Other EmailGlittering Event Opens Sharjah World Book Fair
His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Wassimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, inaugurated the 27th annual Sharjah World Book Fair in an event that included Sheikhs, Ministers, senior officials, and Arab and foreign publishers.
Awards presented during the gala affair included Best Publisher (Ministry of Culture, Youth and Community Development), Best Arab Publisher (Maktabat Zahra’ Al Sahrq of Egypt and Dar Kan’an of Syria), and the Cultural Personality Award (Al Khaleej, for their weekly cultural supplement).
During the fair itself, almost 60,000 of the titles displayed will be new editions or new releases. 491 Arab publishing houses from 18 countries will take part, as well 272 foreign publishers from 23 other countries.
The fair opens daily from 9:00 am - 1:30 pm and 4:30 pm - 10:30 pm at the Sharjah Expo Centre from now until 7 November.
Interested in attending? Get more information, including a catalogue of available English titles and children's books, at the Sharjah World Book Fair website.
Original Reports: Gulf News: The Nation: Education ; The National : UAE
Collection Spotlight: Encyclopedia Britannica Now Online @ HCT
HCT Learning Resource Services can announce that two new databases from Britannica have been added to the FALCON database collection.
Britannica Online--Academic Edition offers the content of the Encyclopedia Britannica along with Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary and Thesaurus, magazines and periodicals, and many other research tools. Bonus specialized content includes the World Data Analyst Online and Gateway to the Classics.
Britannica Online--School Edition gives teachers and students instant access to four complete encyclopedias and other resources that ensure consistency with classroom topics and age-appropriate language. "Biography of the Day" and "This Day in History" articles are released daily. Curriculum Support and Learning Materials provide study guides and student exercises.
Surf on over to FALCON's database pages and check out these exciting new resources today!
Sharjah World Book Fair Set to Start 29 October
Organizers of the 27th annual Sharjah World Book Fair have announced that the 2008 event will run from 29 October - 7 November.
The 2008 dates are a departure for the fair, which usually runs later in the year.
"Last year the book fair in December coincided with the school examinations, so in order to avoid the conflict of schedules the book fair will now be held a month earlier," said Abdullah Al Owais, Director General of Sharjah Department of Culture.
The fair will be inaugurated by His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi. All books at the event will be sold at at 25 per cent discount on the face value.
Of particular note is the planned launch of the EARTH Limited Edition Atlas from Millennium House Publishing. The atlas, which has a planned print run of only 3000 copies, has been touring the world since its departure from Sydney on 9 October.
The goal of the Sharjah World Book Fair is to generate reading habits among the people, mainly the younger generation, and to make quality books accessible to them at affordable prices. Learn more at the Sharjah World Book Fair web site.
Original report: Gulf News: The Nation: Heritage and Culture
AAMC Parents Night Highlights Multiple Generations @ HCT
Al Ain Men's College hosted the parents of Foundation Year students on the evening of October 15th.
The evening's events included an introduction to the Foundation Year programs, a "Student life" slideshow, multimedia presentations, and a buffet dinner. Parents learned how to use the HCT Portal to track their sons' acheivements in school and were given tips on how to maximize the student experience.
A highlight of the evening was the presence of Saeed Mohamed Saeed Mahfoudha, HCT graduate and parent of a new AAMC student. Saeed, an Assistant Section Head at GASCO, was impressed enough by the competitive advantages gained from an HCT education to want the same for his family. He himself plans to return to AAMC for his MBA, joining his son as a student at the college.
Welcome again to all new HCT Foundation students!
Collection Spotlight: New eBooks, October 2008
Hot off the electronic press, HCT has 357 new eBook titles for you to peruse and enjoy! Check out the entire list in FALCON and see which ones are best for you!
Environment Agency-Abu Dhabi Releases Two Major Books on Terrestrial and Marine Environments
The Environment Agency-Abu Dhabi released two major books highlighting Abu Dhabi Emirate's terrestrial and marine environments yesterday in a double-book launch at the Intercontinental Hotel in Abu Dhabi.
Terrestrial Environment of Emirate of Abu Dhabi is a compilation of contributions from various experts in the field. Edited by Dr. Richard J. Perry, this 465-page book contains nine chapters and gives a fascinating comprehensive picture of the terrestrial environment of the Emirate.
Marine Environment and Resources of Abu Dhabi provides a description of the marine environment of the Emirate, bringing together the latest research findings and information about marine resources and the environment.
The initial printing of both books is in English. Arabic versions are expected to follow in the near future.
Read more about the launch in The Gulf News Online, and see the official press release with detailed information about both volumes at the Enviroment Agency-Abu Dhabi website.
Interested in acquiring these books for your collection? Fill out the FALCON Recommend a Purchase form!
Original Report: Gulf News: The Nation
AAMC Rewards Success at Higher Diploma Foundations Awards Ceremony
Al Ain Men's College recognized the academic achievements and successes of last year's Highter Diploma Foundations class with an awards ceremony last week.
College Director Brent Mills welcomed the new HDF students and presented awards to returning students with top marks in English, Maths, Arabic and Computing.
The Higher Diploma Foundations Student Of The Year 2007-08 Award was presented to Saeed Hamad Al Baloushi. Saeed’s academic performance was excellent throughout the year. He acted as a peer tutor, managed his time well, met all deadlines and attended all his classes. Saeed is an excellent team leader and HDF role model.
Congratulations to all new and returning AAMC students!
Residents in Al Ain Clamour for Public Library
The Khaleej Times reports this week that demand for a public library in Al Ain remains high.
Residents cite the increasing popularity of informal book lending outlets as an indication that a full-fledged public library service would thrive.
"We need to spend some quality time at a library to gain knowledge of our culture, philosophy, arts and science, instead of wasting time roaming in the malls," Huda Al Wasil, a housewife, told the paper. Other residents spoke of fostering a reading habits in their children and overcoming the barriers to reading posed by high bookshop prices.
Read the full report in The Khaleej Times Online.
Original Report: Khaleej Times: Nation
Al Ain Men's College launches Entrepreneur 2008 With a Focus on Ethical Businesses
Al Ain Men's College is following up its successful Entrepreneur Project with Entrepreneur 2008.
Seven teams of e-Business Management and Information Technology students will compete to produce the best business plan on an environmental or socially responsible theme.
Competitors had their initial meeting with project mentors--a rich blend of Emiratis and expatriates representing local government and businesses across both private and public sectors--September 17th. Initial business plans focus on everything from fuel vaporising equipment and biodegradable construction materials to rural alternative health centers.
Thanks go to participating organisations Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Al Ain Diwan, Al Ain Hospital, Daman Insurance, Empost, Emirates Motors, Flexon Trading, Injazat Data Systems, The National Newspaper and QP International. And good luck to all AAMC Entrepreneur 2008 teams!