SMC Hosts Media and Entertainment Figures in Support of SIBF

Sharjah Media Centre-Sharjah-UAE: November 10, 2013 - As part of its support for Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF), Sharjah Media Centre (SMC) hosted a galaxy of leading names in the fields of media and entertainment, in the presence of Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qassimi, Chairman of SMC.

SMC's pavilion at SIBF was visited by Lebanese singer Walid Tawfik, Syrian actor Maher Slaibi, Talal Salman, Editor of Lebanon's Assafir Newspaper, Lebanese TV host Tony Khalifa, Lebanese poet and TV host Zahi Wehbe, Ghassan Hajjar, Managing Editor of Lebanon's Annahar Newspaper, Lebanese columnist Samir Constantine, Lebanese journalist Gabi Lteif and Lebanese TV host Chantal Srour, as well as a number of other notable figures.

Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qassimi and SIBF Director Ahmed Al Amri took the guests in a tour of the Fair to acquaint them with the various pavilions and publishing houses taking part in it.

SMC's guests visited the pavilion of Knowledge without Borders Project, which was born from an initiative by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and aims at disseminating general knowledge among UAE families. The guests were received by Rashid Al Kous, Manager of Knowledge without Borders, who briefed them about the project and highlighted its role in promoting the culture of reading in Sharjah.

The guests also visited the pavilion of Lebanon, the Guest of Honor at this year's SIBF, and had a look at the cultural wealth of Lebanon's most prominent authors and publishers, in addition to the latest literary, scientific and historical books.

The media professionals and artists then visited the pavilion of Kalimat Publishing House, which is dedicated to publishing high-quality Arabic books for children. With continued support from Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, its Founder and CEO, Kalimat aspires to promote children's literature through distributing entertainment and educational books that encourage children to read Arabic works.

Towards the end of their tour, SMC's guests stopped by the pavilion of Al Qasimi Publications, which showcases the works of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah and outlines his biography. Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qassimi presented the guests with books authored by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan, including ‘A Permissible Narrative' and ‘Memory Speech - Part III'.

The renowned visitors of SMC's pavilion at SIBF then headed to the Book Signing Corner, where Zahi Wehbe signed his new poetry book ‘Entithar Al Ghariba', published by Al Saqi Publishing House, amidst a strong presence by the media and poetry enthusiasts.

The visit of the aforementioned personalities was a proof of their keenness to celebrate the 32nd edition of Sharjah International Book Fair and be part of this international event, which serves as a distinctive platform that aims to highlight the importance of books and showcase the works of authors from around the globe. It was also a bid to promote reading, and extend support to all authors and publishers.