Chetan Bhagat: Overnight success is nothing but 20 years of hard work
Bestselling novelist leads the global launch of his latest work, 400 Days, at 40th Sharjah International Book Fair …reports Asian Lite News
Overnight success is nothing but 20 years of hard work, underlined Chetan Bhagat, bestselling author the of2 States and Five Point Someone in a freewheeling conversation with journalist, Nasreen Abdulla, at the 40th Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF 2021), which runs its course at Expo Centre Sharjah until November 13.
Chetan Bhagat: Overnight success is nothing but 20 years of hard work
The Indian author, who was at SIBF 2021 for the global launch of his new book, 400 Days, was all praise for the fair, calling it “a five-star event which is free and open to all.” Holding a fully physical event of this stature as the world emerges out of the shadow of the coronavirus pandemic, showed that “the human spirit will evolve. That is what books and writers are about,” said Bhagat, a columnist, screenplay writer, motivational speaker and of late, a stand-up comedian, who has been seen on the SIBF platform frequently over the past few years.
Penned during the lockdown in India, 400 Days is inspired by the real-life story of a mother’s search for her missing 12-year-old daughter, and how, with the help of a young neighbour, she continues her search long after the police have given up.
Discussing the book, the author warned parents about the danger of letting children talk to strangers on social media, advising them to remain emotionally connected with their children. “If a child is talking to a stranger more than you, that’s a sign that trouble is brewing,” said the prolific writer who admitted that 400 Days was his most challenging work as he had to strike a balance between humour and emotions and immerse himself into the mental state of the mother of a missing child.
CHETAN BHAGAT, INDIAN AUTHOR: “Being at the right place at the right time” and releasing his first novel before the age of smartphones are what helped his books become bestsellers, said Bhagat. He added: “Reading a book changes your personality; it builds your imagination, and the content stays in your memory. Memes and social media posts rarely touch you the way a book can.”
“It is not that simple to be simple,” quipped the writer who is often criticised for his use of easy-to-read vocabulary. “Like the crazy number of spices that go into Indian cooking, my books have a mix of everything from mystery to romance. I make the Indian buffet.”
Bhagat, whose four novels have been adapted for the screen, said: “Writing a book is like preparing a six-course meal while writing a screenplay is more like preparing chaat (an easy to prepare Indian fast food that blends numerous spices). Writing a book is also quite a lonely experience.”
Members of the World Book Capital Cities Network convene at the House of Wisdom to discuss strategies to build on their legacy and inspire others…reports Asian Lite News
Sharjah, the 2019 UNESCO World Book Capital, has hosted representatives from most of the UNESCO-designated World Book Capital cities to reflect on their individual stories and discuss strategies to strengthen their legacy while sharing their experiences with future holders of the status.
Sharjah hosts 16 UNESCO World Book Capitals
At the preliminary meeting of the Expert Group of the World Book Capital Cities Network, the emirate hosted 16 World Book Capital cities including Guadalajara, the 2022 World Book Capital, at the House of Wisdom – a futurist cultural hub built to commemorate the UNESCO honour to Sharjah.
Discussions centered on the network’s mission and strategic objectives, that is, to strengthen cooperation and develop knowledge sharing and good practices among members of the network, as well as strengthen the cities’ commitment to promoting books and reading particularly in the wake of the global pandemic, which hit the book sector severely. This network, alongside the Cities for Literature (part of the Creative Cities Network) highlights UNESCO’s commitment to authors’ creativity, books and reading.
Sharjah hosts 16 UNESCO World Book Capitals
Welcoming the guests, IPA President Bodour Al Qasimi, stated that the 2019 title had not only reinforced the emirate’s status as a regional cultural hub, but positively impacted the development of its book industry and reading culture.
She added that the power and beauty of being a WBC city is that such positive benefits last for years to come and offer a chance to reinforce social cohesion through books, and promote cultural dialogue.
Expressing her pleasure in hosting the first meeting of the World Book Capital Network, Al Qasimi called on all previous WBC cities to collaborate and stay connected to improve the impact of the prestigious title and enhance the positive benefits it brings to the industry.
Sharjah hosts 16 UNESCO World Book Capitals
“A strong network that builds on the momentum of the WBC honor will benefit cities and future generations through the exchange of ideas on the legacy of the title,” Al Qasimi added.
