2011 marks the 30th Anniversary of the Sharjah International Book Fair. Since 1982 the Department for Culture & Information have been committed to establishing the 10-day annual fair as a key event in the international publishing calendar.
This year, as part of the 30th anniversary celebrations, 30 Arabic and 30 international authors will be invited to take part in the fair. Key features include the Cookery Corner and the dedicated Children’s Programme. With over 250 seminars, events and awards, SIBF is an essential date for your diary.
Tips for your Travel
Currency: The Dirham is the local currency and is composed of 100 fils. One US $=3.65 Dirhams.
The Dirham denominations are as follows:
Coins : - 25 fils - 50 fils - Dh 1.
Notes : - 5 Dhs - 10 Dhs - 50 Dhs -100 Dhs - 200 Dhs - 500 Dhs -1000 Dhs
Dining, Sports & Recreation:
Hotels, restaurants and coffee shops provide tourists and visitors a delightful choice of Arabic and International cuisine.
A number of health and fitness clubs are available in Sharjah.
Driving licenses and Car Hire:
International and European driving licenses holders are permitted to drive in UAE during their visit.
Electricity:
220 volts-50HZ AC. Hotels supply adaptors on request.
Languages:
Arabic (official) and English (commercial). Other regional languages are also widely spoken because of the presence of a large expatriate population.
Media:
Excellent daily Arabic and English newspapers are available. Local and International magazines are abundant.
Sharjah, Ajman, Dubai and Abu Dhabi TV stations transmit in Arabic, English, French and Urdu in addition to satellite channels and broadcast AM and FM stations.
Places of Interest:
The Sharjah Souk, Al Qasba , Al Jazira Park, Buhairo Corniche, Khalid Lagoon, Rolla Square, Al Wahda street, Dhow Wharf, Al Hisn Fort, Al Naboodah House, The Museum of Natural History amongst many others.
Postal Services:
Efficient postal and courier services are available in Sharjah. There is no home delivery of mails. Post office boxes are widely used instead. Services of international courier companies such as DHL, FEDEX,UPS are common.
Taxis:
Taxis are the major transport means and they are readily available day and night. A cruising taxi can be hailed or one can be called on telephone.
Telephone:
Direct dialing facility is available to most countries and public telephone booths are located all over. Local calls are free. Telex, fax, Internet, paging and mobile phone systems are widely used.
Time:
GMT plus 4 hours