Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation announces senior management for Dubai International Children's Book Fair

Yasser Hareb is currently Vice President - Culture Sector at Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation, while Jamal Al-Shehhi is Director of Culture at the Foundation.

The Dubai International Children Book's Fair is the latest among a series of initiatives launched by the Foundation since its establishment in May 2007 as part of its drive to promote knowledge-based societies across the Arab world.

His Excellency Mohammad AlGergawi, Chairman, Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation, said:

"Yasser Hareb and Jamal Al-Shehhi have both demonstrated remarkable leadership competencies in their current mandates at the Foundation. Their extensive management expertise and well-informed knowledge of the local and regional cultural landscape will serve as assets to foster one of the Foundation's major initiatives, which aims to raise cultural awareness among Arab children."

Yasser Hareb and Jamal Al Shehi have to date spearheaded key strategies under the Foundation's Culture sector, including the Tarjem programme that aims to translate 1,000 bestseller books into Arabic within three years.

In their newly assumed roles, Yasser Hareb and Jamal Al-Shehi will additionally work towards hosting a round-the-year cultural agenda under the Dubai International Children's Book Fair banner.

As part of its calendar, the first edition of the children's book fair will be held in Dubai towards the end of 2009.

The Dubai International Children's Book Fair has been launched by the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation as part of its overarching strategy to enhance the Arab world's knowledge capabilities and promote cultural excellence.

It is expected to attract the participation of leading global and regional publishers and a large number of book enthusiasts.