Fujairah Children's Book Fair Showcases Origami Art And UAE Sana'a Through Engaging Workshops

The Fujairah Children's Book Fair, hosted at Al Bayt Mitwahid Hall, saw a surge in visitors on its fourth day. School students were particularly active in the morning. The event was well-organised, allowing easy access and movement for attendees. Various booths offered interactive workshops on UAE Sana'a and origami art, engaging children and their families.

Panel discussions on the third day showcased young authors' experiences. These sessions also included stories about people of determination. Storytelling activities captivated children's imaginations, encouraging them to explore new ideas and inspirations.

The fair provided entertainment and cultural activities that delighted young visitors and their families. This created an atmosphere reflecting the educational significance of the event, aligning with its theme: 'Create the Future with Imagination'. At Dar Al Muheet Publishing House's booth, visual artist Shaima Al Kilani led an origami workshop. Children learned to transform paper into books and artistic shapes using origami techniques.

In addition to origami, crochet materials were used to add creativity to the pieces. The workshop aimed to enhance children's skills, stimulate imagination, and encourage them to use this art form for educational purposes.

Three-panel discussions took place on the main stage. The first session, 'Tactile Children’s Book for Children of Determination', was moderated by Mohammad Alyammahi. Authors Fatima Al-Rashed and Nadia Al Najjar discussed tactile books' creation and benefits for visually impaired children. They shared stories about people of determination's achievements.

The second session, 'Children’s Books: From Imitation to Creation', featured poet Ali Al-Shaali, Dr Aisha Al-Ghais from Dar Al-Dhabi, and Dr Alaa Al-Najem. Mohammed Al Jaghbeir moderated this discussion on children's literature evolution in the Arab world. They debated creativity versus tradition in literature.

Exploring Young Authors' Experiences

The final panel titled 'Young Author' was delivered in Arabic by Issa Al Mazmi. Young authors Ammar Al Marzouqi, AlDana Alhamoudi, and Sandy Hani shared their experiences writing stories for children. They highlighted their ideas and inspirations during this session.

Meanwhile, at Philosophy House's booth, an interactive workshop called 'Young Diplomat' taught children how to make a positive societal impact. Another philosophical workshop encouraged children to think critically through lively interactions.

Dar Al Muheet Publishing House also hosted Abdullah Salem Al Kindi for a workshop on UAE Sana'a customs. He discussed majlis gatherings etiquette, hospitality practices, greetings, salutations, and traditional Emirati attire for both genders.

This inaugural book fair successfully combined education with entertainment through various activities and discussions. It provided a platform for young minds to explore creativity while learning about cultural heritage.

With inputs from WAM