Hundreds flock to Al Ain Book Fair
VISITORS CAN ENJOY DISCOUNTS OF UP TO 50% ON BOOKS; EVENT TO RUN TILL OCTOBER 2
Hundreds of pupils and visitors flocked to the first day of the 10th edition of the Al Ain Book Fair, which opened to the public yesterday at Al Ain Convention Centre.
Families, parents and schoolchildren were the first to turn up. They browsed through a series of books, enjoyed cartoon shows on the stage and participated in a number of science and intelligence workshops. Exhibitors offered up to 50 per cent discounts on opening day.
The workshops attracted a large number students but the footfall at bookshops on opening day remained mild.
The workshops included sessions on building your own flying vehicle, alternative energy car, robotic race cars, and creating comics with cartoonist Matt Smith showing how to create attendees’ own unique comic book characters.
Moayyad Al Gharibi, a student aged 10 from Al Ain School, who raced a robotic car using a tablet, said: “The most enjoyable corners for us are the workshops and the stage shows where the Simsimi play was demonstrated. I like reading stories of old cultures, so I will explore the fair and find something interesting for me. Now, I am playing science games.”
Khalifa Al Otaiba, from Abu Dhabi, said: “I love visiting book fairs whether in Sharjah or in Abu Dhabi. I already bought a book, Al Gayed Al Afdal [“Best Leader”], and will be buying some more. I love reading as it brightens up the mind, gives knowledge and innovative ideas and informs us about the past, from which we can learn many things and apply in our life.”
The book fair showcased a range of works across various genres including literature, poetry, history, photography and a variety of academic and educational material. The fair will conclude on October 2.
Abdul Rahman, 38, an Al Ain resident hailing from Yemen, said: “I am looking for books on languages and linguistics. Today is only the first day; I will explore the fair for the next couple of days and check for discounts before making my purchases.”
Almost all bookshops at the fair offered discounts ranging from 10 per cent to 50 per cent.
The book fair is on till October 2, from 9am to 1pm and from 5 to 9pm, and on Fridays between 5pm to 10pm, at the Al Ain Convention Centre. Entry is free for all. ■