IAN DENISON, WBC PROGRAMME COORDINATOR: “Strong motivation exists amongst the World Book Capital cities to show solidarity with other cities wishing to rise to the challenge of becoming a UNESCO-designated city. Cooperation within the new network will help provide other cities with access to sources of knowledge and best practices.”
Alongside the networking event, an open design exhibition organised at the House of Wisdom drew further attention to the unique footprints and literary legacies of the 22 WBC cities. An installation featuring a cloud of pages cascading down in different languages was a main highlight, along with large panels depicting the achievements of the former WBC cities, including Sharjah. The installation stood as a strong symbol of knowledge and ideas and the impact of the written word in forging cultural connections.
IPA hosted its 125th anniversary celebrations on the sidelines of the networking event.
Earlier in September, the Director-General of UNESCO, Audrey Azoulay, named Accra (Ghana) as UNESCO World Book Capital for 2023, for its strong focus on young people and their potential to contribute to the culture and wealth of Ghana.
Since 2001, the UNESCO World Book Capital’s Advisory Panel, which comprises representatives from the International Authors Forum, the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions, the International Publishers Association and UNESCO, has been selecting a World Book Capital every year, where the title is awarded to the city, which shows continued excellence in charting a cultural programme of activities throughout the year to promote reading and books focusing on grassroot community involvement.
SIBF concludes on debates about digital age of educational publishing
The discussions were attended by Bodour Al Qasimi, President, International Publishers Association (IPA); and publishing professionals representing the global industry…reports Asian Lite News
The 11th Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) Publishers Conference concluded today (Tuesday) with exciting debates and discussions on a new era of educational publishing being steered by the digital age, and the resulting opportunities and challenges emerging for industry stakeholders.
SIBF concludes on debates about digital age of educational publishing
The discussions were attended by Bodour Al Qasimi, President, International Publishers Association (IPA); and publishing professionals representing the global industry.
Representatives of the five projects that were selected for the 2021cycle of the Africa Publishing Innovation Fund (APIF) – a joint $800,000 four-year grant programme funded by UAE-based Dubai Cares and administered by the International Publishers Association (IPA) – discussed how the funding is transforming lives of children and local communities and addressing key challenges in the African publishing ecosystem.
APIF: Supporting literacy, book access, and library restoration in Africa
Moderated by Wanjiru Koinange, author and Co-Founder of Book Bunk in Kenya, the session titled ‘Surfacing African Publishing Innovations: The African Publishing Innovation Fund’, explored how the fund is helping provide critical literacy, livelihood, and life skills to poor and rural communities across the continent.
Alison Tweed, Chief Executive, Book Aid International, UK, described how APIF helped transform three shipping containers into fully equipped libraries in Dunga, a rural community of 76,000 in the Zanzibar region of Tanzania. “It has been extraordinary to see the changes it is bringing to children and families, many of whom are experiencing a library for the first time. With different players contributing to different aspects of the project, it is having a broader impact in library development.”
By providing funding for 8 community libraries in Rwanda, APIF has boosted access to digital learning solutions and strengthened critical literacy skills in children unable to attend schools, said Catherine Uwimana, Book Development Expert, Save the Children International. “Our libraries have become safe spaces for learning, and the fund has supported the training of librarians who encourage both girls and boys to use technology to strengthen the culture of reading. More than a million children also receive educational content via the radio.”
Zimbabwean poet Chirikure Chirikure, who is building a modern community library in Nemashakwe, said: “Apart from providing 800 young learners access to books, computers and life skills programmes, the APIF grant has also enabled us to set up water supply systems and install a solar energy system which has generated greater interest in the centre in this remote community with very limited resources.”
Describing the significant urban-rural digital divide across Ghana, Kumuriwor Alira Bushiratu, a young student and co-founder of Learners Girls Foundation, said: “APIF gave wings for our startup non-profit to grow and make a powerful impact in the lives of at-risk young girls whose conditions have been exacerbated by the pandemic. By bringing stakeholders together to support education and provide reading material through libraries, access to digital learning and mentorship programmes, young girls are being empowering to grow and give back to society.”
