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Sharjah Ruler receives Ramadan well-wishers

Those who came to extend the Ramadan greetings included sheikhs; senior officials; dignitaries of the country; and UAE citizens who prayed to Allah Almighty to revisit the fasting month with more goodness, progress, security, safety and prosperity for the UAE and its people…reports Asian Lite News

H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, today received at Al Badee’ Palace, Ramadan well-wishers, on the first day of the holy month.

Those who came to extend the Ramadan greetings included sheikhs; senior officials; dignitaries of the country; and UAE citizens who prayed to Allah Almighty to revisit the fasting month with more goodness, progress, security, safety and prosperity for the UAE and its people.

The reception was attended by H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah; H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Salem bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah; H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah; and several officials from the emirate.

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SCCI Announces 34th Edition of Sharjah Ramadan Festival

Al Owais stressed that the festival will invigorate the tourism sector, thereby bolstering the broader business community…reports Asian Lite News

The Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) is set to launch the 34th edition of the Sharjah Ramadan Festival 2024 from 8th March to 13th April. The 37-day event will cover all cities and regions across the emirate. The festival’s organising committee disclosed that preparations for the launch involved meetings with numerous government and private institutions and agencies to foster coordination and collaboration to ensure the event’s success. Key shopping centres, destinations, and retail stores across the emirate will take part in the event, offering a series of marketing, entertainment, and heritage activities that celebrate the holy month.

The 2024 season’s festivities will extend to the cities and suburbs of the central and eastern regions, providing a wide range of products at substantial discounts. The festival will be further enhanced by exciting draws, competitions, and valuable prizes for attendees, along with a variety of recreational activities that celebrate the unique spirit of Ramadan. Abdullah Sultan Al Owais, Chairman of the SCCI, emphasised that the Sharjah Ramadan Festival has become a vital catalyst for stimulating the emirate’s economic landscape, particularly the retail sector, a cornerstone of the emirate’s economic activity.

Al Owais stressed that the festival will invigorate the tourism sector, thereby bolstering the broader business community. He highlighted the event’s social significance, pointing out how its entertainment and heritage events create a special ambiance for Ramadan, spreading joy among Sharjah’s residents and visitors, and fostering social and cultural engagement. For his part, Mohammad Ahmed Amin Al Awadi, Director-General of the SCCI, said that the upcoming edition of the Sharjah Ramadan Festival has been meticulously planned to engage major shopping centres and retail outlets across the emirate to present competitive offers and enticing discounts to the public. Aligning with this initiative, the Ramadan Nights exhibition at Expo Centre Sharjah is set to launch, aiming to broaden the community’s access to a diverse range of products and merchandise at competitive prices throughout the holy month, enhancing the festive shopping experience.

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Sharjah Tourism to Shine at ITB Berlin

Sharjah to highlight best of its adventure, cultural riches, natural beauty at ITB Berlin 2024…reports Asian Lite News

The Emirate of Sharjah is gearing up for its participation in the ITB Berlin – the world’s leading travel trade show, slated for March 5-7, 2024. Themed ‘Pioneer the Transition in Travel & Tourism. Together’, the Sharjah Pavilion will host an impressive roster of 19 entities, consisting of government and private sectors, spearheaded by Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA). Participants, representing a broad tourism and hospitality industry spectrum, including cultural and entertainment sectors, will showcase the emirate’s multifaceted tourism experiences that have positioned Sharjah as a prime global destination.

The emirate’s participation underscores its mission to foster international tourism partnerships to draw a greater influx of visitors and investors, with a keen eye on the European market.

Commenting on the upcoming participation, Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of SCTDA, said: “In an era where the tourism industry witnesses unprecedented dynamism, we must embrace change, pursue innovation, and spearhead development vigorously. Our ambition is to not only match the pace of global advancements in hospitality, transportation, and leisure but also to set benchmarks in enriching cultural, heritage, and natural explorations. Our presence at ITB Berlin this year will showcase Sharjah’s leading projects, both existing and in the pipeline, and to vividly present our emirate’s distinguished attributes, exemplary services, and unique tourism offerings.”

