UN names Sharjah as 2019's World Book Capital

Known as the City of Books, it has become the hub for most book related events and organisations.

Agencies
The opening ceremony of the UNESCO's World Book Capital for 2019, in Sharjah. (Image: Sharjah World Book 2019)
SHARJAH: The UAE city of Sharjah took up the mantle as UNESCO's World Book Capital for 2019 late Tuesday, launching a series of cultural programmes aimed at both locals and expatriates. "Sharjah aims to become a true torch for science and knowledge," said Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed al-Qasimi, ruler of the city and its eponymous emirate, at a ceremony joining more than 500 artists.

Sharjah was named this year's World Book Capital by the UN's cultural agency under the recommendation of The International Publishers Associations (IPA) and The International Federation of Library Association and Institutions (IFLA).

The opening ceremony of the UNESCO's World Book Capital for 2019, in Sharjah. (Image: Sharjah World Book 2019)
The opening ceremony of the UNESCO's World Book Capital for 2019, in Sharjah. (Image: Sharjah World Book 2019)


"Sharjah has been selected by these esteemed pillars as recognition of the city's continuous efforts in promoting books and literacy," said a joint statement released by the three organisations.

"Known as the City of Books, it has fast established itself as the source for the region's growing publishing sector, and has become the hub for most book related events and organisations in the UAE."

The annual programme kicked off Tuesday, which marked World Book Day, with a evening celebration that included dance and song.
The opening ceremony of the UNESCO's World Book Capital for 2019, in Sharjah. (Image: Sharjah World Book 2019)
The opening ceremony of the UNESCO's World Book Capital for 2019, in Sharjah. (Image: Sharjah World Book 2019)

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A string of conferences, exhibits and book fairs are set to take place throughout the year, according to the official website.

The city of Sharjah is the capital of an emirate by the same name, one of seven that make up the United Arab Emirates.

The neighbouring emirate of Dubai is the cultural centre of the UAE, with year-round museum exhibits and regular book fairs.

Are You A New Manager? 7 Books That Will Help You Ace It
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Just got promoted to a leadership role? Need some inspiration for your new gig?

Managing a team can be challenging, and more so, if it is your first time. It is not just a team but a bunch of disparate people - with different personas, energies, traits - whom you will have to deal with. And it is only normal for you to feel ecstatic and clueless, both at the same time. What may take you by surprise is that even with years of training and experience, it can become a challenge.

But, fret not because there are plenty of books that may help you become the leader that you've always dreamt to be.

Today on World Book Day, here are 7 must-read managerial books if you want to get to the corner office at the earliest:

Just got promoted to a leadership role? Need some inspiration for your new gig?Managing a team can be challenging, and more so, if it is your first time. It is not just a team but a bunch of disparat..
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Amidst the whole diversity row, when women are trying to find their place in the big, bad, corporate world, Sandberg's book comes handy. She just doesn't talk about the balancing act that every woman has to ace considering she has a home to look after and may also be a mother. She emphasises on how women should be able to negotiate for equal compensation as men, and underlines the importance of workplace flexibility. She also recommends to not lower expectations of what one can achieve. She advocates asking people, both senior and junior to you, for specific advice to solve a problem. She reiterates that women must talk about getting ahead and what it means to seek leadership roles.

Amidst the whole diversity row, when women are trying to find their place in the big, bad, corporate world, Sandberg's book comes handy. She just doesn't talk about the balancing act that every woman..
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An options trader of Lebanese descent, Taleb says that is is essential to seize any opportunity, or anything that looks like an opportunity. He asserts that you must always consider every opportunity as your first and last, and never let it go again. Three lessons that one may imbibe from the book, some people manage to dramatically change the world of those, who are not prepared for them, don't ever try to explain the future by looking at your past, it is a bad indicator and avoid trying to gauge real-world risks like you would in a game of cards, you are likely to make bad decisions.

An options trader of Lebanese descent, Taleb says that is is essential to seize any opportunity, or anything that looks like an opportunity. He asserts that you must always consider every opportunity..
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The billionaire emphasises on eating your own cooking, noting the importance of combining ownership and partnership. He says, "Time is the friend of the wonderful business, the enemy of the mediocre." He is a firm believer of putting all his eggs in one basket, and watching the basket carefully. As a new manager, one must be able to pay equal attention to all their reportees and avoid being biased.

The billionaire emphasises on eating your own cooking, noting the importance of combining ownership and partnership. He says, "Time is the friend of the wonderful business, the enemy of the mediocre...
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Becoming a new manager means that you are in a state of transition that consequently throws up opportunities. Any wrong steps taken during the crucial first three months in a new role can jeopardise or hurt your growth as a manager. This book provides perfect strategies to help you go up the ladder, and a guide to taking charge quickly and effectively.

Becoming a new manager means that you are in a state of transition that consequently throws up opportunities. Any wrong steps taken during the crucial first three months in a new role can jeopardise ..
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Although the book was published in 1937, some of its key teachings still hold true. The book encourages you to speak positively of others. All you need to do is to just think of a few positive things to say about each person you know and make a reference to those positive attributes when you can. Be genuinely interested in people, in what your team has to say. Smile more, it is harder than it sounds but it works wonders. Become a good conversationalist, but for that first become a good listener. Also, a surefire way to win hearts is to begin by complimenting them. These will definitely help you as a manager to be liked by everyone on the team.

Although the book was published in 1937, some of its key teachings still hold true. The book encourages you to speak positively of others. All you need to do is to just think of a few positive things..
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What the book teaches you is to step out of your comfort zone in order to lead your team to greater heights. The author states that the key to become a good leader is to be able to completely immerse yourself in things, new experiences change the way you think and help you become a whole new person. She encourages you to make strategic contributions, expand your network, mingle with more people and thus learn from, a bigger range of stakeholders.

What the book teaches you is to step out of your comfort zone in order to lead your team to greater heights. The author states that the key to become a good leader is to be able to completely immerse..
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