WILL CLURMAN, CEO, KENYA, EKITABU: “By digitising and adapting local educational materials to international standards, we are improving digital learning accessibility for all learners. In the process, the digital journey of publishers across Kenya is being scaled up. The beauty of publishing is the commitment to knowledge and engagement, and this is improving learning outcomes for children across Kenya.”
Pushing the boundaries of digital learning
Moderated by Jose Borghino, Secretary General, IPA, the session, ‘Evolving Education Content: The Role of Publishers in the Age of Digital Learning’, highlighted the pivot to digital learning and lessons learnt during the pandemic, and discussed the way forward for different members of the educational value chain.
Nitasha Devasar, Managing Director of Taylor and Francis, and President of the Association of Publishers of India, said that the shift to digital represents “a shift from product perception to service perception.”
She explained: “The focus is now on the value that learning tools provide users. Placing customers at the forefront calls for increased investment in resources to curate a better experience for consumers.”
Dr. Neelam Parmar, Director of Digital Learning and Education at Harrow International Schools, UK, stated that the overwhelming choices in online resources has changed the landscape of learning. She said: “Taking the vast digital resources and integrating it within the curriculum in a blended approach has become the norm moving forward. However, younger children are still encouraged to hold, touch and feel a book.”
Bill Kennedy, Founder of UK-based Avicenna Partnership Ltd, said that the pandemic led to a “discernible migration from academic textbooks in print to e-versions of those books, and an increase in the use and quality of research content in open access journals, which are here to stay and grow.”
Julie Attrill, Manager of International Rights at Wiley, UK, revealed a much stronger uptake in digitalised learning both in universities and the corporate sector during the pandemic. She said: “People are now looking for hybrid models that also incorporate audio and podcasts, while corporate learning has seen a huge growth as more businesses are looking to upskill their staff.”
SIBF concludes on debates about digital age of educational publishing
SIBF concludes on debates about digital age of educational publishing
DFDC unveils details of 17th edition of Family Forum
The forum will be featuring seminars and dialogue sessions that will be moderated by an elite group of social specialists…reports Asian Lite News
The Department of Family Development Centres (DFDC) of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs in Sharjah (SCFA) in Sharjah, revealed the details of the 17th Family Forum, which is held under the theme “Digitization a way of life”, at City Center Al Zahia – Studio Art, from 27 to 31 October.
DFDC unveils details of 17th edition of Family Forum
The event is held under the esteemed patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, and wife of His Highness, Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Muhammad Al Qasimi, President of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs in Sharjah.
This came during a press conference held on Tuesday, in the presence of the DFDC staff and a host of media personnel.
The Family Forum sheds light on the challenges and repercussions of digital life on the community and the role of the family in dealing with its children amid these challenges.
The forum will be featuring seminars and dialogue sessions that will be moderated by an elite group of social specialists.
The discussions will focus on how the family can support and protect its children from risks that they may be experiencing upon using social media platforms, in order to preserve the moral and national values of the Emirati family.
In addition, the sessions will address ways of protecting children from the hazards of electronic fraud or electronic bullying and other risks of digital life.
HE Moudhi Al Shamsi, Head of Department of Family Development Centres, expressed her utmost thanks and appreciation to His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and His Highness’s wife, Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, President of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs in Sharjah, for their generous sponsorship of this event.
“Organizing this forum comes as part of the DFDC’s keenness to enhance the pioneering efforts made by the Emirate of Sharjah in terms of supporting the family and maintaining its cohesion,” noted Al Shamsi.
For her part, Laila Al Balushi said this year’s forum will cover the multiple and different dimensions of the forum’s title “Digitization a way of life”, through several sessions that will be moderated by an elite group of experts and specialists in the social fields.
Al Balushi added that the forum will also see the launch of an exhibition that includes a number of visual materials and posters that highlight the achievements of the DFDC.
In addition, a special area will be dedicated to direct family counseling for the public and other events that will be organized over four days, all of which aim to raise awareness of the family culture and serve all its members.
DFDC unveils details of 17th edition of Family Forum
Omaima Al-Ani highlighted the importance of the forum in revealing the negative impacts of digital life and enhancing community awareness of confronting them.
She mentioned that the debates will shed light on the impact of the digital era on the cultural identity of the Arab family, while trying to suggest a new vision for the family that aligns with the changes of digital life.
