Fujairah Children’s Book Fair Sees Surge in Attendance; Focuses on Origami and UAE Sana’a

Fujairah: The Fujairah Children's Book Fair, a recently launched event at the Al Bayt Mitwahid Hall, witnessed a significant increase in visitor numbers, particularly from school students, on its fourth day. The fair's organization allowed for smooth visitor movements, enhancing the overall experience. According to Emirates News Agency, the fair featured various booths and interactive zones that engaged children and their families. Workshops on the traditional Emirati craft of UAE Sana'a and the Japanese art of origami were key highlights. The event also included panel discussions and storytelling sessions that focused on young and child authors, as well as people of determination, reflecting the fair's theme of "Create the Future with Imagination." One of the main attractions was the panel discussion titled "Tactile Children's Book for Children of Determination," moderated by Mohammad Alyammahi. Panelists included authors Fatima Al-Rashed and Nadia Al Najjar, who discussed the creation and importance of ta ctile books for visually impaired children. Another panel, "Children's Books: From Imitation to Creation," moderated by Mohammed Al Jaghbeir, featured poet Ali Al-Shaali, Dr. Aisha Al-Ghais, and Dr. Alaa Al-Najem. They explored the evolution of children's literature in the Arab world, debating creativity versus tradition and the shift towards image-based storytelling. The fair also included a session on young authors, where Ammar Al Marzouqi, AlDana Alhamoudi, and Sandy Hani discussed their experiences in storytelling for children. Additionally, Shaima Al Kilani from Dar Al Muheet Publishing House led an origami workshop titled "Creating a Book from Origami," teaching children how to craft books and artistic shapes from paper. Another workshop by Abdullah Salem Al Kindi focused on UAE Sana'a, educating attendees on local customs and traditional Emirati attire. Philosophy House contributed with a workshop titled "Young Diplomat," where children learned about making positive societal impacts and representi ng their country effectively.