Fujairah Children’s Book Fair Draws to Close with Total of 10,000 Visitors

The event welcomed 40 publishers from the UAE and abroad. WAM
The event welcomed 40 publishers from the UAE and abroad. WAM
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Fujairah Children’s Book Fair Draws to Close with Total of 10,000 Visitors

The event welcomed 40 publishers from the UAE and abroad. WAM
The event welcomed 40 publishers from the UAE and abroad. WAM

The inaugural edition of the Fujairah Children's Book Fair concluded on Saturday after offering a packed cultural agenda featuring more than 87 different activities, Emirates News Agency (WAM) reported. These included ten panel discussions, 43 literary events, and 34 workshops hosted on the main stage and at the booths of participating publishing houses.

The event welcomed 40 publishers from the UAE and abroad, showcasing an extensive selection of educational, cultural, and artistic books, WAM said.

The first edition of the Fujairah Children's Book Fair was held under the theme 'Create the Future with Imagination' and featured four zones: Imagination, Adventure, Creativity and Future. These zones embodied the fair's slogan by promoting creative thinking, scientific imagination, and learning and exploration skills among children, the news agency added.

Over the seven days, the fair welcomed 10,000 visitors, including school students, children, families, and literature and culture enthusiasts who attended activities daily to engage with the rich and diverse cultural program. The event particularly attracted younger audiences, showing a strong demand for books in young adult and children's literature genres.

The fair featured a group of prominent authors and influential figures who contributed to the exhibition's extensive cultural and educational programs. The agenda included interactive workshops in Arabic and English and a series of panel discussions for children on topics such as art, philosophy, story creation, drawing, and book readings in Arabic and English.

Additional sessions included creating books using origami, which engaged visitors, especially children. The young participants shared their ideas, enriched the discussions, and participated in hands-on workshops.



Saudi Heritage Commission Organizes 2nd Edition of Saudi Int’l Handicrafts Week

The event will take place at the Roshn Front in Riyadh from November 23 to 29. SPA
The event will take place at the Roshn Front in Riyadh from November 23 to 29. SPA
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Saudi Heritage Commission Organizes 2nd Edition of Saudi Int’l Handicrafts Week

The event will take place at the Roshn Front in Riyadh from November 23 to 29. SPA
The event will take place at the Roshn Front in Riyadh from November 23 to 29. SPA

The Saudi Heritage Commission is organizing the second edition of the Saudi International Handicrafts Week, "Banan," under the patronage of Culture Minister and Chairman of the Heritage Commission Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan Al Saud.

The event will take place at the Roshn Front in Riyadh from November 23 to 29, highlighting authentic handicrafts and traditional industries. It aims to support artisans from within and outside the Kingdom by showcasing their creations and enhancing their capabilities.

The exhibition includes various pavilions and activities that enrich visitors' experiences, such as a Handicraft Arts Village, a Live Craft Demonstration Pavilion, a Craft Exhibition, a Handicraft Workshop Pavilion, an Interactive Experience Zone, and an Entrepreneurs and Artisan Institutions Platform. There is also a Children's Pavilion featuring a range of activities designed for kids. More than 20 countries will participate, with over 500 local and international artisans showcasing their work.

"Banan" serves as a dynamic platform to celebrate traditional handicrafts. Its role extends beyond promoting these authentic arts; it also contributes to economically supporting artisans by enabling them to market their work to a broader audience of local and international visitors. Recognizing handicrafts as part of the Kingdom's intangible cultural heritage, the exhibition aims to raise awareness and develop them to ensure their continuity for future generations.
Following the successes of its first edition, "Banan" received several international awards, recognizing its excellence in utilizing the aesthetics of handicrafts through innovative artistic design. These awards reflect the Kingdom's progress in supporting designers and artisans on the international stage, highlighting the cultural and creative value of handicrafts. This also affirms the Commission’s commitment to the highest standards of artistic design in organizing heritage events, enhancing the Kingdom’s reputation as a leading destination in creative design related to heritage.
The exhibition aims to provide visitors with a rich and comprehensive cultural experience, allowing them to interact directly with artisans and observe the production processes of handmade artistic pieces. Through this experience, visitors will learn about the cultural diversity that the Kingdom embraces, enriching their knowledge of Saudi heritage and deepening their understanding of the country's customs and traditions. Additionally, the exhibition offers a unique opportunity to connect visitors with the national cultural identity and transmit it to future generations.
The Saudi Heritage Commission emphasizes that "Banan" represents a vision to support and empower the handicraft cultural sector, making it an important contributor to the Kingdom’s economy. This aligns with the objectives of the National Culture Strategy derived from Saudi Vision 2030. Through this event, the Commission reiterates its commitment to providing an encouraging environment for artisans and creatives to enhance their sustainable development. The Commission aims for "Banan" to become one of the prominent cultural exhibitions both locally and internationally, attracting a wide audience interested in heritage and handicrafts.