Family Guidance Department is very keen to achieve effective participation in the Family Forum, said Moza Al-Shehhi, explaining that the Department will provide counseling and guidance services within the activities of the family counseling corner and will organize educational activities within the children’s drawing analysis corner accompanying the exhibition.
Sheikh Salem Al Qasmi inaugurated 23rd National Career Exhibition and 17th IES
Sheikh Salem Al Qasimi inaugurates 17th International Education Show, 23rd National Career Exhibition…reports Asian Lite News
Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohamed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, Sheikh Salem bin Abdulrahman Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Ruler’s Office inaugurated Tuesday the 23rd National Career Exhibition and the 17th International Education Show 2021 (IES).
The two events are being organized by the Expo Centre Sharjah with the support of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), from 19 to 21 October.
Sheikh Salem Al Qasmi inaugurated 23rd National Career Exhibition and 17th IES
After the inauguration, Sheikh Salem Al Qasimi toured the exhibition which brings over 75 local and international educational and academic institutions, and numerous government and private agencies and agencies together under one roof.
He was accompanied by HE Abdullah bin Sultan Al Owais, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Chairman of the Expo Center Sharjah, HE Sheikh Majid bin Faisal Al Qasimi, First Vice-President, SCCI, HE Waleed Abdul Rahman Bukhatir, Second Vice-President, SCCI, Mohammed Ahmed Amin Al Awadi, Director-General, SCCI, HE Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, CEO, Expo Centre Sharjah, and a number of SCCI board members.
During his tour, Sheikh Salem Al Qasimi met with representatives of the participating bodies, who briefed him on the latest career opportunities and training courses they provide to enhance the job skills of Emirati graduates.
He was also briefed on the latest services and programs provided by the universities, institutes, and colleges to the students in various disciplines and educational levels.
SHEIKH SALEM AL QASMI, RULER OF SHARJAH, SUPREME COUNCIL MEMBER: “The National Career Exhibition and the IES are a true translation to the forward-looking vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohamed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah in terms of preparing a highly educated generation capable of assuming responsibility and managing work in different sectors,” said Salem Al Qasimi. He added that the two events are considered among the most important national initiatives that seek to achieve the objectives of the UAE Centennial 2071, by harnessing youth energies and the best education outputs to prepare responsible generations that enjoy the highest academic and professional levels.”
Abdullah bin Sultan Al Owais stressed the importance of the two events in strengthening Sharjah’s status as a perfect environment for the academic and research community and the investment in knowledge economy based on productivity, innovation, and sustainability.
Al Owais remarked that the two events provide a golden opportunity for students to get acquainted with the higher education programs offered by the most prominent local and foreign universities.
He added: “They are also considered an important platform that brings together public and private institutions and those seeking job opportunities, which enhances the opportunities to recruit our national cadres.
Sheikh Salem Al Qasmi inaugurated 23rd National Career Exhibition and 17th IES
“National Career Exhibition and IES 2021 play an essential role in linking the labor market with our national human cadres, as well as enhancing the outputs of the educational process to fulfill the requirements of public and private sectors in recruiting high-caliber individuals,” said Saif Mohammed Al Midfa.
He underlined that the broad participation of local and international academic institutions, public and private institutions in the two events clearly reflects their outstanding reputation in providing students with wonderful opportunities to spot the appropriate higher education programs and secure the requirements of government bodies and economic establishments from the ambitious national cadres.
The IES, which is held in cooperation with the Ministry of Education and Sharjah Private Education Authority, offers hundreds of the latest education programs and a wide range of learning options from universities, colleges, and institutes of higher education from different countries of the world.
The National Career Exhibition, which is held in cooperation with Emirates Institute for Banking and Financial Studies (EIBFS), provides valuable job opportunities offered by numerous entities, in addition to workshops and training courses aimed at helping Emirati graduates secure appropriate career opportunities.
More than 15mn book to be showcase at SIBF 40th edition
SIBF 2021 will bring together 85 writers, artists, creatives from 22 countries, and present 970 events, including cultural sessions, shows, performances, seminars and workshops…reports Asian Lite News
The Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) is gearing up to showcase a staggering 15 million books from 1,576 publishing houses in its upcoming 40th edition.
