Sharjah’s iconic cultural and family destination Al Qasba has announced the launch of the first phase of its celebrations of the Sharjah World Book Capital (SWBC) 2019 title, which commenced on 23 April, marking the beginning of the emirate’s yearlong activities that will run until April 2020.

The United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has bestowed this prestigious global title upon Sharjah, in recognition of its pioneering role in supporting the book and publishing industry locally and regionally, and in establishing reading as a choice to strengthen intercultural dialogue and cultural diversity.

Held in three phases, Al Qasba’s activities will include a series of literary workshops, book reading sessions and book signings, among other activities. It will also host open-air libraries and book donations.

The first phase of activities at Al Qasba will include the allocation of workshops areas, with a dedicated reading corner and poetry recital sessions. Visitors will have the opportunity to meet several cultural and literary dignitaries.

Running from 28 April to 4 May, the first phase of the SWBC activations will feature reading sessions conducted in collaboration with the brand, ‘I Love Sharjah’, which will include readings from the book ‘Who Am I’, by Fatima Sharafeddine, an award-winning writer of children’s books. Other activities include the cultural initiative, ‘Coffee and Books’, organised by Knowledge without Borders (KwB), in addition to a series of story readings and art workshops. In collaboration with ‘Bismillah Buddies’, Al Qasba will present for young readers, the story, ‘Ramadan Diaries Around the World’.

Khuloud Salim Al Junaibi, General Manager of Al Qasba, said, “We are extremely proud to be one of the major venues that’s hosting the celebrations of Sharjah World Book Capital, the most coveted title awarded by UNESCO. Al Qasba prides itself on being home to state-of-the art facilities, making it an ideal destination for cultural and artistic events”.

She added: “Celebrating Sharjah’s title, complements our role in contributing to strengthening Sharjah’s cultural stature, while cementing Al Qasba as an eminent destination for artistic, cultural and entertainment events, and as a leading place of gatherings for all segments of the community and people of different age groups”.

Al Qasba boasts of a range of modern tourist attractions, offering a set of high-end services. The destination hosts world-class events that attracts a heavy footfall of tourists and visitors throughout the year.