World's best selling author Paulo Coelho back in Dubai

This is the second time Coelho visits Dubai for a book signing event. He was in town in November 2005 to launch 'The Zahir' at Magrudy's Ibn Battuta Mall, and the event proved to be a huge success with fans queuing up to get their signed copy of 'The Zahir'.

"We are very excited to have Paulo Coelho at Magrudy's again to sign his latest book 'The Witch of Portobello' next week. We are highly confident that this will become a best seller like all of Coelho's other books," said Mrs. Isobel Abulhoul, Director, Magrudy Enterprises.

'The Witch of Portobello' is a riveting new novel set in London. It is the story of Athena's mysterious beginnings from an orphanage in Romania to a childhood in Beirut. When war breaks out, her adoptive Lebanese family move with her to London, where she works as a clerk in a large bank, becomes a successful real estate agent in Dubai, and then the priestess of Portobello Road.

In London, a dramatic turn of events occurs. Athena who has been dubbed 'the witch of Portobello' for her seeming powers of prophecy, disappears dramatically, leaving those who knew her to solve the mystery of her life and abrupt departure.

"This new novel is about spirituality, relationships, destiny and freedom. It revolves around the awakening of the female energy in both men and women," Said Coelho.

According to him, innocence, expressing the soul and understanding one's self are some of the main factors that make an author's writings so popular.

"I am so happy to be with my fans in Dubai again. In the last book signing event at Magrudy's two years ago I met with people from all over the world living in this city. My books are for all people looking to find their own path in life," he concluded.

Coelho, who was born in 1947 into a middle-class family, published his first book at the age of 38. Books like 'The Alchemist', 'The Pilgrimage' and 'Veronica Must Die' sold millions of copies in all continents.

Paulo Coelho will be in Dubai before heading to London to launch this new book in the UK. Dubai citizens will be among the very first in the world to explore and enjoy what is expected to become a global best seller, according to Mrs. Abulhoul.

Fans will have the chance to meet the Brazilian author and get a signed copy of 'The Witch of Portobello' on Monday April 9th between 5 pm and 7 pm at Magrudy's bookshop in Egypt Court, Ibn Battuta Mall, Dubai.

The book, which is literally hot of the press, will be available to purchase on the evening. Customers will receive a ticket to meet the author and have their book signed. Tickets are very limited, so fans are advised to get there early to avoid disappointment.

Additional pre-signed copies will be available at the bookshop.

In addition to the Ibn Battuta branch, 'The Witch of Portobello' will be available in Magrudy's bookshops in City Centre, Burjuman and on Jumeirah Beach Road, in both English and Arabic.