More than 15mn book to be showcase at SIBF 40th edition
Among these books coming to the much-awaited global event, which will be held under the theme ‘There’s always a right book’ from November 3 – 13 at Expo Centre Sharjah, will be 1.3 million unique titles from around the world, including 110,000 which will be making their SIBF debut.
Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, SIBF 2021 will bring together 85 writers, artists, creatives from 22 countries, and present 970 events, including cultural sessions, shows, performances, seminars and workshops.
This year, the book signing corner will feature local and foreign authors who will be signing their books for fans covering a variety of genres including poetry, fiction, history, literary criticism, translations, cookbooks, children’s literature, arts, legal research, archaeology among others.
HE AHMED BIN RAKKAD AL AMERI, CHAIRMAN OF SBA: “the continuing success of SIBF was not only a reaffirmation of its core belief that books are the foundation for knowledge, but also serves to advance the publishing sector regionally and internationally. The event is at the core of a vibrant global cultural movement as it hosts diverse activities that bring together distinguished intellectuals and authors from around the world. The international event provides a great impetus to the publishing sector and brings authors and publishing professionals closer to their readers. It also aligns with the vision of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, to build a bright present and promising future for individuals, especially young genetrations, by fostering knowledge through Sharjah’s comprehensive cultural project.”
Ahmed Al Ameri
He pointed out that the 40th edition will offer a publishers from over 38 countries a leading platform to showcase titles in various languages and genres. At the same time, owing to its status as one of the top three book fairs in the world, SIBF 2021 will also bring invaluable opportunities to emerging startups in the industry to showcase their works and network.
More than 15mn book to be showcase at SIBF 40th edition
Publishers in numbers
This year, Egypt tops the list of countries participating in SIBF with 295 publishers, followed by 250 from the UAE, 138 from the UK, 112 from Lebanon, 93 from Syria and 76 from Jordan.
India is participating with 87 publishers, followed by US with 48, 26 from Italy, 16 each from Canada and Brazil, 14 from Spain, and 12 each from Mexico and France. Nine countries will debut in SIBF, including Colombia, South Sudan, Cameroon, Kenya, Malawi, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda and Zimbabwe.
Tijarah 101 Center celebrates two-year anniversary
The Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry marks the 2nd anniversary of Tijarah 101 Center…reports Asian Lite News
The Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry celebrated the two-year anniversary of the Small & Medium Enterprises Center (Tijarah 101), one of the SCCI’s initiatives launched in 2019.
On this occasion, a panel discussion was held in the presence of HE Mohammed Ahmed Amin Al-Awadi, Director-General, SCCI, and members and affiliates of the Tijarah 101 Centre.
Tijarah 101 Center celebrates two-year anniversary
The session was also attended by Abdul Aziz Shattaf, Assistant Director-General of the Communication and Business Sector, Ibrahim Rashid Al Jarwan, Director of Economic Relations and Marketing Department, SCCI, Jamal Saeed Bouzanjal, Director of the Institutional Communication Department, and Mona Omran Ali, Director of Tijarah 101 Center.
The discussions focused on developing the services provided to members, developing more sectors that support the existing activities, and examining the participation of affiliates in local and international trade missions and exhibitions commensurate with the nature of the activities of the member companies of the center.
While congratulating the members and affiliates of the Center on their outstanding efforts and success in managing their own projects, Mohammed Ahmed Amin Al-Awadi pointed out that the SCCI will do its utmost in the coming years to forge strategic partnerships between the center and concerned institutions in various emirates, as that would have a positive impact on the development of the affiliates’ business.
The SCCI also seeks to make the center more dynamic and a meeting point for business owners, which would enhance the experience of its members, added Al Awadi.
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This comes as part of the SCCI’s keenness to support young citizens and motivate them to engage in the labor market, establish their own projects in various sectors, contribute to the economic movement witnessed by the UAE, and become essential players in the next fifty years so as to achieve the aspirations of the wise leadership.
Abdulaziz Shattaf highlighted the SCCI’s readiness to provide all facilities that would improve the working mechanism of the center and overcome the challenges impeding the progress of work of its members and affiliates.
