The Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) participated in the fourth Chiswick Book Festival — one of the most important book events across the world — held between Sept.14-16 at Chiswick House in London. Organised as a cultural extravaganza to celebrate the written word, the three-day event was attended by world-renowned writers and intellectuals. Represented by Director of the SIBF Ahmed Bin Rakkad Al Amri, SIBF participated in the festival with an aim to promote the upcoming Sharjah International Book Fair 2012, a well-reputed and major event in the Arab region, which gathers thousands of book lovers every year from across the world. The Chiswik Book Festival was officially opened by children’s book author Cressida Cowell, followed by speeches from top world writers. Speaking On the occasion, Ahmed Bin Rakkad Al Amri, Director of the Sharjah International Book Fair, said, “We are always keen to participate in all global events as they allow us to promote knowledge and understand various cultures. SIBF’s participation in this festival came in line with the directives of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, to promote knowledge and extend bridges of cultural communication with the outside world. “The Festival also proved to be a unique platform to promote the upcoming Sharjah International Book Fair, which is to be held in November this year. Al Amri said the Chiswick Book Festival offered a brilliant opportunity to publishers, distributors, writers, and intellectuals to exchange ideas and expertise and meet with the directors of various international book fairs.” He went on to say, “The event, which is one of the most prestigious book festivals in the world, was attended by the leading international publishing houses and big names in the field of literature, therefore offering an ideal platform for publishers, authors and other professionals for networking, the exchange of ideas, and an opportunity to gain an understanding of the dynamic cultures of the world.” The three-day event brought together hundreds of authors, poets, artists, publishers, and book-lovers from all over the world. The event featured sessions, presentations, poetry workshops and competitions, as well as creative writing workshops for children and young people who got the chance to get an insight into creative writing techniques. From gulftoday