Year: 2026

June 6, 2026 : China’s services trade expanded 4.9 percent year-on-year in the first four months of 2026, with exports of travel and knowledge-intensive services reporting particularly strong growth, according to data released by the Ministry of Commerce on Friday.

The total value of service imports and exports reached nearly 2.49 trillion yuan (about US$364.65 billion) from January to April this year, according to the data.

Throughout the period, travel service exports grew at the fastest rate of any service export sector, rising 30.4 percent to 147.15 billion yuan.

Knowledge-intensive services trade rose 5.1 percent year on year to 1.1 trillion yuan during the same period, accounting for 44.4 percent of all service trade. Notably, exports of cultural and entertainment services and the charges for the use of intellectual property surged 39.5 percent and 20.8 percent, respectively.

Abudhabi , June 4,v2026 : Oil prices fell during early Asian trading on Thursday, reversing some of the sharp gains recorded in the previous session.

Brent crude futures declined by 67 cents, or 0.69%, to trade at $97.14 a barrel. Meanwhile, US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures dropped 62 cents, or 0.65%, to reach $95.40 a barrel.

The early morning decline is reportedly driven by profit-taking from commodity traders following the sharp price surge late Wednesday.

Geneva, June 4, 2026 : The World Health Organisation (WHO) has confirmed that efforts to combat the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) are showing signs of progress, though significant challenges remain in testing, surveillance, vaccine deployment, and community trust.

Speaking at a press briefing in Geneva on Wednesday, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus commended the DRC government’s commitment to fighting the deadly virus, which has also crossed borders into neighbouring Uganda.

He noted that observations made during his recent field visit to the DRC provided strong hope for the eventual success of the containment strategies.

The DRC has so far confirmed 344 cases, including 60 fatalities. However, epidemiologists report that suspected cases have dropped sharply from over 1,000 last week to 116, as field teams successfully clear testing backlogs to provide a clearer picture of the outbreak’s trajectory.

Dubai , June 4, 2026 :  The UAE remains one of the world’s most attractive real estate investment destinations in spite of the recent regional challenges, according to a new global survey commissioned by Arada.

Arada’s UAE Property Investment Index, which was conducted by US-based Penta Group, ranked the country as the top investment destination, with 56 percent of global investors expressing serious interest in the UAE’s property market, more than any other market surveyed, and ahead of the United States (54 percent), the United Kingdom (41 percent), France (28 percent) and Spain (27 percent).

Conducted between 1st April to 23rd April across 12 key markets, the survey of 689 established property investors is the first piece of major research conducted into international buyer sentiment about the UAE real estate market.

Findings from Arada’s UAE Property Investment Index show that familiarity with opportunities in the UAE’s real estate sector, at 51 percent, is on a par with that of the UK and US, at 51 percent and 53 percent respectively.

The UAE’s appeal is particularly pronounced for investors in nearby markets, with 91 percent of Indian investors, 92 percent of Egyptian investors and 85 percent of Saudi investors citing the country as a top-three destination.

Among European investors, the UAE was the top choice outside the home country for French investors at 63 percent, German investors at 60 percent and Swiss investors at 57 percent.

Strong potential returns are the number one investment driver globally at 38 percent, with Australian investors at 57 percent, Spanish investors at 56 percent and British investors at 41 percent all ranking return potential as their primary consideration.

Safety and stability is the defining factor for Chinese investors at 65 percent and German investors at 58 percent, while the UAE’s regulatory framework, political stability and transparent property laws make it one of the world’s most trusted environments for property investment.

Ease of purchase and ownership was cited by 34 percent of respondents overall, rising to 57 percent among Saudi investors and 41 percent among Egyptian investors, reflecting the UAE’s reputation as a low-barrier, investor-friendly market.

Ahmed Alkhoshaibi, Group CEO of Arada, said, “These findings confirm what we have observed in our own sales performance – that despite recent headwinds international investors recognise the UAE’s structural advantages in regulatory maturity, track record of performance, and stable economic fundamentals. Continued adaptation has been key to the UAE’s rise as a global investment destination – whether it’s the pandemic or the financial crisis, this country has demonstrated time and again that it adjusts fast and better than anywhere else in the world.”

Taken together, the findings paint a compelling picture of the UAE’s position in the global investment landscape, showing a market that leads on the factors investors care about most: returns, stability, tax efficiency and accessibility.

