Tag: SHARJAH

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Sharjah Ruler Explores Wheat Farm Innovations in Mleiha

Dr. Sheikh Sultan observed the farming processes and the irrigation of wheat crops using state-of-the-art equipment designed for water conservation…reports Asian Lite News

H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, visited the wheat farm in the Mleiha region to inspect the agricultural activities.

Dr. Sheikh Sultan observed the farming processes and the irrigation of wheat crops using state-of-the-art equipment designed for water conservation. These advanced technologies not only assist in monitoring performance but also in managing soil and plant needs, ensuring a balance between them. Ground sensors and a weather station are utilised to measure moisture, contributing to the optimal yield of wheat crops.

During the visit, the Ruler of Sharjah was informed about the additional stages incorporated to complete all farm phases by integrating the second and third stages. This involved the addition of 25 lines, bringing the total agricultural lines on the farm to 37, covering an expansive area of 1,900 hectares.

Furthermore, Dr. Sheikh Sultan was briefed on the various wheat varieties, their growth stages and the outcomes of experiments and studies conducted to enhance agricultural practices and ensure the production of healthy, nutrition-rich crops.

As the wheat farm enters its second year, it signifies a new phase in the food security project directed by the Ruler of Sharjah, aiming to provide premium, organic and highest-protein wheat crops free from pesticides and harmful substances.

In the integration of the second and third stages, the farm utilises 300 tonnes of high-purity seeds sourced from diverse locations. Before planting, 24,000 tonnes of organic fertilisers are applied, and varied organic fertilisers are used post-planting, tailored to the growth stage of the wheat crop.

The farm features an irrigation pond with a capacity of 48,000 cubic metres, drawing and pumping water for irrigation through a pump room housing 9 pumps capable of pumping 430 cubic metres of water per hour.

During the visit, Dr. Sheikh Sultan was accompanied by Abdul Rahman bin Mohammad bin Nasser Al Owais, Minister of Health and Prevention, and a number of officials.

Mudina water tank

H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan also inspected the work progress in Mudina water tank’s strategic project in the central region of Mleiha.

Dr. Sheikh Sultan checked on the excavation work being done at the project site in Mleiha, which will have the capacity to hold 1.3 billion gallons of water to support the water and food security projects that the Ruler of Sharjah has established. The tank will be a part of the emirate’s network of lakes and tanks in several cities of Sharjah.

The Mudina water tank aims to ensure the availability of water and support development projects in the central region by providing water to wheat farms, a cow-breeding farm project, and sheep, goat and poultry breeding projects.

The tank project is a continuation of the system of development projects completed and being implemented in the field of water security, including Al Rafisa Dam Lake, Al Dhaid Lake, Al Hafiya Lake, and Wadi Al Ghazir Dam.

The first phase of the project is set to be delivered by the end of December 2024, while the second phase is to be completed by the end of June 2025.

During his visit, Dr. Sheikh Sultan was accompanied by Abdul Rahman bin Mohammad bin Nasser Al Owais, Minister of Health and Prevention.

ALSO READ: World Bank Predicts 3.8% Growth for UAE by 2025

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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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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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Events Lite Blogs UAE News

Role of AI in enhancing visitor experience & library services

SILC 2023 receives in-depth insights from global library experts on emerging technologies, sustainable knowledge models, climate action, and more…reports Asian Lite News

The 10th anniversary edition of the two-day Sharjah International Library Conference (SILC) is underway at the 42nd Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF). Librarians, academics, and other industry professionals from around the world are holding key discussions on this first-of-its-kind platform in the region, and have turned the spotlight on the themes of sustainability, collaboration and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) that are key to advancing this vital sector locally and globally.  

ALA President Emily Drabinski during the opening day of the conference

The fruit of a decade-long collaboration between the Sharjah International Book Fair and the American Library Association (ALA), SILC has crossed an important milestone this year in enabling the professional development of librarians and those in related fields, and facilitating ideas and expertise exchange. 

General photos during the opening of the Sharjah International Library Conference (SILC) at the 42nd Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF)

Welcoming attendees to the conference, HE Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of SBA, said: “We take pride in the fact that Sharjah is the only place hosting this conference outside the United States, in collaboration with the ALA. We also take pride in the fact that we will soon celebrate the centenary of the founding of Sharjah’s public libraries. We have achieved significant accomplishments in emphasising the role of the library in building communities, welcoming over 700,000 visitors between 2019 and 2023 to our public libraries in the emirate, offering over 6 million titles in 33 languages. We thank His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, who made books the cornerstone of human development.”

