Spotlight on Sharjah's tourist, cultural attractions at International Book Fair

The internationally acclaimed festival celebrating knowledge and a culture of reading was inaugurated today by His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qassimi, the Member of Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah.

After the inauguration, Sheikh Sultan went around the exhibition before visiting the distinct SCTDA stand to inspect the various facets of the life in the emirate and its tourist and cultural attractions.

Al Midfa said that the visitors to the book fair are being briefed about the upcoming cultural and tourism activities in the emirate such as the Sharjah Water Festival, Sharjah Grand Prix and Sharjah Light Festival etc., besides distributing SCTDA's various publications such as quarterly magazine Sharjah My Destination, Mouj children's magazine, visitors' guides, maps and various brochures offering an insight into all that the emirate has to offer to both international visitors and residents.

The highlight, however, is a special book that has been brought out to celebrate the Sharjah Light Festival and includes stunning images of various landmarks in the emirate.

"Although our association with the Sharjah book fair goes way back, this is the first time we have set up a special stand here to showcase the emirate before a global audience," he added.

As part of the SCTDA's long association and partnership with the Sharjah International Book Fair, the Authority is also going to conduct a week-long familiarisation tour for the visiting international authors and dignitaries, taking them to popular landmarks, monuments, museums, mosques and cultural centres etc.

Cultivating a love of literature and culture of reading, the Sharjah book fair is the oldest festival of its kind in the Middle East and is wildly popular in people of all age groups. The 10-day annual event now draws more than 800 publishers showcasing books and authors from nearly 63 nations and attracting more than 400,000 visitors.

The SCTDA's partnership with the popular festival is part of the Authority's mission to promote Sharjah around the world as a complete holiday destination for the entire family.