Publication of the research also comes as the UAE announces record infrastructure investments, including the AED34 billion Dubai Metro Gold Line, the world’s first commercial air taxi network, and the AED6 billion Fourth Federal Corridor to cut congestion between Emirates and boost connectivity across the country.

For Arada, whose project pipeline exceeds AED130 billion globally and whose communities are designed to deliver the lifestyle appeal, quality and long-term value that international buyers increasingly demand, the research validates both the strength of the UAE market and the company’s strategy of expanding into similarly high-potential markets.

Dubai, June 04, 2026 : The Heart of Europe, an idyllic staycation destination at The World Islands in Dubai, is bringing Italy to Arabian shores with its Portofino Festival, a picturesque celebration of Italian beauty featuring gourmet cuisine, vibrant culture, and iconic music. Running from June 5 to June 27, 2026, the Portofino Festival promises an authentic Italian experience across three of The Heart of Europe’s hotels: voco Dubai Monaco, voco Dubai Nice, and Sweden Beach Palace.

It is the third European-themed festival hosted at The Heart of Europe this year, following European Ramadan and Tunaria – an ongoing bluefin tuna culinary experience inspired by Spanish fishing traditions that continues every Friday due to popular demand following its official conclusion in May.

During Portofino Festival, staycationers will be treated to a welcome Lobby Show featuring a dazzling showcase of Italian culture. A Lagoon Pool Party will have DJs spinning dance music at the Lagoon Barin the afternoon. The Stardust Pizza Show will feature live pizza-making performances by acclaimed Italian chefs and an authentic aperitivo culture with appetisers and drinks to keep guests entertained throughout the evening. The Benvenuto A Portofino Gala Dinner will welcome guests to dine under the showers of the Raining Street, accompanied by interactive performances from 7:30pm onwards. 

The night will get livelier with Rouge Underground Experience – a duo of shows that will set the tone for a dazzling late-night experience. It includes Nocturna, an avant-garde cabaret performance at 10pm. At the stroke of midnight, the Stardust Late Show will introduce guests to an enigmatic, intimate underground atmosphere amplified by immersive performances, music, and elevated nightlife energy.  

The following morning, guests can enjoy a lavish breakfast featuring fresh pastries, rich coffee, and Italian breakfast specialties at the Buongiorno Breakfast Show, which also includes an immersive ‘Breakfast in the Rain’. They can then unwind at pools or engage in aqua aerobics, gym sessions, and wellness activities.

During the Portofino Festival, The Heart of Europe will be dressed in the vibrant colours of Italy, evoking the infectious energy of Portofino. With heat at its peak and the summer vacation round the corner, the island masterplan presents itself as a refreshing staycation destination for the UAE residents who prefer unwinding at local luxury retreats to the hassle of flights and international holiday itineraries.

Josef Kleindienst, the founder and chairman of Kleindienst Group, said that The Heart of Europe is a manifestation of belongingness, giving the UAE residents a destination they can visit and call their own. The island draws inspiration from Josef Kleindienst’s visits to island retreats in Europe, and it stands unique by connecting people through culture and interactive experiences.

“There are similar island retreats in Germany and Italy; however, they are usually inhabited by locals. In Dubai, where diversity brims at every nook and corner, we wanted to build a place that unites people of all nationalities. They can come here to thrive in the thrill of music, connect over gastronomic penchants, unwind and bask in nature’s goodness, and create many memories that will keep them revisiting,” Josef Kleindienst said.

“Portofino Festival is one of our many initiatives that elevates The Heart of Europe into a destination from a piece of ultra-luxury real estate. It reveals the wonders of the world, showcasing different cultures that shape identities, and welcomes visitors to discover traditions through meaningful experiences. During the festival, we promise our guests an enticing stay featuring Italian traditions and performances rooted in authenticity,” he added.

The festival is the third lifestyle offering exclusively developed by NuArt after European Ramadan and Tunaria at The Heart of Europe. NuArt is an Italian event concept and show production companyspecialising in curating interactive entertainment inspired by fashion and art.

Rodolfo Diaz Utra, Art Director at NuArt Events, emphasised that Portofino Festival is essentially an authentic reflection of Italian culture, harmoniously blending food, art, dance, and music in a visually appealing package for hotel guests.