Al Midfa added: “Our participation in this year’s ITB Berlin effectively contributes to supporting our plans and efforts in line with the vision and directives of H.H. Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, of enhancing the emirate’s position on the global tourism map.”

“ITB Berlin is an important platform to promote the emirate as a premier global tourism destination. It opens avenues for international collaborations with key stakeholders, investors, and global entities in the tourism and travel industry. The European market, with Germany at its core, remains instrumental for Sharjah, marking it as our second-largest European tourism source next to the United Kingdom. Engaging in this edition is a strategic move to bolster our initiatives and collaborative efforts to elevate the tourism landscape and drive a substantial increase in visitor numbers to our emirate,” continued Al Midfa.

Sharjah is set to captivate visitors from Europe and globally at the ITB Berlin, showcasing a spectrum of seamless and integrated tourist experiences that span various sectors—from infrastructure and transportation, highlighted by Sharjah International Airport Authority, Sharjah Airport Travel Agency (SATA) and Air Arabia’s exemplary air transport services, to environmental wonders presented by the Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA) with gems like the Sharjah Safari. Meanwhile, the Sharjah Marine Club will highlight various marine sports and activities in the emirate.

In heritage, culture, and leisure, Sharjah’s rich tapestry is unfurled by the Sharjah Museums Authority (SMA), Sharjah Institute for Heritage (SIOH), and Sharjah Classic Cars Club, each narrating the emirate’s storied past and vibrant cultural landscape. The tourism and hospitality sector shines with the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) showcase of its portfolio, including a suite of exclusive staycations and resorts part of the Sharjah Collection, namely Al Faya Retreat, Al Badayer Retreat, Moon Retreat, Kingfisher Retreat, Nomad, Najd Al Meqsar Village and others.

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Sharjah Ruler Unveils Project to Revive Old Town of Al Hira

The project to revive the old town of Al Hira includes the house of Sultan bin Abdullah bin Majid Al Owais, the house of Hamid Khalaf Bu Khasrah, and the house of Khalifa Sultan Al Suwaidi….reports Asian Lite News

His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, inaugurated, on Wednesday, a project to revive the old town of Al Hira in the city of Sharjah.
Upon His Highness’s arrival in Al Hira area, His Highness unveiled the memorial that commemorates the founding of the town of Al Hira four centuries ago in the year 1613 AD, in which Al Qawasim arrived in the city of Sharjah.

After that, His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah opened the house of Sultan bin Abdullah bin Majid Al Owais, which is located on an area of 900 square metres, to be Al Hira Literary Majlis.

His Highness unveiled the Sultan bin Abdullah bin Majid Al Owais Mosque, announcing the opening of the mosque, and listened to an explanation of the details of rebuilding the mosque.

The project to revive the old town of Al Hira includes the house of Sultan bin Abdullah bin Majid Al Owais, the house of Hamid Khalaf Bu Khasrah, and the house of Khalifa Sultan Al Suwaidi.

Sheikh Salem bin Abdulrahman bin Salem Al Qasimi, Chairman of Sharjah Ruler’s Office, Abdulrahman bin Mohamed Al Owais, Minister of Health and Prevention, Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammed Belhaif Al Nuaimi, Chairman of Sharjah Consultative Council, and a number of senior officials, heads and directors of local departments, witnessed the event.

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Sharjah Bans NY Fireworks in Gaza Solidarity

Sharjah Police said the reflects genuine solidarity and humanitarian cooperation with the residents of the Gaza Strip….reports Asian Lite News

In a display of solidarity and humanitarian cooperation with the people of Gaza, the emirate of Sharjah has decided to ban all New Year’s Eve fireworks displays and celebrations.

Sharjah Police, through a statement, underscored the significance of this move, emphasising that it reflects genuine solidarity and humanitarian cooperation with the residents of the Gaza Strip.

The announcement, made via a Facebook post by Sharjah police, included a warning on Tuesday regarding the implementation of legal measures against individuals found violating the ban.

