Sharjah celebrates official opening of 28th Asian International Stamp Exhibition

The premier event on the Asian and Australasian philately calendar, Sharjah 2012 is taking place under the patronage of the Federation of Inter-Asian Philately (FIAP) at Mega Mall Sharjah.

The ceremony will be attended by the President of the Federation of Inter-Asian Philately (FIAP), Surajit Gongvatana, members of the Emirates Philatelic Association (EPA) - EPA President Mr Abdulla Mohammed Tayyeb Khoory; EPA Vice President Mr Ahmad Bin Eisa Bin Nasser Alserkal; EPA Honorary Secretary Mr Omar Mohammed Ahmed; and EPA Board Member Mr Khalid Ali Al Omaira - as well as an elite group of international Jurors and Commissioners, and followed by a welcome dinner.

Speaking about the event, EPA President Mr Abdulla Mohammed Tayyeb Khoory said: "With the objective of promoting the science of philately in the Emirates and the region, the EPA has been working tirelessly to prepare for and successfully stage Sharjah 2012. This event has been eagerly awaited by enthusiasts and we look forward to showcasing the talent and expertise of the EPA in Sharjah this year."

Sharjah 2012 will feature a range of activities including seminars and specialised children's activities as well as some 200 exhibitors and 30 dealers from 24 countries. Participant can enter 13 separate classes, including 'Traditional Philately', 'Postal History', 'Thematic Philately', and 'Aerophilately', as well as the coveted FIAP Championship Class, which is only open to collections that have been awarded at least three FIP/FIAP large gold medals at exhibitions patronized by FIP/FIAP over the past 10 years. In addition, there will also be an opportunity for young stamp collectors to make their mark in the 'Youth Philately' class in the age categories 10 to 15 years, 16 - 18 years, or 19 - 21 years.

The exhibition will run until 25 November 2012.