Dr. Al-Anoud Subahi, Assistant Professor and Supervisor of the IT Department at King AbdulAziz University in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia during the session titled ‘Artificial Intelligence and Multimedia facilities in school libraries: Possibilities for the Future’ during SILC 2023

Describing Sharjah’s hospitality as nothing short of extraordinary, ALA President Emily Drabinski, remarked: “This 10th edition of our conference is a momentous occasion, and provides us yet another opportunity to collectively explore, learn and strategise ways we can continue to make libraries worldwide even more wondrous. I wholeheartedly believe in the value of our work; in the power of collaboration, connection and cooperation. It is a privilege to be in a place that truly understands the transformative potential of libraries, its role in cultivating environments conducive to reading, and its nurturing endurance in service of communities. Through reading, people are able to expand their horizons beyond their immediate circumstances, envisioning diverse ways of being, knowing and exploring. If reading represents a practice of freedom, then libraries stand as bastions of that very freedom. They possess the ability to adapt and evolve, and through this conference we hope to make that evolution optimal.”

SILC 2023 receives in-depth insights from global library experts on emerging technologies, sustainable knowledge models, climate action, and more.

Officially commencing, after a full day of pre-conference workshops, the library conference is featuring diverse discussions and debates on wide-ranging topics pertinent to shaping a robust future for libraries worldwide.

Amongst over a dozen discussions that featured on the first day of the conference, one titled ‘AI and Libraries: Impact, Challenges and Opportunities’ explored the impact, challenges, and opportunities presented by artificial intelligence in libraries. Dr. Al-Anoud Subahi, Assistant Professor and Supervisor of the IT Department at King AbdulAziz University in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, shed light on the history of AI, its potential influence and application within libraries, and how librarians are utilising AI to enhance various aspects of their work.

Eman Bushlaibi, director of SPL during the session at SILC 2023

Expanding on the subject, Dr. Subahi said, “One practical use case of AI is locating a certain book within the library or even recommending a book for a certain subject matter or genre. The power of AI can also provide a personal experience for visitors using data about the books they have read in the past, curating a reading list for them to read in the future. AI can also help greatly when it comes to cataloguing and library databases, streamlining the process and making the library experience even better for both visitors and library professionals. A more controversial use of AI is the process of writing books, as with any new technology, it’s important to find a balance and not rely on technology completely. AI can be used to help the writing process such as ‘Task Oriented Authoring Tools,’ but it will not replace the human element, just as a calculator did not replace the mathematician.”

Technologies such as AI and robotics are also turning a new page within library spaces, and this was demonstrated during a session titled ‘Artificial Intelligence and Multimedia facilities in school libraries: Possibilities for the Future’ where Raghunathan. M.O, Senior Librarian at GEMS Modern Academy in Dubai showcased an exciting robot assistant that can be deployed in libraries. This AI powered assistant can provide a plethora of information including the location of certain books, recommendations for the visitor, as well as summaries and more detailed information about a title. This opens a new world for libraries and can provide a personalised service for every visitor.

Additional coverage of subjects such as enhancing the digital reading experience for the latest generation, “Gen Alpha,” and shedding light on how libraries can adapt to their unique needs, the conference also addressed the transformation of school libraries into vibrant learning resource centres, recognising the exemplary efforts made by the UAE Ministry of Education to make this a reality. Holding this important conference at the SIBF 2023 venue has also provided librarians and other industry professionals an opportunity to visit exhibits by participants from 109 nations worldwide, meet with authors and publishers to gain a wealth of insights and first-hand knowledge about the latest developments in their sectors, their challenges and opportunities.

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Sharjah Named Guest of Honour at Thessaloniki Book Fair

The emirate will take center stage as the Guest of Honour during the upcoming edition of the fair, scheduled from May 16th to May 19th, 2024….reports Asian Lite News

Sharjah, a beacon of global cultural significance, is poised to showcase the rich culture and heritage of the UAE and the Arab world at the prestigious Thessaloniki International Book Fair in Greece.