“Sharjah Police appeals to all institutions and individuals to cooperate and commit to it, stating that it will take all legal actions against those who violate the instructions, and affirms that human solidarity is an established culture and thought practiced by the Emirate of Sharjah,” Sharjah Police said in a facebook post.

As the UAE’s third-largest emirate in terms of both size and population, after Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

The UAE established diplomatic ties with Israel in 2020, setting a precedent for other nations to engage with Israel. Despite this, the Gulf regional power has consistently advocated for a humanitarian ceasefire in the Gaza conflict, condemning Israel’s military actions in the region.

King of Jordan His Majesty King Abdullah and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi on Wednesday reiterated their complete rejection of all attempts to liquidate the Palestinian issue and forcibly displace Palestinians in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.

At a meeting in Cairo, King Abdullah reaffirmed Jordan’s support for Egypt’s firm position against any attempts to displace Gaza residents.

The King and President El Sisi stressed the need for the entire world to push towards an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, and the delivery of sufficient and sustainable humanitarian aid to alleviate the tragic situation and the suffering of Gazans.

The two leaders said the international community shoulders an immense political and ethical responsibility towards implementing United Nations Security Council and General Assembly resolutions, in order to maintain the integrity of these international entities.

The two leaders also stressed the need to counter any attempts to re-occupy parts of Gaza, build buffer zones in the Strip, or separate it from the West Bank.

They warned against the continuation of the war on Gaza, which could plunge the entire region into a catastrophe whose price everyone will pay, stressing the need to prevent the spillover of the conflict that threatens regional and international security and stability.

King Abdullah said the continued expansion of Israeli operations in southern Gaza will have catastrophic humanitarian and security repercussions, especially in light of the dangerous humanitarian situation.

Safe NY celebration in Dubai

Dubai’s Events Security Committee (ESC) has announced a comprehensive plan to secure the New Year’s Eve festivities across Dubai. The Committee said that the comprehensive plan, involving a total of 11,972 personnel, including 5,574 police officers, and 1,525 patrols, civil defence and ambulance vehicles, will ensure the smooth management of the New Year’s Eve 2024 celebrations.

The Committee also revealed a new security mechanism that divides the emirate into four sectors – North, Central, West and the Maritime sector – to enhance security operations, provide quality services to the public and make optimal use of human resources in collaboration with partners.

With the aim of ensuring that people across Dubai can enjoy the festivities, the ESC, in coordination with the Permanent Committee for Labour Affairs in Dubai, has arranged several viewing areas for the worker community. Equipped with six viewing screens and food services, these viewing areas will allow viewers to enjoy the fireworks and partake in the festivities safely while helping avoid congestion in the city.

The Event Security Committee, comprising 55 government and private entities in Dubai, said that 32 locations in Dubai will feature fireworks displays, with notable sites including Burj Khalifa, The Beach, Bluewaters (JBR), Palm Jumeirah, Kite Beach, among others.

Road Closures

To prevent bottlenecks during the festivities, Al Ali said that the streets surrounding the Burj Khalifa area and Dubai Mall will see closures implemented by RTA’s operational team. The teams will work in cooperation with Dubai Police and Emaar to manage the closures.

According to RTA, the Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard will be closed from 4:00 pm when parking in the area becomes full. Those with reservations in the Boulevard area or Dubai Mall should therefore arrive before 4:00 pm on Sunday.

The lower Financial Centre Road will also see a closure from 4:00 pm, while the upper Financial Centre Road and Al Sukook Street will be closed from 8:00 pm.

In addition, Al Asayel Street, from Oud Metha Road towards Burj Khalifa, will be closed from 4:00 pm and it will serve as an emergency route and bus layby. Future Street will close from 4:00 pm on the stretch between Za’abeel 2 Street and Al Meydan Street. It will remain closed until the festivities conclude.

Metro and Tram Services

Al Ali noted that the Red and Green Lines of the Dubai Metro will operate continuously for 40 hours from 8:00 am on Sunday, 31 December until midnight on Monday, 1 January, 2024.

The Dubai Tram will also operate from 9:00 am on Sunday, 31 December till 1 am on Tuesday, 2 January, 2024 for 40 hours.