He noted that the coming year will mark a fresh start towards success and leadership, in a way that enhances the growing confidence in the capabilities of national entrepreneurs and gives them and their projects an additional impetus.
Ibrahim Rashid Al-Jarwan urged the members of the center to continue the march of excellence and double their efforts to develop their businesses so that they remain a role model in creativity and innovation for Emirati youth.
He pointed to the importance of promoting the products of Tijarah 101 Center members’ projects through the Chamber’s activities, programs and initiatives, stressing that the SCCI harnesses its expertise and institutions to serve entrepreneurs in a manner that meets their aspirations and achieves their professional ambitions in accordance with the highest international practices.
Mona Omran Ali underscored that the center will spare no effort to be one of the best destinations for business owners to establish and develop their own businesses.
Tijarah 101 Center celebrates two-year anniversary
She noted that the center today includes 13 members, which is larger than the target number, thanks to its specialized training programs in various fields according to advanced standards for managing the operation of entrepreneurs’ businesses.
These programs include exhibitions management and organization, audit, tax collection, translation, e-commerce, hospitality, design, and graphic photography.
Omran added that Tijarah 101 provides its affiliates with many other advantages aimed at enhancing cooperation between small and medium enterprises and markets at the local and international levels. Members and affiliates of Tijarah 101 Center appreciated the SCCI’s role in providing support and a stimulating environment to establish their own projects, stressing that Tijarah 101 Center is a distinguished business incubator that provided them with support and advice to keep on track.
Shurooq announces the opening of Mysk Moon Retreat
‘Mysk Moon Retreat’ welcomes guests and unveils 4 new hospitality projects in Sharjah…reports Asian Lite News
The Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) announced that the Mysk Moon Retreat has begun welcoming guests and bookings to experience the emirate’s first-of-its-kind luxury glamping destination, and unveiled four new luxury hospitality projects in Sharjah’s Central and Eastern regions which are: Al Jabal Resort in the city of Khorfakkan, a luxurious hotel in the city of Kalba, a hotel in the city of Khorfakkan which will feature UAE’s first waterpark in the east coast; and Al Bridi Resort at the Sharjah Safari project in the city of Al Dhaid.
Shurooq announces the opening of Mysk Moon Retreat
Exciting range of desert adventures
The family-friendly Mysk Moon Retreat comprises 10 single-bed domes with private pools, 4 family tents with private pools, and 2 single-bed tents. Each unit is self-sufficient and fitted with all essential amenities that guests would require, including a private barbeque area, in addition to a lobby, and a common area.
The Mysk Moon Retreat is part of Shurooq’s Sharjah Collection brand, managed by Mysk by Shaza, which includes the Mysk Kingfisher Retreat in Kalba, Mysk Al Faya Retreat in Mleiha, and Mysk Al Badayer Retreat in the heart of the Al Badayer desert.
HE MARWAN BI JASSIM AL SARKAL, EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN OF SHUROOQ: “With Mysk Moon Retreat now welcoming guests and bookings, this marks an exciting expansion of Shurooq’s portfolio of boutique hospitality offerings in the central region of Sharjah. It is the latest destination in a series of projects developed here, namely, the Mysk Al Faya Retreat, Mleiha Archaeological and Eco-tourism, and the Mleiha Archaeological Centre.”
Al Sarkal pointed out that the eco-luxury retreat provides visitors with the opportunity to enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities like trekking, dune bashing, and nature-inspired experiences in the rugged Mleiha landscape. Guests at Mysk Moon Retreat will have access to a wide range of activities offered by Shurooq’s tourism destinations in Mleiha, in addition to enjoy the calm and tranquil environment of Mleiha through the retreat’s restaurant and a café, as the destination is situated away from all types of noise and light pollutions.
Al Jabal Resort – Memorable beach getaway in a stunning setting
Shurooq’s latest hospitality offering, Jabal Resort, overlooks the pristine waters of the Soueifa Beach, situated between Khorfakkan Beach and Luluya Beach, and comprises of 45 eco-friendly units with choices of 1, 2 and 3 bedrooms, and a private royal suite with swimming pool. In addition, the 187,000sqm project which is being developed on the slopes of the Al Soueifa mountain, will feature a restaurant, gym, kids play zone, reception, and lobby.
