Scenes from Opening of Sharjah International Book Fair

Two busloads of visitors file into the outdoor tent to hear the opening presentations.

Much was routine about the opening (lots of gifts and prizes handed about). But, Noura Noman tweeted, also "HRH Sh. Sultan AlQasimi Patron and founder of #shjibf reciting a surprise & moving poem at the opening."
A wide array of book-fair awards were handed out to best this and that. For most, it wasn't clear who had juried the awards, how the winner was selected, and on what criteria. However, the Etisalat Award for Arabic Children's Literature winner was the big announcement of the morning.
Inside the fair, attendance seemed to be down on the first day, and some were already complaining about low sales. (Pictured here, Dar al Shorouk, not complaining yet so far as I know.)
A box of books celebrating the UAE's 40th that was to be presented as a gift to Sheikh Sultan AlQasimi (by his granddaughter) during his rounds around the fair.
And here, Nahdet Masr, the publishers of the 1 million dirham Etisalat Prize for Arabic Children's Literature. With the check (to be split with the author).
A giant new children's wing was added onto the fair this year, with this play area at the back. Children's events have expanded, as have fair events in general, although the new children's wing is a bit hard to find.