The extended operational hours facilitate public access to and from the event area. The Burj Khalifa Metro Station will close from 5:00 pm.

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SEF 2024 Set to Ignite Entrepreneurial Spirit

Spanning nine specialised areas, it focuses on key sectors such as technology, creative economy, and sustainability, creating a dynamic platform for networking and innovation….reports Asian Lite News

The UAE’s largest celebration of entrepreneurship, the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival (SEF) 2024, is taking an immersive approach for its 7th edition on 3rd and 4th February, 2024, bringing together more than 150 visionary founders, industry leaders, investors, and emerging entrepreneurs.

Spanning nine specialised areas, it focuses on key sectors such as technology, creative economy, and sustainability, creating a dynamic platform for networking and innovation.

The event comprises five exclusive zones and four stages; within these dedicated zones, SEF 2024 will host more than 200 activities, including discussions, pitch competitions, performances, creative workshops, investor-investee networking sessions, and more. These specialised areas will present boundless opportunities for entrepreneurial engagement and innovation for the entire ecosystem and have been strategically designed around key streams of “impact”, “founders”, “community”, and “creativity”, offering founders, VCs, tech leaders, investors, aspiring entrepreneurs, and ecosystem enablers a vibrant platform to connect, learn, ideate, and scout the next big opportunity.

Speaking about the festival, Najla Al Midfa, CEO of the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Centre (Sheraa), stated, “We have put a great deal of thought and effort into creating a truly immersive and empowering experience for all who will attend SEF 2024. Under our overarching theme of ‘Our Shared Canvas’, SEF 2024 will encapsulate the essence of collaborative innovation and collective impact. It is a powerful metaphor, illustrating how the diverse strokes of individual and collective efforts create a positive, sustainable entrepreneurship ecosystem.”

The five designated zones and four exclusive stages within each themed area at SEF 2024 are more than spaces. They have been designed as mini-ecosystems specialising in the key sectors of technology, creative economy, sustainability, and more. These vibrant spaces will host more than 150 renowned speakers and over 30 workshops on numerous topics of interest to both existing and emerging entrepreneurial talents. They feature more than 100 exhibiting start-ups, including tech-driven sustainability-focused founders, and more, enabling festival attendees to transform their ideas into opportunities, paving the way for limitless possibilities.

The Impact Stage Powered by Arada will host the opening ceremony and serve as the key platform for global and local speakers, shedding light on entrepreneurs’ roles as business leaders and contributors to societal and global changes. Representing a melting pot of entrepreneurial sectors and communities, genuinely reflecting the SEF 2024 theme of “Our Shared Canvas,” this stage will provide valuable insight and inspiration from local and global thought leaders, giving a comprehensive window into the present and future business landscape.

True to the entrepreneurial spirit of SEF 2024, the Start-up Town, Powered By EMAAR, will feature exhibiting start-ups, the immersive “Sharjah Pavilion”, and the Founder Stage, which will host lively discussions on advanced technology, investment insights, artificial intelligence, and other topics that are shaping the business world. On this stage, the highly anticipated “Start-up Pitch Competition” will unveil the next significant entrepreneurial breakthroughs, while an Investors Lounge will enable aspiring and existing entrepreneurs to connect with potential investors and VCs, helping founders to gain crucial insights into scaling strategies and financial backing.

The Sustainability Zone — powered by Sharjah Sustainable City and BEEAH Group, and prime examples of eco-conscious ventures and enterprises — will champion activities and talks with an environmental theme. It will enable connections, collaboration, and discourse between those with an eco-progressive mindset, underscoring the importance of sustainability in entrepreneurship and highlighting the positive impact that innovative solutions can have on environmental and social issues.

The lively centrepiece of the festival, and SEF 2024’s designated space for live entertainment, the Creative Zone, will host an incredible lineup of more than 15 performers and entertainers on the Creative Stage. This is where renowned global and regional performers, filmmakers, content creators, and other creative pioneers will provide unforgettable entertainment throughout the festival.

