It was a day out for UAE’s next gen content creators at the ongoing 43rd Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) on Sunday as they learnt what is like to be an ‘influencer for a day’ as part of a social media workshop.

Attendees of all ages joined to explore what it truly means to be an influencer, learning the essential skills to create impactful content and cultivate a meaningful online presence.

The interactive session conducted by Palestinian blogger and content creator Faisal Alqedrra started with defining the role of an influencer: someone who inspires and persuades through credible social media presence.

Offering advice on authenticity in the influencer space, he reminded attendees ‘not to be a sheep’. “Be yourself. If you’re just like everyone else, then how are you unique?,” he asked. “Grab attention within the first three seconds. If you have failed to do so, you have lost a viewer. Most importantly, get the content part right. Once that is sorted, you’re already halfway to becoming an influencer.”

The 24-year-old also warned attendees of considering what to post online. “Being an influencer is like walking a fine line—it’s a double-edged sword. Every post, every story is out there for everyone to see. When you’re in the spotlight, your life and choices are under a microscope. You have to take that extra time to evaluate your content, ensuring it aligns with your values and audience expectations. Wrong messages can spread just as quickly as the right one,” he said.

Participants discussed popular influencers, exploring how these digital personalities have impacted their lives and choices. Guided by a series of steps to becoming a successful brand influencer, the workshop covered everything from identifying a niche and crafting a content strategy to engaging with audiences and building a strong personal brand.

39-year-old Emirati Zainab Rashid Al Taher said: “As a librarian, I see firsthand how social media can spread the love for books and knowledge. Being part of this workshop helps me understand the influence these platforms can have.”

Production Coordinator Abdelrahman Ibrahim, 25, from Jordan added: “Working in production, I know the power of the media to capture attention. This experience has given me a fresh perspective on reaching audiences.”

With practical exercises and community discussions, the workshop further encouraged participants to network, create compelling content, and understand the rewards of being an influencer in today’s digital world.