Renowned Emirati publisher Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi has stepped in to restore several libraries damaged by last month's devastating explosion in Beirut.
The work entails extensive renovation of the Monnot library as well as supplying new equipment to upgrade the Bachoura and Geitawi libraries.
About 300,000 people were made homeless and several neighbourhoods destroyed in the August 4 explosion.
"Restoring libraries and cultural centres are as important as supplying humanitarian aid," said Sheikha Bodour, the daughter of the Ruler of Sharjah.
"As we stand by people who lost their homes and businesses, we should not forget how vital the cultural role played by Beirut’s libraries, art galleries and institutions has been – not only for Lebanon but the entire Arab region and the world," she said.
"Their revival will ensure the preservation and continuity of Lebanon’s rich cultural legacy and hopefully help the Lebanese people recover faster by bringing a sense of normalcy to the city."
Sheikha Bodour, also President of the International Publisher's Association, said the initiative aimed to send a message of solidarity to the Lebanese community, symbolising the sympathy of millions of Arabs for the ordeal the people of Lebanon were going through.
She also called on cultural and humanitarian organisations in the Arab region and the world to help revive the vibrant cultural scene the Lebanese capital is famous for.
"There are books, paintings and musical instruments that need shelter and care in order to continue enriching the lives of the Lebanese people," she said.
The Sharjah World Book Capital Office – Sheikha Bodour leads its Advisory Committee – will be leading the efforts to restore the three libraries.
The three are associated with Assabil – an organisation that promotes free and open access to public libraries in Lebanon.
Ziad Alwan, president of Assabil, thanked Sheikha Bodour for her support.
"We aspire to see a day when books and reading is ... freely to everybody, especially the younger generations on whom falls the responsibility of not only rebuilding Beirut, but also continuing the march towards education and enlightenment," said Mr Alwan.
"Initiatives such as Sheikha Bodour’s serve to give us the hope and determination to realise our aspirations."
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- At 9.16pm, three suicide attackers killed one person outside the Atade de France during a foootball match between France and Germany
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Starring: Amir El-Masry, Pierce Brosnan
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COMPANY%20PROFILE
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THE BIO
Mr Al Qassimi is 37 and lives in Dubai
He is a keen drummer and loves gardening
His favourite way to unwind is spending time with his two children and cooking
The Saga Continues
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Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
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if you go
The flights
Emirates have direct flights from Dubai to Glasgow from Dh3,115. Alternatively, if you want to see a bit of Edinburgh first, then you can fly there direct with Etihad from Abu Dhabi.
The hotel
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Located in the heart of Mackintosh's Glasgow, the Dakota Deluxe is perhaps the most refined hotel anywhere in the city. Doubles from Dh850
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Events and tours
There are various Mackintosh specific events throughout 2018 – for more details and to see a map of his surviving designs see glasgowmackintosh.com
For walking tours focussing on the Glasgow Style, see the website of the Glasgow School of Art.
More information
For ideas on planning a trip to Scotland, visit www.visitscotland.com
Surianah's top five jazz artists
Billie Holliday: for the burn and also the way she told stories.
Thelonius Monk: for his earnestness.
Duke Ellington: for his edge and spirituality.
Louis Armstrong: his legacy is undeniable. He is considered as one of the most revolutionary and influential musicians.
Terence Blanchard: very political - a lot of jazz musicians are making protest music right now.
White hydrogen: Naturally occurring hydrogen
Chromite: Hard, metallic mineral containing iron oxide and chromium oxide
Ultramafic rocks: Dark-coloured rocks rich in magnesium or iron with very low silica content
Ophiolite: A section of the earth’s crust, which is oceanic in nature that has since been uplifted and exposed on land
Olivine: A commonly occurring magnesium iron silicate mineral that derives its name for its olive-green yellow-green colour
