Author: Gulf Times

Children and adults alike revelled in the magic of an enchanting one-of-a-kind interactive bubble show at the 43rd Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) on Sunday. A mesmerising double act by two female artistes that mixed music, bubbles and magic to create a dreamlike performance was the best start to the day for the spectators. The show opens with Sophia, a young lady in her night suit sleeping on her bed on her birthday. She wakes up and opens her birthday gifts but is not impressed by any of them except the one revealing the bubble sister, a lady in a…

It was a day out for UAE’s next gen content creators at the ongoing 43rd Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) on Sunday as they learnt what is like to be an ‘influencer for a day’ as part of a social media workshop. Attendees of all ages joined to explore what it truly means to be an influencer, learning the essential skills to create impactful content and cultivate a meaningful online presence. The interactive session conducted by Palestinian blogger and content creator Faisal Alqedrra started with defining the role of an influencer: someone who inspires and persuades through credible social media…

With a fusion of lively songs, interactive riddles, and captivating light displays, the Kuwaiti theatre troupe ALJ Sisters dazzled young audiences and families at the 43rd Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF 2024) with their engaging play, Traino. This unique theatrical experience follows three spirited girls on a magical train journey through multiple countries, promoting cultural harmony and coexistence through each stop along the way. The outdoor theatre at Expo Centre Sharjah was packed with young attendees, who eagerly engaged with the show’s immersive elements, from musical performances to exciting puzzles. Traino kicked off with a dynamic video introduction, setting the…

Esteemed Bulgarian novelist, poet and playwright Georgi Gospodinov left his Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) audience enriched with reflections on themes that characterise his globally acclaimed works – memory, time and human resilience. During a dialogue with journalist Anamika Chatterjee, he shared his fascination with preserving memories, explaining, “In my writing, I aim to rescue forgotten moments, allowing readers to experience time beyond the constraints of the present.” He described nostalgia with its Greek roots, nostos and algos—the pain of returning—as something deeply personal, however, potentially perilous when it becomes collective. “Nostalgia can transform into propaganda,” he warned, “when entire…

“Renewable energy has increased energy independence across the world and encouraged a shift away from fossil fuels,” noted South Korean specialist in sustainable development Tae Yong Jung in his talk, “A Global Perspective on Sustainable Energy” at the 43rd Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF), which is underway at Expo Centre Sharjah from November 6-17. In a discussion moderated by media presenter Nadia Swan, the Professor from South Korea’s Yonsei University shed light on renewable energy approaches and how they vary significantly across countries and cultures, influenced by factors such as geography, economic development, technological advancement and cultural attitudes towards energy…

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…