Two busloads of visitors file into the outdoor tent to hear the opening presentations.
Much was routine about the opening. But, as Noura Noman tweeted, "HRH Sh. Sultan AlQasimi Patron and founder of #shjibf reciting a surprise & moving poem at the opening."
A wide array of book-fair awards were handed out to best this and that. For most, it wasn't clear who had juried the awards, how the winner was selected, and on what criteria. However, the Etisalat Award for Arabic Children's Literature winner was the big announcement of the morning.
Inside the fair, attendance seemed to be down on the first day, and some were already complaining about low sales. (Pictured here, Dar al Shorouk, not complaining yet so far as I know.)
A box of books celebrating the UAE's 40th that was to be presented as a gift to Sheikh Sultan AlQasimi (by his granddaughter) during his rounds around the fair.
And here, Amani Ashmawi, the winner of the 1 million dirham Etisalat Prize for Arabic Children's Literature. With her check (to be split with the publisher).
A giant new children's wing was added onto the fair this year, with this play area at the back. Children's events have expanded, as have fair events in general.
No comments:
Post a Comment