“We are excited for guests to discover a thoughtfully packaged day-to-night Italian lifestyle at The Heart of Europe. From gourmet cuisine to inspiring art and captivating music, each event has been designed to deliver an authentic experience full of memories,” Rodolfo said.

A discerning demand for domestic travel and staycations is shaping the tourism industry in the UAE. Following the recent flight disruptions, there has been a surge in interest among residents for local destinations that offer immersive and rejuvenating experiences. 

UAE domestic tourism is a rapidly expanding pillar of the national economy, with domestic visitors contributing over Dh57 billion in annual spending, according to a UAE Government report, that says, “Driven by the UAE Strategy for Domestic Tourism, residents enjoy a seamless mix of natural reserves, cultural heritage sites, and world-class staycations.”

According to a survey conducted by Platinumlist, an online entertainment ticketing platform, 63 per cent of residents planned hotel staycations for the recent Eid holidays, while 73 per cent expected to spend the weekend within the country.

Aligning with the current trends, The Heart of Europe offers a new twist to experiential living. As the mercury keeps rising in the Gulf, it is customary for many residents to resort to cooler European summers every year. The Heart of Europe is disrupting this market trend by bringing the beauty and ambience of European countries to the UAE instead, presenting itself as the go-to island paradise for vacationers.

This is ideal for those who have been seeking a destination to relax as well as enjoy authentic cultural experiences from different parts of the world – all at the same time and at the same place. The Heart of Europe has started to bring the best of the world’s authentic cultures and cuisines in one place for people to go out, stay, and taste.

The Heart of Europe is a uniquely designed holiday destination that encompasses six islands, each inspired by the glamour and luxury of European countries. It is a 30-minute boat ride from mainland Dubai, thereby positioning itself as an exotic island escape. Pristine waters, eclectic marine life, and lush greenery surround the shores of each island. Floating villas frequent close to the islands, each featuring breath-taking views of the underwater world. A meticulously engineered Raining Street creates a breezy atmosphere for hotel guests, offering a glimpse of European showers.

Portofino Festival is part of a series of lifestyle activities planned by The Heart of Europe for the coming months. The destination will feature some of the world’s firsts, including the already operational Raining Street, the Snow Plaza which is under construction, and the floating homes with underwater bedrooms. The masterplan has ensured that the marine ecosystem remains unaffected by establishing the Coral Institute. Sustainability is a core aspect of its design, with solar-powered operations facilitated at every property.

Guests can also sample hot day treats from a lemonade kiosk and gelato station while making a beeline for Italian bubbles in the stylish lighthouse surroundings of the Prosecco chambers – or a range of authentic refreshments at bar beside the olive garden.

Time it right and a guest could catch one of the regular aquatic ballet shows at the performance pool to complete an unforgettable, chic waterfront lifestyle experience for all-year-round fun and relaxation. Just six kilometres from Dubai’s mainland, The Heart of Europe is set to appeal to UAE residents, seeking European culture without taking a flight.

Dubai, June 3, 2026: Technology giant Lenovo has announced a near real-time AI-powered infrastructure platform for the FIFA World Cup 2026™, aimed at delivering ultra-low-latency video distribution, intelligent content delivery, and advanced operational support for what is expected to be the biggest tournament in football history.

As the tournament expands to 48 teams across three host countries and is projected to engage around six billion fans worldwide, Lenovo will provide critical technology infrastructure to support broadcasting, event management, and fan engagement.

As FIFA’s Official Technology Partner, Lenovo will deploy advanced servers at the International Broadcast Center in Dallas, Texas, helping power one of the largest broadcast operations ever undertaken for a FIFA World Cup™. More than 17,000 Lenovo and Motorola devices, supported by over 200 engineers across venues and team training sites, will contribute to tournament operations.

A key innovation is Lenovo’s IPTV infrastructure, which has reduced broadcast delays to less than five seconds, allowing near real-time access to live match action. Lenovo ThinkSystem SR635 V3 servers will process and distribute match feeds from stadiums across North America through ten channels to more than 1,000 screens located throughout FIFA venues, including fan zones, media centers, and VIP areas.

AI-Powered Tournament Operations

Lenovo’s technology will also support FIFA’s Technology Command Center in Miami and the Tournament Operation Center throughout the tournament. These facilities will act as central hubs for monitoring and managing the event’s technology ecosystem in near real-time.