Community Zone, featuring a Community Stage, will provide a perfect place to network and facilitate collaboration within the local and regional entrepreneurial and SME community. Through coworking spaces, start-up pods, and a dedicated workshop area, this zone will also provide a space for cross-pollination between like-minded SMEs, presenting a unique opportunity to gain knowledge, share expertise, and ideas, as well as a place to forge strong partnerships.

Finally, SEF 2024 is the ideal place to be inspired and see entrepreneurship in action. The Souq Zone is designed as an engaging market space to relax, try incredible food and refreshments, connect with other festival attendees, and show support for start-ups by shopping at their pop-up outlets featuring the latest in fashion, beauty, cosmetics, FB, and more.

Organised by Sheraa, SEF 2024 is set to captivate audiences at the Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP). Under the theme of “Our Shared Canvas,” this celebration of entrepreneurship promises an immersive experience and becomes a hub of ideas and opportunities.

Registration for SEF 2024 is now open at Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival 2024 (sharjahef.com).

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Sharjah Ladies Run’s 9th Edition Promises an Out-of-World Experience

The Run will offer a 5KM race aims to provide female runners and fitness enthusiasts with a competitive run and to encourage Emirati young girls and ladies to participate, the club has allocated prizes for Emirati participants…reports Asian Lite News

Sharjah Ladies Club is thrilled to announce the 9th Edition of the Sharjah Ladies Run, under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, wife of the Ruler of Sharjah, Chairperson of Sharjah Ladies Club. It is set to take place on January 20th from 6pm to 10pm at Shaghrafa Ladies Park. This year’s theme promises an out of world experience, with a new title “Run into the Galaxy”, which reflects the spirit of excitement, and takes contestants to new dimensions that combines fitness and fun.

The Run will offer a 5KM race aims to provide female runners and fitness enthusiasts with a competitive run and to encourage Emirati young girls and ladies to participate, the club has allocated prizes for Emirati participants. The first three winners from each category will receive valuable cash prizes of up to AED 20,000 and incredible gifts presented by the event’s sponsors. To promote widespread participation, the club has introduced a fun category to encourage ladies and girls to enjoy the running experience.

Excitement awaits with a variety of activities and entertainment, including a Zumba class provided by Fitness 180 center instructors, fitness challenges and warm-up exercises. In addition to healthy snacks and drinks will be available, along with exclusive offers and activities provided by the club’s facilities ensuring a memorable experience for all.

The registration is opened to participants aged 12+ years through the SLC mobile application. Tips and motivational advice on exercise and nutrition will be available on SLC social media channels.

Established as a beacon of women empowerment in Sharjah, Sharjah Ladies Club stands as a distinct destination that supports the multifaceted lives of women. With a wide array of services spanning fitness, beauty treatments, hospitality, and leisure activities, the Club ensures a holistic experience. Dedicated to providing women with a serene, luxurious, and private environment, Sharjah Ladies Club continues to align with the vision of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, wife of the Ruler of Sharjah, Chairperson of Sharjah Ladies Club, to establish an iconic ladies- and children-only destination, championing the empowerment, growth, and well-being of women in the region.

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Sharjah’s Entrepreneurship Festival Returns

Organisers said with the theme ‘Our Shared Canvas’, SEF 2024 is an ode to the incredible shared impact entrepreneurs leave on communities worldwide….reports Asian Lite News

Sharjah Entrepreneurship Centre (Sheraa) has announced that its Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival (SEF) will be back for its 7th annual edition on February 3-4 next year at the Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP).

Organisers said with the theme ‘Our Shared Canvas’, SEF 2024 is an ode to the incredible shared impact entrepreneurs leave on communities worldwide. As we witness tumultuous times, the festival’s slogan is a reminder that it is through collaboration and a strong sense of community that we shape a bright, sustainable and community-driven future for all.

Commenting on the upcoming edition of the festival, Najla Al Midfa, CEO at Sheraa, stated, “For six years, SEF has had a central place in Sheraa’s efforts to boost Sharjah’s contributions to the global entrepreneurship movement.”

The festival has become a mainstay for local and regional entrepreneurial communities, and thousands look forward to coming together on our platform to meet, reconnect and forge new friendships, as they partake in critical discussions on how they can fuel their entrepreneurial success and maximise their impact in the world.

