The 43rd Sharjah International Book Fair, which concludes on November 17, showcases over 2500 publishers from 112 countries and offers more than 1500 activities for children. Thousands of visitors flock to the event to purchase books that interest them.
As he wrapped up his day, Professor Ahmed from Charter Schools UAE shared that he attended the event with 70 children, each of whom made purchases of nearly AED100. When asked about his spending, he said, “I spent around AED300, but nearly 70 children who accompanied me made purchases of close to AED100 each, which sums up close to AED7000.”
A Grade 10 student from Charter Schools commented, “Book fairs are a wonderful way to explore the world of education. These events bring together authors, publishers, and book lovers of all ages. You can discover new books, attend author talks and workshops, and participate in various literary activities. It’s so much fun to do this under the guidance of your professors.
“In addition, we learned from a resident that some visitors budget up to AED3000 for books. A teacher from Sharjah Indian School remarked, “Reading can transport children to different worlds, introduce them to new cultures, and teach them valuable life lessons. We know many parents who happily spend on books each year, as it’s the best way to develop a child’s mindset. It also helps improve their vocabulary, critical thinking skills, and empathy.”
Some visitors also noted that this year’s prices are slightly higher compared to previous years. Alma, a resident of the UAE, said, “There has been a noticeable increase compared to past exhibitions. However, given that in the UAE, children love to read and parents enjoy storytime, everyone is happy to spend and update their libraries.”
