Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, has donated Dh4.5 million ($1.2m) to buy books from Arab and foreign publishers participating in the Sharjah International Book Fair this year.
The annual tribute is in line with Sheikh Dr Sultan's commitment to continually update Sharjah’s libraries with the latest titles.
All literary fields are covered, including science, the arts, fiction, culture and history, in both Arabic and foreign languages.
It is hoped the new influx of books into the emirate will serve students, researchers and academics with the most up-to-date content.
The sizeable fund allocation will also boost revenue for the publishing houses, book retailers and authors who are taking part in Sharjah's literature event, many of whom may have struggled to make a profit during the pandemic.
The 40th edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair started on November 3 and will run until November 13 in Expo Centre Sharjah. Organisers say it is the largest of its kind in the world.
Held under the theme "There is always a right book", it is one of the first book fairs in the region to return to an in-person model post-pandemic.
The annual event is a temporary home to 1,632 Arab and global publishers from 83 countries.
Exhibitors showcase more than 15 million copies of 1.3 titles, with books for every age group and interest.
More than 85 leading cultural figures are taking part in this year’s event, including Nobel Prize winner Abdulrazak Gurnah, Jnanpith Award winner Amitav Ghosh, The Daily Show host Trevor Noah, Chaos of the Senses author Ahlam Mosteghanemi and The Pursuit of Happyness author Chris Gardner, all of whom are to appear in person at the fair.
The fair will also host more than 1,000 activities, including 440 cultural sessions, in addition to 355 shows, performances and seminars, as well as workshops for children.
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Company profile
Name: Steppi
Founders: Joe Franklin and Milos Savic
Launched: February 2020
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Another way to earn air miles
In addition to the Emirates and Etihad programmes, there is the Air Miles Middle East card, which offers members the ability to choose any airline, has no black-out dates and no restrictions on seat availability. Air Miles is linked up to HSBC credit cards and can also be earned through retail partners such as Spinneys, Sharaf DG and The Toy Store.
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RACE CARD
5pm: Wathba Stallions Cup – Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 (Turf) 2,200m
5.30pm: Khor Al Baghal – Conditions (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 1,600m
6pm: Khor Faridah – Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 1,600m
6.30pm: Abu Dhabi Fillies Classic – Prestige (PA) Dh110,000 (T) 1,400m
7pm: Abu Dhabi Colts Classic – Prestige (PA) Dh110,000 (T) 1,400m
7.30pm: Khor Laffam – Handicap (TB) Dh80,000 (T) 2,200m
The Bio
Favourite Emirati dish: I have so many because it has a lot of herbs and vegetables. Harees (oats with chicken) is one of them
Favourite place to go to: Dubai Mall because it has lots of sports shops.
Her motivation: My performance because I know that whatever I do, if I put the effort in, I’ll get results
During her free time: I like to drink coffee - a latte no sugar and no flavours. I do not like cold drinks
Pet peeve: That with every meal they give you a fries and Pepsi. That is so unhealthy
Advice to anyone who wants to be an ironman: Go for the goal. If you are consistent, you will get there. With the first one, it might not be what they want but they should start and just do it
Zayed Sustainability Prize
PRO BASH
Thursday’s fixtures
6pm: Hyderabad Nawabs v Pakhtoon Warriors
10pm: Lahore Sikandars v Pakhtoon Blasters
Teams
Chennai Knights, Lahore Sikandars, Pakhtoon Blasters, Abu Dhabi Stars, Abu Dhabi Dragons, Pakhtoon Warriors and Hyderabad Nawabs.
Squad rules
All teams consist of 15-player squads that include those contracted in the diamond (3), platinum (2) and gold (2) categories, plus eight free to sign team members.
Tournament rules
The matches are of 25 over-a-side with an 8-over power play in which only two fielders allowed outside the 30-yard circle. Teams play in a single round robin league followed by the semi-finals and final. The league toppers will feature in the semi-final eliminator.
French business
France has organised a delegation of leading businesses to travel to Syria. The group was led by French shipping giant CMA CGM, which struck a 30-year contract in May with the Syrian government to develop and run Latakia port. Also present were water and waste management company Suez, defence multinational Thales, and Ellipse Group, which is currently looking into rehabilitating Syrian hospitals.
