WE’RE HAPPY SIBF IS BACK DESPITE PANDEMIC: RESIDENTS

Breaking the monotony in the new normal, the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) has returned. And the country’s bibliophiles booked their visit right away, raring to comb through row upon row of books from around the world. Footfall on the opening day last Wednesday had exceeded expectations, organisers said.

A regular visitor of the SIBF, Lebanese expat Natalie Habib was amazed at how organised the SIBF is and how Covid-19 safety protocols are implemented.

“It’s remarkable to see how this has been accomplished successfully. The event is very informative. There are different publishers this year,” Habib said.

“I love coming here as it’s a once-a-year opportunity where you can find books from all over the world and the prices are amazing. I usually come here for different kinds of books, like art books, historical painting books and some children’s books for my nephew.”

Sharjah resident Majd Al Khatib wouldn’t want to miss what she described as “the most important event in the emirate’s literary calendar”.

“I am not apprehensive about Covid-19. I took all the precautions like sanitising my hands and wearing masks while at the fair. The book pavilions are as impressive as ever,” Al Khatib said.

“I bought a few children’s activity books for my son and daughter and a religious book for my mother. The volume of titles is very impressive as usual. Cultural events are happening online this year, so I intend tuning into those as well.”