ABU DHABI // More than 300,000 people visited the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair this year for its 27th edition.
The week-long event ended on Tuesday. Books worth more than Dh35 million were sold, and 1,320 exhibitors from 65 countries attended, organisers said.
It was organised by the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces. “The success of the fair is driven by the unprecedented levels of intellectual and cultural momentum that highlight the prestigious position Abu Dhabi holds as a leading international hub for literature,” said Mohammed Khalifa Al Mubarak, chairman of TCA Abu Dhabi.
China was the fair’s guest of honour this year, which highlighted the country’s close ties with the UAE, Mr Al Mubarak said. China organised 300 events during the fair.
“This is a precursor to new levels of cooperation between the two countries,” he said.
A deal to set up the first Emirati-Chinese publishing house was signed by former Arabic professor Dr Fatima Al Mazrouei, on behalf of the UAE, and China’s InterContinental Publishing, said Saif Ghobash, director general of TCA Abu Dhabi.
“Abu Dhabi International Book Fair has become an iconic event,” Mr Ghobash said. “It is a key element in the cultural agenda that is helping transform Abu Dhabi into one of the leading capitals of culture and literature.”
More than 900 workshops, seminars and panel discussions were held and books in more than 30 languages were on display. The fair also catered to youth – holding workshops for children and working with Abu Dhabi Education Council to host more than 50,000 pupils.
A programme celebrating Polish authors was also held, with Poland being the guest of honour at next year’s event.
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Tips on buying property during a pandemic
Islay Robinson, group chief executive of mortgage broker Enness Global, offers his advice on buying property in today's market.
While many have been quick to call a market collapse, this simply isn’t what we’re seeing on the ground. Many pockets of the global property market, including London and the UAE, continue to be compelling locations to invest in real estate.
While an air of uncertainty remains, the outlook is far better than anyone could have predicted. However, it is still important to consider the wider threat posed by Covid-19 when buying bricks and mortar.
Anything with outside space, gardens and private entrances is a must and these property features will see your investment keep its value should the pandemic drag on. In contrast, flats and particularly high-rise developments are falling in popularity and investors should avoid them at all costs.
Attractive investment property can be hard to find amid strong demand and heightened buyer activity. When you do find one, be prepared to move hard and fast to secure it. If you have your finances in order, this shouldn’t be an issue.
Lenders continue to lend and rates remain at an all-time low, so utilise this. There is no point in tying up cash when you can keep this liquidity to maximise other opportunities.
Keep your head and, as always when investing, take the long-term view. External factors such as coronavirus or Brexit will present challenges in the short-term, but the long-term outlook remains strong.
Finally, keep an eye on your currency. Whenever currency fluctuations favour foreign buyers, you can bet that demand will increase, as they act to secure what is essentially a discounted property.
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Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants
The smuggler
Eldarir had arrived at JFK in January 2020 with three suitcases, containing goods he valued at $300, when he was directed to a search area.
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The largest single group of items found in Eldarir’s cases were 400 shabtis, or figurines.
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Khouli smuggled items into the US by making false declarations to customs about the country of origin and value of the items.
According to Immigration and Customs Enforcement, he provided “false provenances which stated that [two] Egyptian antiquities were part of a collection assembled by Khouli's father in Israel in the 1960s” when in fact “Khouli acquired the Egyptian antiquities from other dealers”.
He was sentenced to one year of probation, six months of home confinement and 200 hours of community service in 2012 after admitting buying and smuggling Egyptian antiquities, including coffins, funerary boats and limestone figures.
For sale
A number of other items said to come from the collection of Ezeldeen Taha Eldarir are currently or recently for sale.
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The specs: 2019 Audi A8
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Engine: 1.5-litre, four-cylinder turbo
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