Call for new chapter in Arabic children's books

Ajman Book Fair aims to instil a culture of reading in children, its organisers say.

AJMAN // Arab parents should help instil a reading culture in their children to enable the community to gain a larger place in the global society, the Ruler of Ajman said yesterday at the opening of Ajman Book Fair.

"Generations and generations of Arab people were powered by knowledge, and their great contribution to global science, technology and arts is a fact," said Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid al Nuaimi.

"Only if our children can read and write can we think of regaining our enlightened popularity in the future."

He urged publishers to make more works in Arabic available.

A total of 180 publishers are showcasing 40,000 books in 24 different languages at Ajman International Exhibition Centre.

Events planned to go along with the fair include workshops and lectures, dramas and children's plays, reading and poetry competitions, among others, said Ahmed Habib al Gharib, the head of the organising committee.

"This is a chance for people to be able to get their hands on some of the classic texts, which are essential reading and which are missing from some libraries," he said.