An empty stand at children’s reading fest
sharjah — Thousands of books from established and rising authors from different countries across the world are on display at the 10th edition of the Sharjah Children Reading Festival (SCRF).
With hundreds of exhibitors present at the annual book fair, each participating country is prominently displaying its best written works to get the attention of almost half a million visitors every year.
The majority of the UAE’s population predominantly come from the sub-continent and other Asian countries, and it is safe to assume that literature from countries such as India and Pakistan should be readily available.
But conspicuously empty at the SCRF is the stall dedicated to Pakistan.
The E15 booth at Hall 6 of the SCRF is assigned to Maqbool Books — Pakistan but on the second day of the SCRF on Tuesday, the only things “displayed” at the
It (late delivery) happened also in the past. One stall was still empty until the middle of the book fair as books were delivered late.” Organisers
booth are four airpots, a thermos for tea, a tray and some tea cups.
Khaleej Times asked one of the organisers why the booth is still empty. “Probably the delivery of books was delayed. It (late delivery) happened also in the past. One stall was still empty until the middle of the book fair because books were delivered late,” the source said.
A man watching the adjacent stall told Khaleej Times that “probably there was visa delay for the exhibitor”.
But some Pakistani students are hoping that they can get their hands on some books written in their mother tongue and about their homeland.