Sharjah gives ‘Living Examples’ in Moscow

Social media outlets were now doubling up as a platform for aspiring writers to present their works and get feedback and interaction from the public, according to Emirati writer Salha Obaid.

This came during a panel discussion titled ‘Living Examples’ that was organised as part of Sharjah’s programme as ‘Guest City’ at the Moscow International Book Fair 2019 (MIBF). Emirati writer Omar Al Hammadi also shared his views on technological advancement and its impact on creativity and literature at the discussion that was moderated by poet Shaikha Al Mutairi at the emirate’s pavilion, in the presence of a host of Emirati and Russian litterateurs.

Speaking on the value of literature, Obaid said: “The awe-inspiring moments when reading rich and valuable content will always be the main reason that such content will continue to exist despite technological advancement and change of perceptions around the world. Artificial intelligence can never experience those feelings; humanity will only cease when the awe-inspiring moments stop.”

For his part, Omar Al Hammadi spoke about the ethics of expressing opinions, writing and literary criticism on social media platforms. He noted that while social media had become a means of communication between the writer and the reader, it was also being used for negative criticism.

In response to a question about the relationship between writing and doctors and engineers, he explained that writing was a talent, while engineering and medicine were sciences that require to be studied.  He said: “You could be a doctor who also writes creative content. However, it is impossible to wake up one morning and decide you are a doctor or an engineer.”

He pointed out that throughout history there had been many doctors who were also prolific writers, such as Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the creator of Sherlock Holmes, Anton Chekhov, Alaa Al Aswani, Mustafa Mahmoud, among many others.

Meanwhile, a touch of Emirati flair has been added to Moscow’s merriment surrounding its 872nd birthday celebrations, witnessed by the Russian capital in the past few days.

 The rhythmic playing of tambourines and lively songs by the Sharjah National Band have walked Moscow’s streets covering key landmarks including the Moscow International Book Fair site, the Gorky Theatre and the historic Red Square. The band has amazed locals, filling the air with the authentic sounds and beats of Emirati culture, engaging spectators and onlookers across age groups. 

The parades were part of Sharjah’s participation at MIBF 2019 as the ‘Guest City’. Dressed in pristine white kandoras, members of the Sharjah National Band performed songs inspired by the perilous experiences of the UAE’s pearl divers, the hardships travellers faced while crossing its vast and arid desert, and other scenes and stories that have shaped the nation’s history and identity.

Dr Abdulaziz Al Musallam, Chairman of Sharjah Institute for Heritage, commented: “The celebration of Sharjah as the Guest City of MIBF 2019 represents one of the biggest celebrations of Emirati culture and heritage in Russia.”

RUSSIAN WRITERS

The Union of Russian Writers have met UAE officials and Emirati writers representing Sharjah’s cultural delegation at the Moscow International Book Fair (MIBF 2019), at their Moscow headquarters. The meeting was held to share the highlights of UAE’s cultural journey with participating Russian officials, explore collaboration opportunities and strengthen relations between the two parties. 

The meeting was attended by Ahmed Bin Rakkad Al Ameri, Chairman of Sharjah Book Authority (SBA); Nikolay Ivanov, Chairman of the Union of Russian Writers; Igor Yanin, Deputy Chairman of the Union of Russian Writers; Pavel Krenev, Secretary-General of the Union of Russian Writers; Kanta Ibragimov, Chairman of the Union of Writers of the Chechen Republic, and a group of UAE’s and Russia’s writers and poets.