“After hosting our biggest and most successful edition last year, we are gearing up to give our audiences an even bigger celebration of fresh ideas, ingenuity and innovation with the 7th annual edition.”

Sheraa has also revealed that the festival’s programme will be led by over 100 distinguished speakers from 15 countries. Industry luminaries who have given us unicorns and pioneering solutions in a diversity of sectors will be delving deep into their own journeys of successes and failures, offering festival attendees diverse, inspirational and practical insights into what it really means to be an entrepreneur.

SEF 2024 is gearing up to deliver an unprecedented content programme, that has been designed around key streams of ‘impact’, ‘founders’, ‘community’ and ‘creativity’. Each stream boasts a detailed agenda of a wide range of deep dives, hands-on workshops, masterclasses and more, to offer founders, VCs, tech leaders and ecosystem enablers a vibrant platform to connect, learn, ideate and scout the next big opportunity. (ANI/WAM)

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Sharjah Gears Up for Union Day

Numerous government entities will actively participate, making it a comprehensive and engaging activations for residents and visitors alike…reports Asian Lite News

In preparation for the 52nd UAE Union Day, a comprehensive program list has been unveiled by the Sharjah National Day Celebrations Committee. The national occasion is set to commemorate a diverse array of events taking place from November 22nd – December 3rd across the emirate’s most prominent tourism and cultural spots.
Also called the Union Day, this national event will cater to a diverse age group, bringing together citizens and residents to participate in the festivities that mark the nation’s remarkable journey and its significant accomplishments.

Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of the Sharjah National Day Celebrations Committee, expressed gratitude to Sharjah’s Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler, Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, for his patronage and support in preparing for the celebrations. He emphasized the Committee’s goal to reflect the nation’s achievements through these celebrations, drawing lessons from previous celebrations.
“As we celebrate Union Day, we reflect on the UAE’s essence, embodying global outlook while embracing our culture and traditions” said Al Midfa. “This unifying occasion symbolizes shared aspirations for a brighter future, and we invite everyone to join us and attend the events around The Emirate of Sharjah.”

The events will be hosted across various regions, including Sharjah National Park, Maliha Public Park, Al Hosn Island, Dibba Al Hisn, Khorfakkan Amphitheater, Souq Sharq, Wadi Al Helo, Kalba, Al Bataeh, Al Mudam, Al Dhaid Fort, and the Heritage Village in Al Hamriyah.

The events in Sharjah is set to run from November 22 to December 3, as they will feature a range of activities including national art exhibitions, traditional and cultural shows, recreational and educational workshops, and competitions. Numerous government entities will actively participate, making it a comprehensive and engaging activations for residents and visitors alike.

Main Event at Sharjah National Park

The main event and opening is set to be in Sharjah National Park on the 28th of November and will be running until the 3rd of December. The opening event will include multiple theatrical shows, educational shows and workshop, children interactive competitions and shows, while having other corners and participations by various government entities.
Among the events planned in Al Dhaid, a national march will comence from the Grand Mosque to Al Dhaid Fort. Other events will include folk dances, night markets, traditional food, and a military band performance. In line with the Year of Sustainability initiatives, an activity in Al Dhaid will involve planting seedlings in various areas under the title “A Green Land.”

Meanwhile the Al Bataeh region have planned various shows including traditional folk dances, horse shows and a classic car show on November 29, with aim to showcase the heritage of the city. Visitors can enjoy bus tours around the village areas of the region to distribute flags and Union Day gifts.

From the 29th of November to 1st of December, the Heritage Village will host a series of events including a national march, military band performances, poetry recitals, a national play, Yula performances and various competitions with prizes. The events will conclude with dinner and horse and camel shows. Kalba will witness day-long events on November 25, including a march, an operetta a classic car parade, a sports competition, and equestrian shows.

The Khorfakkan celebrations will be held on 24 – 25 November at the Khor Fakkan Amphitheater, witness the participation of folklore bands, food trucks, and national art workshops. Additionally, the program will include a documentary screening, a national operetta, magic shows and more.

