the story of a female superhero in her 30s who is flawed, confused and directionless, and yet capable of doing heroic things. During a candid conversation with Gulf News Entertainment Editor Manjusha Radhakrishnan, she also shared insights on her creative journey, her approach to feminism, and her vision for the future of storytelling. A refreshing take on the superhero trope With Zeba, Huma steps away from traditional superhero narratives…

HE Dr. Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid, Moroccan Minister of Youth, Culture, and Communication, visited the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF 2024) where he was received by HE Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of the Sharjah Book Authority, and HE Ahmed Tazi, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco to the UAE, coinciding with the celebration of Morocco as the Guest of Honour of the 43rd edition. Comprehensive tour Al Ameri accompanied the minister on a tour of the book fair, including the Moroccan pavilion, where he explored its cultural programme, featuring seminars and panel discussions by prominent Moroccan philosophers, thinkers, and…

Renowned Egyptian composer Omar Khairat made his debut at the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF 2024), with an unforgettable performance. Appearing before a packed crowd, Khairat and his orchestra masterfully presented some of his most cherished works spanning almost five decades. With each note, Khairat transported listeners into the heart of Egyptian cinema, where memories and emotions converged. As familiar melodies such as The Case of Uncle Ahmed and The Night of Fatima’s Arrest filled the venue, audible gasps and smiles spread through the crowd. Khairat’s orchestration of Take Care of Your Mind inspired joyful swaying, while The Second Meeting…