Various attractions around the project will be connected via walking routes and tracks with a completion date set for March 2022.
5-star luxury hotel and waterpark in Khorfakkan
The Executive Chairman of Shurooq also announced the development of a new 28,000 sqm hospitality project in Khorfakkan, opposite the Khorfakkan Port, to cater to the needs of families and adventurers seeking new hospitality experiences. He revealed that the project will feature 75 luxurious units, UAE’s first waterpark in the east coast, shopping complex, restaurant, gym, spa, marina, and residential units.
5-star Hotel in the City of Kalba
Announcing the new hospitality project in Kalba on Sharjah’s eastern coast, Al Sarkal stated that this region which lies on the southern coast of the UAE, next to the Kalba waterfront project, opposite to Kalba flag square
Shurooq’s new 12,500 sqm project here lies in the vicinity of the region’s renowned diving locations. It includes 80 units, two restaurants including a café in the lobby, a gym, spa, swimming pool and meeting halls.
Al Bridi Resort and Petting Zoo in Al Dhaid
Al Sarkal noted that “Al Bridi Resort” in Al Dhaid, Shurooq’s latest tourism attraction in Sharjah’s central region which is being developed in partnership with the Environment and Protected Areas Authority, as part of the “Sharjah Safari” project, the largest safari in the world outside Africa, is expected to start at the end of this year.
Al Sarkal also announced that Shurooq has started developing “Al Dhaid Farm”, the city’s first petting zoo experience, near The Flag Square in Al Dhaid, which set to feature a wide range of entertainment activities and experiences for families and children along with domestic farm animals.
Expansion of “Mysk Kingfisher Retreat” and “Mysk Al Badayer Retreat”
Shurooq also announced it has begun operations in expanding both Mysk Kingfisher Retreat in Kalba and Mysk Al Badayer Retreat in the natural dunes of Al Badayer, in response to the growing demand which both destinations experienced over the past years.
Mysk Kingfisher Retreat will be housing 20 new luxurious tents, varying between 4-bedroom and 2-bedroom units, and Mysk Al Badayer Retreat will house 15 new tents for an oasis, in addition to an outdoor swimming pool open to all guests at the retreat.
Shurooq has been leading the development of various world-class award-winning hospitality projects across the emirate of Sharjah, in line with its vision to diversify investment opportunities and strategic partnerships in the emirate’s growing eco-tourism, family tourism, cultural tourism and adventure tourism sectors, in addition to other sectors such as hospitality, retail, entertainment and more. Among its top and iconic hospitality destinations include The Chedi Al Bait Sharjah Hotel in the Heart of Sharjah, and four eco-retreats that fall under the “Sharjah Collection” brand developed by Shurooq and managed by “Mysk by Shaza” which are: “Mysk Kingfisher Retreat” in the city of Kalba, “Mysk Al Badayer Retreat” in Al Badayer desert, “Mysk Al Faya Retreat” in Mleiha, and “Mysk Moon Retreat” Set in the shadow of the Fossil Rock, amidst the sand dunes of Mleiha.
Sheikh Fahim and CM of Jersey discuss to enhance environment and heritage sites
Sharjah explores cooperation in preservation of heritage and environment sites with Government of Jersey…reports Asian Lite News
Sheikh Fahim Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Department of Government Relations (DGR) in Sharjah, held discussions with HE John Le Fondré, Chief Minister of Jersey, to enhance collaboration in several fields including the environment, and the protection of natural reserves and archaeological sites.
Sheikh Fahim and CM of Jersey discuss to enhance environment and heritage sites
The meeting, held at the Buhais Geology Park in the emirate, was attended by Sheikh Majid Al Qasimi, Director of DGR; HE Peter Jackson, Architect Advisor in His Highness the Ruler’s Office, Sharjah; HE Hana Saif Al Suwaidi, Chairperson of Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA) in Sharjah; and Rawda Al Katbi, from Buhais Geology Park.
Sheikh Fahim and CM of Jersey discuss to enhance environment and heritage sites
The two sides explored ways of extending scope of cooperation in the maintenance, protection and promotion of geological and archaeological sites and discussed how the Jersey government could benefit from Sharjah’s expertise in this field. The meeting also examined the development of a joint action plan for cooperation and expertise exchange between the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust in Jersey and Sharjah’s EPAA.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the Jersey delegation toured the Buhais Geology Park and was briefed on its exceptional geological and archaeological features that date to more than 125,000 years.
