Author: Gulf Times

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…

Dubai, The DP World ILT20 Schools Cup 2024 reaches an exciting milestone as it enters the quarter final stage, with eight schools qualifying from their respective pools across the UAE. From the Abu Dhabi pools, Cambridge High School and Abu Dhabi Indian School – Al Muroor have earned their places. In Dubai, the advancing schools include Dubai College, Dubai International Academy – Emirates Hills, The Winchester School, Delhi Private School Dubai, and either GEMS Modern Academy or JSS Private School who will compete in their final pool match to secure qualification. Additionally, Delhi Private School – Sharjah completes the…

Abu Dhabi, The New York Strikers, reigning champions of the Abu Dhabi T10 tournament, are preparing to defend their title with a determined squad. Determined to prove his skills yet again is the explosive Pakistani batsman Asif Ali, whose recent heroics in the Hong Kong Sixes tournament have further cemented his reputation as one of T10 cricket’s most dangerous power-hitters. As preparations intensify for the upcoming season, several key squad members have also shared their vision and commitment to maintaining the Strikers’ dominance in one of cricket’s most dynamic formats. Fresh from his outstanding performance in the Hong Kong…

Abu Dhabi: With just over a month to go until World Tennis League returns for its third season, the excitement for ‘The Greatest Show on Court!’ is palpable. Supported by Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC), in collaboration with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT) and Miral, WTL Season 3 will find its home at the iconic Etihad Arena at Yas Island, from December 19-22, 2024. While 16 world-class players will deliver some courtside thrills during the day, at night, global artists will take the spectators on a musical journey. This year, legendary rock icon…