The emirate will take center stage as the Guest of Honour during the upcoming edition of the fair, scheduled from May 16th to May 19th, 2024.

This momentous announcement was made during the ongoing Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF 2023). The Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) and the Hellenic Foundation for Culture formalized the announcement through a signing ceremony, led by Nikos Koukis, President of the Hellenic Foundation for Culture, and Khoula Al Mujaini, Director of Events and Marketing, SBA.

The event witnessed the presence of key figures, including Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of SBA, and members of the Greek delegation attending the book fair.

HE Ahmed Al Ameri, CEO of SBA, expressed his gratitude for this esteemed title, stating, “Sharjah’s participation in the Thessaloniki International Book Fair represents a fresh opportunity for Emirati and Arab culture to engage in profound dialogue with Europe. This recognition stands as a testament to the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah.”

Al Ameri highlighted the enduring connections between Sharjah’s cultural institutions and their Greek counterparts, emphasizing the power of books as a universal language. He further outlined Sharjah’s journey as the Capital of Arab and Islamic Cultures, World Book Capital, and host of the world’s largest book fair since 2020.

Nikos Koukis, President of the Hellenic Foundation for Culture, expressed deep honor and confidence in celebrating Sharjah as the Guest of Honour. He noted the two-year collaboration in the making and anticipated that this partnership would strengthen cultural bonds between Greece, Sharjah, the UAE, and the Arab world.

Khoulah Al Majini, Director of Events and Marketing at SBA, emphasized Sharjah’s commitment to providing a vivid portrayal of Emirati and Arab culture at international book fairs. She highlighted the intention to convey the deep-rooted historical relations between Arab and Greek cultures through various mediums such as literature, music, and folk heritage.

The Thessaloniki International Book Fair, initiated in 2004, has evolved into a prominent platform for global literature. Organized by the Hellenic Foundation for Culture in collaboration with Greek publishers and supported by various entities, the fair showcases literary works from Greece, the Balkans, Western Europe, the Southeastern Mediterranean, and around the world. This collaboration underscores Sharjah’s dedication to promoting cultural exchange and dialogue on the international stage.

ALSO READ: Sharjah’s Cultural and Tourism Events Shine at WTM London

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Sharjah’s Cultural and Tourism Events Shine at WTM London

The Centre is part of an official delegation to the World Travel Market that includes a number of government and private sector entities from Sharjah…reports Asian Lite News

Expo Centre Sharjah (ECS) is currently participating in the 43rd edition of the World Travel Market, which is being held in London from 6th-8th November. During the event, ECS aims to promote the economic, cultural, and tourism events it organises and hosts throughout the year.

The Centre is part of an official delegation to the World Travel Market that includes a number of government and private sector entities from Sharjah, organised in cooperation with the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority. The Emirate of Sharjah dispatched the delegation in the context of its efforts to review the current reality of tourism in Sharjah and the latest developments, actors, and projects in the field, while highlighting top Sharjah exhibitions.

Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, CEO of Expo Centre Sharjah, said, “Expo Centre Sharjah is pleased to participate in the World Travel Market in London in cooperation with the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority. This major exhibition provides us with an opportunity to showcase the diverse economic, cultural, and tourism events we organise and host throughout the year, further enhancing Sharjah’s position on the global tourism map. Our participation in this event is part of our ongoing efforts to advance our international partnerships and offer investment opportunities in Sharjah.”

Al Midfa noted that, while participating in the World Travel Market, the Centre’s delegation is holding meetings with several major global entities and institutions, to strengthen cooperation and build new partnerships by ensuring the ECS offers the latest developments, amenities, and services for organising exhibitions and conferences.

Besides Expo Centre Sharjah, 18 government and private sector entities are participating in this year’s Sharjah Pavilion at the World Travel Market, in cooperation with the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority.

The World Travel Market in London is a leading global event in the travel and tourism sector, allowing those interested in the tourism industry to learn about thousands of global destinations and brands. The event attracts top speakers, businessmen, and leaders from a diverse array of economic, tourism and cultural sectors.

