The Sharjah International Book Fair is the next major literary event in the UAE to adopt a hybrid model during the coronavirus pandemic.
Running from Wednesday, November 4, to Saturday, November 14, one of the world's biggest book gatherings will open its doors and its website for 11 days of discussions and sales.
When it comes to the fair's cultural programme, events such as panel discussions will take place online.
Regional and international publishers will be at the Sharjah Expo Centre selling books at stalls spread across the vast site.
Safety measures will be in place to ensure social distancing rules are followed, in addition to various entry and exit points and staggered entry times for visiting groups.
With The World Reads from Sharjah as this year’s theme, Sharjah Book Authority chairman Ahmed Al Ameri said the decision to press ahead with the fair is to show support to a publishing industry battered by the pandemic.
"Sharjah International Book Fair is a major event on the global publishing industry calendar, and our decision to host an exceptional edition this year, despite the ongoing challenges of the pandemic, is aimed at benefiting readers as well as local, regional and global publishing markets," he said.
“We believe that cultural activities must not stop, even in challenging circumstances, as enriching people’s lives through reading, literacy and knowledge is a key driver for social development and prosperity.”
With the full programme to be released later this month, Al Ameri said plans are under way to ensure the virtual sessions run smoothly. He said they will use “the latest technologies in visual communication to successfully host all its virtual events, activities and discussions”.
Frankfurt Book Fair also goes online
The Sharjah International Book Fair is not the only book fair taking the digital leap. This week, the world's biggest, The Frankfurt Book Fair, held in the German city, is also mixing it up with a largely digital programme of streamed sessions and restricted events on site.
Running from Wednesday to Sunday, October 14 to 18, there will be 70 hours of online programming for the event. Key authors appearing on digital platforms include Man Booker Prize winners Margaret Atwood and Bernardine Evaristo, Eat Pray Love author Elizabeth Gilbert and celebrity chef Jamie Oliver.
As the vice president of the International Publishers Association and founder of children's book publisher Kalimat Group, Sharjah's Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi will also appear on the eve of the festival, on Tuesday, October 13, in an online panel session on copyright in the publishing industry.
In announcing the programme earlier in the year, fair director Juergen Boos said there was no question of the event not going ahead.
“It is more important than ever that the Frankfurter Buchmesse takes place,” he said. “We are putting a spotlight on our authors, industry and trends. Because of the pandemic, Frankfurter Buchmesse 2020 will be a special edition – an on-site programme combined with a forward-looking digital offer.”
More information on the Sharjah International Book Fair is available at www.sibf.com; more information on the Frankfurt Book Fair is available at www.buchmesse.de/en
Results
4.30pm Jebel Jais – Maiden (PA) Dh60,000 (Turf) 1,000m; Winner: MM Al Balqaa, Bernardo Pinheiro (jockey), Qaiss Aboud (trainer)
5pm: Jabel Faya – Maiden (PA) Dh60,000 (T) 1,000m; Winner: AF Rasam, Tadhg O’Shea, Ernst Oertel
5.30pm: Al Wathba Stallions Cup – Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 (T) 2,200m; Winner: AF Mukhrej, Tadhg O’Shea, Ernst Oertel
6pm: The President’s Cup Prep – Conditions (PA) Dh100,000 (T) 2,200m; Winner: Mujeeb, Richard Mullen, Salem Al Ketbi
6.30pm: Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club – Prestige (PA) Dh125,000 (T) 1,600m; Winner: Jawal Al Reef, Antonio Fresu, Abubakar Daud
7pm: Al Ruwais – Group 3 (PA) Dh300,000 (T) 1,200m; Winner: Ashton Tourettes, Pat Dobbs, Ibrahim Aseel
7.30pm: Jebel Hafeet – Maiden (TB) Dh80,000 (T) 1,400m; Winner: Nibraas, Richard Mullen, Nicholas Bachalard
Abu Dhabi GP schedule
Friday: First practice - 1pm; Second practice - 5pm
Saturday: Final practice - 2pm; Qualifying - 5pm
Sunday: Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (55 laps) - 5.10pm
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
From Zero
Artist: Linkin Park
Label: Warner Records
Number of tracks: 11
Rating: 4/5
The 10 Questions
- Is there a God?
- How did it all begin?
- What is inside a black hole?
- Can we predict the future?
- Is time travel possible?
- Will we survive on Earth?
- Is there other intelligent life in the universe?
- Should we colonise space?
- Will artificial intelligence outsmart us?
- How do we shape the future?
One in nine do not have enough to eat
Created in 1961, the World Food Programme is pledged to fight hunger worldwide as well as providing emergency food assistance in a crisis.
One of the organisation’s goals is the Zero Hunger Pledge, adopted by the international community in 2015 as one of the 17 Sustainable Goals for Sustainable Development, to end world hunger by 2030.
The WFP, a branch of the United Nations, is funded by voluntary donations from governments, businesses and private donations.
Almost two thirds of its operations currently take place in conflict zones, where it is calculated that people are more than three times likely to suffer from malnutrition than in peaceful countries.
It is currently estimated that one in nine people globally do not have enough to eat.
On any one day, the WFP estimates that it has 5,000 lorries, 20 ships and 70 aircraft on the move.
Outside emergencies, the WFP provides school meals to up to 25 million children in 63 countries, while working with communities to improve nutrition. Where possible, it buys supplies from developing countries to cut down transport cost and boost local economies.
Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
COMPANY PROFILE
Initial investment: Undisclosed
Investment stage: Series A
Investors: Core42
Current number of staff: 47
What can you do?
Document everything immediately; including dates, times, locations and witnesses
Seek professional advice from a legal expert
You can report an incident to HR or an immediate supervisor
You can use the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation’s dedicated hotline
In criminal cases, you can contact the police for additional support
The Sand Castle
Director: Matty Brown
Stars: Nadine Labaki, Ziad Bakri, Zain Al Rafeea, Riman Al Rafeea
Rating: 2.5/5
A Long Way Home by Peter Carey
Faber & Faber