Ashley Gorakhpurwalla, President of Infrastructure Solutions at Lenovo, said the company’s AI infrastructure is helping redefine the World Cup experience through near real-time highlights, multiple viewing angles, and advanced insights delivered at global scale.

FIFA Director of Technology, Nacho Fresco, said Lenovo’s solutions are helping meet the strict low-latency requirements essential for live production and operational efficiency at the expanded tournament.

Enhancing the Fan Experience

The company is introducing several AI-driven innovations designed to improve fan engagement and match understanding. These include AI-generated 3D player avatars that provide real-time visual explanations of complex decisions such as offside calls, helping fans better understand match officiating.

Additional technologies being deployed include:

• AI-powered navigation systems to reduce crowd congestion at venues.
• Stabilized “Referee View” camera feeds offering first-person perspectives with significantly reduced motion distortion.
• Immersive digital and holographic fan experiences across tournament venues.

AI Tools for All 48 Teams

Lenovo will also roll out the FIFA AI Pro platform, an AI-powered knowledge assistant that provides tactical and analytical insights to coaches, players, and analysts. The platform will be made available to all 48 participating teams, helping broaden access to elite-level football analytics.

Special FIFA World Cup 2026™ Devices

To mark the tournament, Lenovo is launching a range of FIFA World Cup 2026™ Special Edition devices featuring exclusive branding. The collection includes smartphones, laptops, tablets, and gaming devices across Lenovo and Motorola product lines.

The announcement underscores Lenovo’s growing role in sports technology, with the company expanding its AI infrastructure, edge computing, and real-time operational solutions to support major global sporting events.

With FIFA World Cup 2026™ set to become the largest edition of the tournament ever staged, Lenovo’s technology will form a central part of the event’s digital backbone, supporting broadcasting, operations, and fan experiences on an unprecedented scale.

Dubai , June 3 , 2026 : The Eid in Dubai – Shop, Scan & Win Rewards Campaign has concluded by awarding AED 200,000 in cash prizes to 25 lucky shoppers, adding excitement to this year’s Eid Al Adha celebrations across Dubai.

The campaign, which ran from May 18 to 31, encouraged residents and visitors to shop at participating malls and community destinations across the emirate while enjoying the festive spirit of Eid Al Adha.

A total of 25 winners shared the AED 200,000 prize pool through raffle draws held on May 27, 28, 29 and June 1. Five winners received AED 15,000 each, another five won AED 10,000 each, while fifteen shoppers took home AED 5,000 each.

The promotion was hosted across 14 retail and community destinations in Dubai, including Al Ghurair Centre, Silicon Central, Bay Avenue, Arabian Center, Dubai Festival Plaza, Al Khail Gate Community Centre, Shorooq Community Centre, Serena Marketplace, Villanova, Mudon Community Centre, Souk Al Seef, and New West Zone Malls in Al Khail Gate and Al Mizhar.

Speaking on the success of the campaign, Baiju Kurieash, CEO of BUZ Management & Marketing Consulting LLC, said the response from shoppers had been exceptional, reflecting strong engagement across participating malls and community destinations.

He noted that the campaign’s digital platform, RaffleTech, helped deliver a seamless and transparent customer experience while enhancing excitement during the Eid shopping season. He also thanked partner malls, retailers and shoppers for contributing to the campaign’s success.

The initiative highlighted the growing role of technology-driven customer engagement in the retail sector. Powered by RaffleTech’s digital raffle platform, shoppers were able to participate easily while ensuring a transparent winner selection process.

Organised by BUZ Management, a partner of the Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), the campaign formed part of the official Eid in Dubai programme and contributed to the city’s vibrant retail calendar by encouraging residents and visitors to explore participating destinations during the festive season.

Dubai , June 2, 2026 : Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) recorded total
ridership of 8.2 million across public transport and mobility services
during Eid Al-Adha holiday 1447 AH / 2026, from Monday, 25 th May,
to Friday, 29 th May.
Dubai Metro’s Red and Green Lines carried 3.3 million riders during
the holiday, while Dubai Tram served 114,300 riders. Public buses
transported 1.73 million riders, and marine transport services
registered 304,300 riders.
Taxi services, including Dubai Taxi and franchise company vehicles,
transported 2.3 million riders. Shared mobility services, including
smart app vehicles, hourly rental vehicles and Bus-On-Demand,
recorded 402,700 riders.

