RAS AL KHAIMAH // Ninety publishing houses will take part in the ninth Ras Al Khaimah Book Fair this year, which starts on Sunday.
The 12-day book fair will host events to encourage literacy, following President Sheikh Khalifa’s declaration that 2016 should be the year of reading.
The activities will include a children’s reading challenge, acting and puppet shows, storytelling sessions and reading workshops.
The fair at the RAK Convention and Exhibition Centre will feature 112 booths.
“Seventy six publishing houses participated last year, so that’s 18 per cent growth this year,” said Jamal Al Taher, head of the book fair’s organising committee.
The participants are from countries including the UAE, Syria, Egypt, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Jordan.
“This year we are focusing more on reading, with many activities, workshops and programmes. We will host famous Arab authors and intellectuals in collaboration with Emirates Writers Union,” said Mr Al Taher.
Asmaa Al Hamadai, a 34-year-old Emirati who teaches at a private school in the emirate, said she had been visiting the book fair since its first year.
“Each year, we find new titles and programmes added to the book fair. I like to buy books from Emirati writers, to encourage and support them,” she said.
“I also take this opportunity to buy children’s books and display them in the classroom, giving my students the chance to borrow and read them to enhance their knowledge and their reading skills.”
The book fair is organised by Ras Al Khaimah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed bin Saud, Crown Prince of Ras Al Khaimah.
The fair will end on February 11. It is open daily from 9am to 1pm and from 4.30pm to 10.30pm.
rhaza@thenational.ae