SHEIKH FAHIM AL QASIMI: “Sharjah has extensive experience in sustainably preserving its valuable environment and heritage resources. Furthermore, the emirate is known for its well-protected nature reserves and its leading status as a pioneer in eco-cultural tourism on a regional level. Our diverse experience and journey in this field have been recognised internationally, and we look forward to sharing our collective knowledge and best practices with the Jersey government.”
Sheikh Fahim emphasised Sharjah’s keenness on exchanging expertise with cities and countries of the world, including the Government of Jersey. He added: “Jersey is known for implementing progressive legislation that firmly addresses environmental challenges and had made advanced contributions to the conservation of wildlife and environment protection, and waste management and water pollution.”
Sheikh Fahim and CM of Jersey discuss to enhance environment and heritage sites
Expressing his gratitude for the warm welcome, John Le Fondré, stated that the strong and dynamic relationship between UAE and Jersey goes back many years, and have led to growth and partnership opportunities in many areas. “Today, we are here in Sharjah to expand on this relationship and move our collaboration away from commercial services into areas concerning the environment, culture and heritage.”
He said that the many outstanding heritage sites in his country could benefit from Sharjah’s experience in maintaining and preserving its cultural heritage. He added that the visit also seeks to build on the strong foundations of talks and discussions held previously by representatives of the two sides.
Sheikh Fahim and CM of Jersey discuss to enhance environment and heritage sites
Sheikh Fahim and CM of Jersey discuss to enhance environment and heritage sites
Sheikh Fahim and CM of Jersey discuss to enhance environment and heritage sites
Sheikh Fahim and CM of Jersey discuss to enhance environment and heritage sites
Expo Centre Sharjah springs a surprise with a 10-day mega Spring Sale…reports Asian Lite News
Signalling the arrival of the festive season, Expo Centre Sharjah is set to offer the biggest discounts in town on a range of brands starting Thursday (October 14).
The Spring Sale 2021 will be held at Expo Centre Sharjah until October 23, offering 10 days of shopping extravaganza for residents and visitors, offering jaw-dropping deals and the widest range in fashion, lifestyle, electronics, household products, ethnic wear and kids essentials.
H.E. SAIF MOHAMMED AL MIDFA
H.E. SAIF MOHAMMED AL MIDFA, CEO, EXPO CENTRE SHARJAH: “Summer is over and the spring season that signals the arrival of festive shopping and celebrations is here. We are launching a consumer fair — Spring Sale 2021 – to tap into the rise in demand for fashion and lifestyle products seen during this time. The Spring Sale 2021 will add to the long list of similar fairs that we organize throughout the year that have become quite popular in a short span of time and earned a place in our events calendar.”
Expo Centre Sharjah has partnered with Liz Exhibitions to launch the Spring Sale, and this follows their successful collaboration for successful events like Eid Al Adha Exhibition, Summer Sale and Big Shopper Sale among others.
“We have partnered with Expo Centre Sharjah to launch several consumer fairs that are eagerly awaited by residents now. We are happy to launch the Spring Sale 2021 targeting the upcoming festival season, which begins with the Indian festival of light, Diwali, when expatriates from the country splurge on fashion, traditional clothes, expensive gift items, electronics, jewellery and decors,” said Mr Jacob Varghese, Event Partner, Liz Exhibitions.
With the strong optimism seen in the economic indicators in the UAE since the six-month-long Expo 2020 got under way earlier this month, confidence among local businesses and consumers is high. The retail sector is eager to take advantage of this momentum and will be wooing shoppers with the best offers and discounts at Spring Sale 2021.
Expo centre Sharjah to offer big discounts
Visitors can expect huge discounts and deals on brands such as Amani, Al Mandoos, Aster Pharmacy, Homestyle, Splash, Kiabi, Clarks, Fila, Skechers, Wrangler, K-Swiss, Palladium, Umbro, Supra, VTech and Lotus, among others.
The Spring Sale 2021 will be open from 11 am to 11 pm on all days with an entry fee of Dhs 5 and free parking. Children below 12 enter for free.
