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SIBF back to its roaring best!

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Visitors and exhibitors give a huge thumbs up to organisers for making SIBF return to pre-pandemic levels
Sharjah: Visitors and exhibitors at the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) have given a huge thumbs up to its organisers for helping it return to its roaring best.
Taking place at the Sharjah Expo Centre until November 13, the event is being held
under the theme ‘There’s always a right book’ by the Sharjah Book Authorty (SBA). As many as 81 countries are exhibiting over 1.7m titles during the 11-day festival now in its 40th year. An estimated 2.52 million visitors are expected to throng the festival that will see over 2,000 exhibitors and close to 1,000 cultural and culinary activities. But many first-timers say they have been wowed by the event’s vibe and opportunities already on Day 1.
“It’s been fabulous right from the start. The openness of the exhibition has totally floored me,” said Dr Daniele Buzzuro, founder of DreamyourMind, a two-decades old Italian publisher based in Rome, exhibiting in Hall number 5 while comparing SIBF to some of the recent film festivals he has been a part of recently. “SIBF is perhaps as big, if not bigger, as the Rome film festival I just attended last month and that is because of the openness of this festival. It’s relaxed for visitors and exhibitors and yet so safe making it accessible to everyone.”
“It is liberating and so refreshing to be back on the ground at a festival like this,” said Josephine Garanina, a representative of the National Literatures of the People of Russia stall at the SIBF. “This is also our opportunity to take other dialects and languages from Russia to the rest of the world and there couldn’t have been a better setting than this,” added Garanina, who’s making a return to SIBF this edition after a Covid-induced gap year.
However for most local entities, SIBF is back to where it belonged – to its ‘roaring best’. “There’s absolutely no doubt about it. You just have to look around and notice the vibes. I haven’t seen an opening day turnout like this in my 35 years here,” said Mohamed Hussienoun, a researcher at the Government of Sharjah’s Department of Culture that’s also exhibiting in hall number 5 at the SIBF.
“It’s the same feeling for me,” said Ahmed Abu Al-Dahab who is representing the Riyadh-based Saudi company International Islamic Publishing House that’s been exhibiting Islamic books in over 70 languages here in Sharjah for over three decades. “I have been coming to this venue for over 25 years and to me, everything looks like good old time,” added the Egyptian who works as the sales manager.

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UAE warns drivers: Fines up to Dh2,000, 23 black points for risky driving during heavy rains

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Authorities across the UAE have issued a fresh warning to motorists, urging them to exercise extreme caution during ongoing unstable weather conditions. The reminder comes as part of efforts to enhance road safety and prevent accidents in high-risk areas such as valleys, flood zones, and near dams.

The UAE authorities emphasised that strict penalties are in place for violations during rainfall. Motorists found driving near valleys or flood-prone areas could face a fine of Dh1,000 along with 6 black points on their license.

More severe penalties apply to those who deliberately drive into flooded valleys, regardless of the water level or perceived danger. Offenders risk fines of up to Dh2,000, 23 black points, and a 60-day vehicle impoundment.

Additionally, authorities warned against obstructing emergency responders or traffic officials during adverse weather situations. Such actions could result in a Dh1,000 fine, 4 black points, and vehicle impoundment for up to 60 days.

Officials continue to urge drivers to prioritise safety, follow official advisories, and avoid unnecessary travel during severe weather conditions to prevent accidents and ensure smooth emergency response operations.


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Rains in UAE: Free public parking extended in Sharjah amid unstable weather

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In response to ongoing unstable weather conditions, Sharjah City Municipality has announced an extension of its public parking fee exemption across the emirate. The decision, effective from Monday, March 23, will remain in place until further notice, offering temporary relief to residents and visitors.

The waiver applies to all standard public parking zones, including those that typically require payment on weekdays and official holidays. These areas are identifiable by blue informational signage installed throughout the city.

However, authorities clarified that smart parking yards are excluded from the exemption and will continue to operate under regular paid parking rules.

Officials have urged the public to stay informed through official communication channels, including the municipality’s social media platforms and helpline services, as weather conditions continue to evolve.

The move reflects Sharjah’s ongoing efforts to support public safety and convenience during periods of disruption, ensuring smoother mobility across the city.


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Look: How Dubai’s RTA works round the clock to keep roads safe amid unstable weather

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Behind every safe journey in Dubai, a massive coordinated effort is underway. Safety during rainy conditions remains a top priority, says the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).

The authority has been operating 24/7 on the ground during the recent spell of unstable weather, working to manage traffic flow, clear water accumulation and provide real-time alerts to motorists across the city.

RTA teams are closely monitoring conditions through a central command system in coordination with strategic partners, ensuring quick response times and minimal disruption on key roads.

Motorists have been urged to follow safety guidelines and drive cautiously during rainy conditions.

At the same time, Dubai Municipality has activated its full emergency response system, deploying more than 2,800 personnel, including engineers, supervisors and field workers, to tackle waterlogging and weather-related incidents.

The large-scale operation includes hundreds of pumps, tankers and heavy vehicles working continuously to drain flooded streets, particularly on major roads and previously affected areas. Ongoing maintenance of drainage networks is also being carried out to boost capacity and reduce water pooling.

Together, these efforts reflect a city-wide response aimed at ensuring residents remain safe and traffic continues to move smoothly despite challenging weather conditions.

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