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Neena Rocks Sharjah Book Fair

The two-time National Award-winning actor, filmmaker and producer fielded questions on the lack of a godfather in cinema, the casting couch phenomenon and her earlier life as a single unmarried mother…reports Asian Lite News

“I wouldn’t have written the book if I weren’t successful,” quipped veteran Indian actor Neena Gupta about her 2021 memoir Sach Kahun Toh: An Autobiography as she sent a houseful of fans into peals of laughter at the Sharjah International Book Fair happening at Expo Centre Sharjah.In a freewheeling conversation with journalist Manjusha Radhakrishnan, Neena Gupta regaled a rapt audience with a humorous,sardonic yet matter-of-fact take on her unconventional life and the Indian Hindi film industry.

Gupta, who was accompanied by her husband Vivek Mehra, refuted that it was a searing account of the ups and downs in her life “because it is dangerous to speak the truth”. “I haven’t revealed the most vulnerable part of my life though I have always been honest about the way I behave, dress, or eat. But because of my profession, the press made me look like someone else,” said the actor, who is best known for her 2018 movie Badhai Ho.

The two-time National Award-winning actor, filmmaker and producer fielded questions on the lack of a godfather in cinema, the casting couch phenomenon and her earlier life as a single unmarried mother. “Most of my life I worked for money because I had no money,” she opened up. National awards did not bring her many offers, and “if it weren’t for Badhai Ho, I would still be doing smaller roles”, she stated. Regarding her daughter Masaba, whose OTT release Masaba Masaba became a big hit, Gupta said she had dissuaded her from the field.

The actor said that she had chosen Covid to pen her witty and unapologetically funny memoir; the time was also right because some of her close kin had passed away and the revelations would no longer matter to them. She said she had “some good memories” about Masaba’s father cricketer Vivian Richards. Her advice to fans was to “move on in life whatever happens”.

Sach Kahun Toh (meaning To tell the Truth) chronicles Gupta’s extraordinary personal and professional journey – from her childhood days in Delhi, through her time at NSD, to moving to Bombay in the 1980s and dealing with the struggles to find work. It details the big milestones in her life, and a successful second innings in Bollywood. A candid, self-deprecating portrait of the person behind the persona, it talks about her life’s many choices, battling stereotypes, then and now.

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Global Publishing Industry Converges in Sharjah

Its unprecedented success in 2021 and 2022 has resulted in SIBF being recognized as the world’s largest publishing event for two consecutive years….reports Asian Lite News

Sharjah, a cultural hub in the United Arab Emirates, is gearing up to welcome professionals from the global publishing industry as they gather for the 13th annual Publishers Conference.

This event, set to begin on Sunday, October 29, is a prelude to the highly anticipated Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) and forms an integral part of SIBF’s professional program.

Delegates from 106 countries, including 12 debutant nations such as Benin, Ivory Coast, the Czech Republic, Mauritius, Paraguay, Burkina Faso, Zaire, Malawi, Republic of the Congo, Guinea, Zimbabwe, and Zambia, will descend on the Expo Centre Sharjah for a three-day congregation of literary minds.

The Publishers Conference, with a longstanding tradition of enhancing industry knowledge and promoting global interconnectedness, has played a significant role in shaping the world of publishing.

Its unprecedented success in 2021 and 2022 has resulted in SIBF being recognized as the world’s largest publishing event for two consecutive years.

The 13th annual Publishers Conference will see the participation of 42 speakers and experts who are influential figures in the publishing industry. Among them are Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA); Núria Cabutí Brull, CEO of Penguin Random House Grupo; Ian Chapman, Chief Executive and Publisher of Simon & Schuster UK and International; and Cheolho Yoon, Chairman of the Korean Publishers Association.

The first day of the conference will feature 31 panel discussions and sessions led by these experts, covering a wide array of topics. These discussions will delve into the evolving landscape of digital publishing, the promotion of literary diversity and inclusivity, strategies for building industry resilience, and the embracing of innovation.

Days 2 and 3 of the conference will be bustling with business networking and matchmaking sessions. Publishers will engage in negotiations over various critical topics, including buying and selling rights and translation agreements. These sessions offer a platform for forging new collaborations and business opportunities among industry professionals.

The conference will also be the stage for announcing the winners of the 2nd edition of the Sharjah Rights Connection Awards. This highly anticipated award received 58 entries, including submissions from 42 literary agents and 16 publishers representing 58 countries. These awards aim to honor and celebrate excellence in the domain of international publishing rights.

