Sharjah, 27 April 2012 (WAM) - Sharjah Media Centre (SMC), the communications arm of the government of Sharjah, hosted around 50 authors, journalists and thought leaders from around the world on a cultural night to discuss publishing and other global issues.

The cultural night hosted at the Heritage area in the heart of Sharjah comes as part of a series of activities facilitated by SMC around the fourth Sharjah Children's Reading Festival. Organized by Sharjah International Book Fair, Sharjah Children's Reading Festival began on 23 April and will run until 2 May.

During the event, Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Chairman of Sharjah Media Centre highlighted SMC's key role in supporting various events in Sharjah with a view to promoting meaningful dialogue.

Organized in collaboration with Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, the event was attended by Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Amri, Director, Sharjah International Book Fair, Osama Samra, Director, Sharjah Media Centre, and Rashed Al Qouz, General Coordinator of Knowledge without Borders project. Representatives of Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority and Sharjah Media Centre were also present.

In addition to encouraging communication between authors, intellectuals, and media professionals from around the world, the ceremony provided the gathering with an opportunity to meet with decision makers to exchange ideas on major global issues. It also represented an opportunity to forge collaborations between international authors, Sharjah Media Centre and Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority.

Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi said: "We are delighted to host prominent authors from the region and worldwide to extend our gratitude to them for their participation in Sharjah's literary events. Today's gathering served our objective of highlighting the cultural heritage and contemporary outlook of the emirate. Through hosting the event, we have also showcased the touristic and cultural highpoints in Sharjah." Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi stressed on the importance of Sharjah Children's Reading Festival. The literary festival hosts professionals and other stakeholders of the segment from the Arab region and the world in specialized and interactive activities.

Sharjah Media Centre boasts the latest technology in media, while a qualified staff generates and disseminates news on the latest events in Sharjah. Furthermore, the centre functions as a second home to member journalists and media practitioners from the UAE and worldwide with its offering of social, cultural, and recreational activities.

WAM/MAB