Author: Gulf Times

In a thought-provoking panel titled “Echoes of the Past: The Universal Language of Folk Tales and Historical Fiction,” celebrated authors Tahir Shah and Dr. AbdulAziz Al Musallam delved into the timeless power of folk tales and their continued relevance at the ongoing 43rd Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF). Moderated by Huda Al Shamsi, the discussion highlighted how these narratives bridge cultures, transmit values, and build identities across generations. Dr. Al Musallam emphasised the universal value of folk tales, calling them vessels of shared humanity. “Folk tales reflect human values that unify experiences and enrich our lives,” he explained, noting how…

Abu Dhabi: As the clock ticks closer to four days of high-octane tennis action in a few weeks’ time, the World Tennis League, supported by Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC) and in collaboration with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT) and Miral, today announced the teams and match schedules for its third season. Slated to be held from December 19-22 at the Etihad Arena, this much-awaited league will feature four teams – Eagles (the defending champions), Hawks, Falcons, and Kites – each boasting of some of the finest tennis players globally. This year, all teams…

Colombo The inaugural edition of the Lanka T10 Super League is all set to kickstart in December in Kandy. The fast-paced form of cricket will witness six franchises, Colombo Jaguars, Galle Marvels, Hambantota Bangla Tigers, Jaffna Titans, Kandy Bolts and Nuwara Eliya Kings battling it out against each other for the ultimate glory. The teams have included some of the finest talents from all around the globe in their roaster during the Lanka T10 Super League Draft that was held on 10th November, 2024 in Colombo and in the pre-signings. Jaffna Titans have put their weight behind some old school…

The travelling troupe of artistes in the halls and lobbies is a popular feature of the Sharjah International Book Fair, and the 43rd edition does not disappoint. This year, children have been mesmerised by a globe that glides through the hall with an enchanting lady seated inside and waving at the curious onlookers. She is the wise Mystic who beckons a chosen spectator to take a closer look at themselves on her magical handheld circus mirror, which transforms human features into curious shapes. Or she could choose another onlooker to open a jewellery box in her hand. Who knows what…

Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), chaired the authority’s third board meeting during the 43rd edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF 2024). The board discussed SBA’s strategic initiatives to deepen its global impact, foster valuable partnerships for Emirati publishers, and reviewed progress across the authority’s recent initiatives. Sheikha Bodour opened by expressing her gratitude for the visionary guidance of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, whose dedication to cultural diplomacy fuels SBA’s mission of international engagement. She highlighted…

The connection between Irish and Arabic cultures has existed through its languages and food, especially Ireland’s shift to meat from wild berries and vegetables, pointed out chef Anna Haugh as she churned out caramelised Swede and honey soup along with baked bean can soda bread at the “Irish Classics” cookery session during the 43rd Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) underway in Expo Centre Sharjah. While giving tidbits of information about her country and its cuisine, the Irish chef, restaurateur and TV personality began the soup preparation with chopped swede, a root vegetable akin to turnip. After frying the swede in…

At the 43rd Sharjah International Book Fair, on Saturday, Palestinian content creator and photographer Faisal AlQedra captivated an audience of young children and adults with a workshop on “Social Media Etiquette Role Play.” Addressing an audience eager to better understand online behaviour, Faisal highlighted the importance of respect, responsibility, and reflection in navigating social media spaces. The importance of social media etiquette Explaining his motivation behind the workshop, Faisal noted there is a need for proper guidance on social media usage for young people born into the digital era. “We live in an era of social media, and sadly,…

At the 43rd Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF), imagination met creativity as young comic enthusiasts transformed their favourite characters into vibrant 3D clay sculptures. The ‘3D Comics Workshop’, held on Saturday in the bustling Activities Hall, offered an immersive experience where children could bring their unique characters to life using clay, colours, and a touch of imagination. Led by Victoria Yurtsever and her team from Yellow Moves, a UAE-based company known for its dynamic art workshops, the event guided participants through the creative process—from sketching their own superheroes to crafting them in three dimensions. “Watching them bring flat characters into…

An engaging hydroponics workshop brought young schoolgoers face-to-face with the future of sustainable gardening at the ongoing 43rd Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF). During a hands-on lesson, young participants learned to create soil-free systems using transparent jars, which they decorated and coloured their way, combining aspects of life sciences, environment and creativity. “Hydroponics allows anyone, even with limited space, to grow fresh herbs or plants at home and it is the best way to introduce the skill to children early on,” said Ouiam Sellami, who led the session with her team at L’Atelier Bus, a company she founded two years…

What is more fun than using a tufting gun to embroider your favourite cartoon characters? Getting the fruits of your labour in keychain format at the end of the day! Children aged 12 and above had the thrill of using a tufting gun to create a Mickey Mouse or a duck or a mushroom at the “Embroidery” workshop happening at the 43rd Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) in Expo Centre Sharjah. “This is rug tufting, and we use yarn to make the pattern. The yarn is threaded on the gun first using a threader or a bent wire and then…