Additionally, the Accessible Books Consortium (ABC) will announce the winners of the 2nd edition of the ABC International Excellence Award for Accessible Publishing. This award recognizes and promotes accessible publishing practices, ensuring that literature is inclusive and accessible to all, including individuals with print disabilities.

After the conclusion of the three-day Publishers Conference, the 42nd annual Sharjah International Book Fair will open its doors to the world on November 1. This event promises a remarkable 12-day celebration of books, creativity, arts, and culture, all under the theme “We Speak Books.” With a rich lineup of authors, publishers, and literary enthusiasts from around the world, SIBF is poised to be a must-visit event for all those passionate about literature and culture.

In summary, the 13th annual Publishers Conference in Sharjah is set to unite global publishing professionals for three days of knowledge-sharing, networking, and recognition of excellence in the industry. With its diverse and comprehensive agenda, this event serves as a crucial precursor to the Sharjah International Book Fair, further cementing Sharjah’s status as a global hub for literature and culture.

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Sharjah Ruler attends International Forum of Arabic Teachers

The forum was launched under the slogan “Roots and Innovation”, in the academy’s headquarters in the university city…reports Asian Lite News

Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, attended on Saturday the launch of the Second International Forum of the Arabic Language Teachers, which is organised by the Sharjah Private Education Authority in cooperation with the Sharjah Education Academy.

The forum was launched under the slogan “Roots and Innovation”, in the academy’s headquarters in the university city.

Dr. Muhaddith Al Hashemi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Private Education Authority and President of the Sharjah Education Academy, addressed the meanings of the forum’s slogan for this year, noting that it reflects Sharjah’s interest in Arabic as a mother language.

The Chairperson of the Sharjah Private Education Authority affirmed that the forum brings together elite teachers to assist students in their educational journey, pointing out that educators agree that a competent teacher who is passionate about the Arabic language and is keen on it and makes it a language of life and innovation is one of the most important tools to ensure the improvement of student language proficiency.

Addressing the initiatives and special programmes to support teachers, she said, “There were many initiatives and programmes, most notably the ‘In Arabic We Promote’ initiative, which recently won the award for the best campaign that supported the Arabic language from the International Government Communication Forum 2023, affirming that the Sharjah Private Education Authority carried out about 9,000 field visits and participatory meetings for teachers on the Sharjah Education Academy platform, and nearly 17,000 attendees benefited from them in order to support teachers, improve their performance, and pass on the good influence to our students.

Al Hashemi stated that one of the most significant projects being worked on with high efficiency is the “Teacher and Proud” programme within the Sultan Al Qasimi project for nationalisation in the private sector. This programme provides the educational field with qualified national competencies, from teachers trained in accordance with the most recent educational practices, and is implemented by the Sharjah Education Academy in collaboration with the University of Helsinki in Finland, affirming that there are 83 teachers who foster a passion for Arabic in our pupils. She said that the results of these efforts demonstrated that the evaluation of Arabic for native speakers produced the most notable benefits, The schools achieved a 100 percent improvement in student proficiency in Arabic for native speakers.

The Ruler of Sharjah and the audience watched a visual presentation entitled “The Longest-Living Language,” which addressed the importance of the Arabic language and its ancient history, the interest of the Emirate of Sharjah in Arabic and its literature in various fields, and its continuous patronage of Arab culture, in addition to training and qualifying teachers.

The Secretary General of the Arabic Language Academy in Sharjah, Dr. Ahmed Safi Al Mosteghanemi, delivered a speech in which he lauded the Emirate of Sharjah’s efforts to pay attention to the Arabic language through numerous initiatives, specialised forums, and programmes for teachers and students that support the preservation, study, and teaching of the Arabic language. He called for parents and teachers to direct their children to take care of strengthening the Arabic language through selected, correct, and continuous reading.

The Ruler of Sharjah inspected the forum’s accompanying exhibition before the opening ceremony and listened to a number of Sharjah students’ presentations about the Arabic language and Arabic literature. The show featured a number of well-chosen pieces, such as “Essential Messages,” in addition to a number of Posters for students that give an overview of the Arabic language, poets from earlier periods, and a foundational work by Emirati authors. (ANI/WAM)

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