Sharjah: The Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) has announced that the Emirate of Sharjah welcomed approximately 1.6 million hotel guests in 2024, marking an 11 percent increase compared to 2023. According to Emirates News Agency, the announcement was made during a press conference held on Wednesday with the participation of SCTDA and over 25 government and private entities at the Sharjah Pavilion during the Arabian Travel Market (ATM). The authority unveiled key tourism statistics for 2024, revealing that Russian guests topped the list with over 270,000 visitors, reflecting an 18 percent rise from 2023. Indian guests ranked second

Dubai: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, toured the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025, which concludes today at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Speaking on the occasion, His Highness affirmed the UAE’s commitment to expanding opportunities, promoting inclusive growth, and shaping a future of shared prosperity. This vision is based on the nation’s founding principles of meaningful engagement, authentic partnerships, and open dialogue, driving global progress and improving lives worldwide. According to Emirates News Agency, H.H. Sheikh Mohammed emphasized that under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin

Sharjah: The Sharjah Social Empowerment Foundation has initiated its first introductory tour for the “Prophet’s Neighbours Endowment” project at the Sharjah International Airport Authority. This move is part of the foundation’s promotional strategy aimed at engaging with department employees and visitors. According to Emirates News Agency, the interactive pavilion hosted by the foundation at the airport’s headquarters attracted a significant number of attendees. Participants were informed about the project’s objectives, which include supporting and empowering orphans. The initiative has garnered attention from His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. Ali Salim

Dubai: The Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Photography Award (HIPA) is inviting photographers from around the world to submit their best work to the 14th season of its prestigious annual competition, themed ‘Power’. With a total prize pool of US$1 million, the competition offers both emerging and established talent the opportunity to showcase compelling visual narratives, push creative boundaries, receive financial support, and gain international recognition. According to Emirates News Agency, this year’s competition features five categories: Power (Main Theme), Sports Photography, Drone (Video), Portfolio (Story-Telling), and General (Colour and Black and White). Highlights of the 2025

Dubai: The UAE Board on Books for Young People (UAEBBY) is hosting the Egyptian Board of Children’s Books (EBBY) as the Guest of Honour at the 16th Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival (SCRF), which runs until the evening of 4th May at Expo Centre Sharjah. The UAEBBY continues to consolidate its role in building bridges of cultural communication between peoples by hosting the EBBY. This hosting marks a new milestone in Arab cooperation within the children’s literature sector. According to Emirates News Agency, the Egyptian Board of Children’s Books, as an active branch of the International Board on Books for Young