Sharjah Book Fair showcases Dhs2,000 album of rare postage stamps

The Philatelic Department of Emirates Post has set up a stall at the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF), presenting a huge number of postage stamps for collectors. Visitors can find rare and new collections of postal stamps in an album priced at Dhs2,000. The stamps date from 1973 when Emirates Post was set up.

Talking to Gulf Today, Humaid Al Shamsi, Manager, Philatelic Department at Emirates Post, said they have been participating in the book fair every year to offer collectable postage stamps.

"This year we present a wide range of postage stamps from 1973 to date. Visitors can buy their favourite stamps from our huge collections," he said.

He further mentioned that many visitors come to get information "about our services as well as Philatelic Department as we have members, annual events for collectors including foreign philatelists.

Humaid Al Shamsi displays the collector's item.

"Members of philatelic societies from the UAE or other nations are not only fulfilling their hobbies to collect valuable and old postage stamps but also mainly helping in preserving different aspects of history," he added.

During the book fair hundreds of visitors from schoolchildren and others visit the stall and buy their favourite postage stamps and get in contact with like-minded people.

The book fair is running till Nov 15 at Sharjah Expo Centre under the theme "Made of Stories" and is being organised by the Sharjah Book Authority.