Al Mudam region will feature morning segments with a military band, followed by the recognition of services to community institutions, orphanages, and humanitarian service entitles. Meanwhile, the evening segments start including poetry, children’s activities, workshops, competitions, and fireworks.

Visitors and residents participated in activities held at the Heritage Village on November 22. The festivities that included poetry recitals, traditional folk songs, a screening of cultural videos commemorating the 52nd National Day, followed by interactive workshops, and a sports competition.

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SILC Celebrates 10 Years of Knowledge Exchange

The closing day of the conference was marked by a series of eight engaging discussions led by global experts in the library industry…reports Asian Lite News

The 10th annual Sharjah International Library Conference (SILC), organised by the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), in collaboration with the American Libraries Association (ALA), has offered key learning and networking opportunities to 250 participating librarians, academics, thought leaders, and other industry professionals from 14 countries who partook in the milestone decennial edition of the event.

From learning about current trends and beneficial emerging technologies to advance the library sector, to creating innovative spaces and services to engage readers more meaningfully, and exploring the positive impact of libraries in reversing climate change, the two-day conference took place at the 42nd Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF).

Mansour Al Hassani, Director of Publisher Services at SBA, reflecting on the well attended 2-day conference said, “Throughout the ten years of this gathering of library professionals, the Sharjah International Libraries Conference has enriched the global discourse on libraries while serving as a catalyst for innovation, collaboration, and the continuous evolution of the library industry. The exchange of insights, the exploration of cutting-edge technologies, and the recognition of excellence within the field reaffirm our commitment to shaping a future where libraries are dynamic hubs of knowledge and inspiration. The success of this conference, and our valued partnership with the American Library Association, proves that great things can be achieved when we come together through a united vision to encourage passion for the realm of libraries and the written word.”

Commenting on the success of the conference and their connection with Sharjah, Michael Dowling, Director of Chapter and International Relations for ALA said, “Celebrating our 10th year here in Sharjah has been an important milestone and has proven the sustainability of the yearly gathering. Thanks to our partnership with SIBF, we’ve not only successfully established the conference, but also made it possible for librarians worldwide to actively participate in the Book Fair, expand their catalogues, and network with the wider publishing community, especially those within the region. As Sharjah is considered a cultural centre of the region, it has been an absolute pleasure to have been welcomed and supported by the emirate over these ten years. This year we had two major focuses, the emerging influence and utility of Artificial Intelligence within the library industry; and the growing concerns around climate change and sustainability, and how libraries can help to provide knowledge, create awareness and do their part to contribute towards the global cause. Other important topics were around professional development within our industry, reading in the school environment and improving global educational standards.”    

Equipping libraries with the tools to nurture young minds

The closing day of the conference was marked by a series of eight engaging discussions led by global experts in the library industry. The conference also shed light on the importance of school librarians in nurturing young minds, helping students cope with life’s challenges, and creating businesses, careers, and research centres within libraries.

One particularly illuminating session titled “Libraries Empowering Climate Action: Policy, advocacy, and practice,” explored how libraries, with the support of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA), have been actively engaged in climate empowerment. Claire McGuire, a Policy Officer at IFLA, highlighted the organisation’s work in climate action, emphasising the importance of libraries, librarians, and library associations in advocating for climate solutions at various levels while implementing practical initiatives to address global problems.

Virtual reality (VR) technologies were also on the agenda, with unique perspectives shared on the implementation of VR in library settings. Additionally, the conference provided an excellent platform to discuss project-based learning, which aims to transform teaching and learning, foster critical thinking, and build resiliency.

The conference closed with a session dedicated to Library Associations, offering valuable information on the resources and opportunities available to those involved in the library field. Participants had the privilege of hearing from representatives of esteemed library associations, including the Arab Federation for Libraries and Information, the American Library Association, and the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions.

To mark the conclusion of the event, a distribution of certificates recognised the contributions and achievements of the conference attendees, ensuring that the knowledge and experiences gained during the two-day event will continue to shape the future of libraries in the United Arab Emirates and around the world.

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