Sharjah , June 1, 2026 : The Sharjah FDI Office (Invest in Sharjah), in collaboration with PwC, convened leading public and private sector entities to assess the emirate’s investment position and identify opportunities emerging from global economic shifts.
The high-level seminar was held at Al Bait Al Westi in the historic Heart of Sharjah, and carried
the theme “Sharjah’s Economic Resilience: Unlocking Opportunities Amid Global Shifts.”
Discussions focused on strengthening cross-sector integration and reinforcing competitiveness
across an array of sectors.
Participants, who represented key sectors like aviation & logistics, real estate, manufacturing,
financial services, and hospitality, alongside representatives of government entities, business
councils, and academic institutions – also explored plausible pathways to sustain growth by
reigniting investment momentum.

A resilient economy and sustainable growth
Sharjah’s economic landscape was a central focus of the session, with discussions examining
the factors underpinning stability and continuity across its markets and free zones amid
accelerating global shifts. Participants stressed that the emirate’s economic model is anchored
in a diversified base of growth-supporting sectors, advanced infrastructure, and a stable
population that reinforces domestic demand and sustains economic activity.
The discussion also highlighted how Sharjah’s development model has translated into strong
economic performance in 2025, with foreign direct investment projects increasing by 45%,
capital investments rising by 8.8%, and employment opportunities growing by 25.7% compared
with the previous year – according to data from “fDi Markets – Financial Times”. The figures
reflect the strength of the emirate’s economic structure, the effectiveness of its supporting
policies, and Sharjah’s ability to sustain growth momentum while enhancing its investment
appeal.
High-quality opportunities and strategic partnerships
H.E. Ahmed Obaid Al Qaseer, CEO of Shurooq, said: “Sharjah has built an investment
environment that remains steady and confident in the face of global change. This strength is the
result of a clear development vision, close alignment between the public and private sectors,
and an economy shaped by diverse sectors that continue to support one another. At Shurooq,
and through Invest in Sharjah, our role is to bring these strengths together, identify where
opportunity is emerging, and convert market confidence into practical partnerships that advance
the emirate’s long-term growth.”
For his part, H.E. Mohamed Juma Al Musharrkh, CEO of “Invest in Sharjah”, said: “Markets that
sustain investment appeal and stable growth are those that build integrated economic systems
capable of absorbing change and turning it into long-term opportunity. In Sharjah, we are
focused on strengthening these connections across sectors, supporting consistent performance,
and providing investors with a well-defined and scalable environment.”
He added: “Sharjah’s strength lies in its ability to turn regional and global economic shifts into
lasting opportunities through strong institutional partnerships and efficient processes. This
reinforces its position within global value chains and enables investors to create sustainable
value beyond short-term fluctuations.”
Khaled Bin Braik, UAE Country Senior Partner at PwC, said: “Investor confidence follows
fundamentals, and Sharjah’s fundamentals are strong. A diversified economy, clear policy
direction, and real alignment between public and private sectors. At PwC Middle East, we see
this directly as businesses increasingly prioritise stability, connectivity, and long-term growth
potential. Sharjah delivers on all three and our clients are committing to it. That is the clearest
signal of confidence an economy can receive.”
Sharjah’s unique advantages amid current regional developments

The seminar highlighted Sharjah’s “unique value propositions” which present opportunities amid
current regional developments, including alternative transport modes. Khorfakkan Port, located
on the Gulf of Oman, together with strong transport links to the northern emirates and Oman
reinforce Sharjah’s role as a “resilient alternative logistics hub”. Sharjah recently launched a
new logistics corridor linking the emirate with major ports in Oman, following a new Sharjah-
Saudi multimodal logistics corridor to accelerate cargo flow and reduce transit times.
Another advantage that was highlighted is Sharjah’s competitive cost base compared to
elsewhere in the UAE, with lower start-up costs in both free zones and mainland, commercial
rents 40% lower and office rents up to 60% less. This “cost resilience” is particularly significant
“during a period of input cost inflation” and “especially suitable” for industrial and logistics
businesses. The seminar also demonstrated how investors can optimise operations by co-
locating within sector-specific zones to benefit from close proximity to suppliers.
Alongside the local economic outlook, discussions also examined global economic trends and
emerging investment models, highlighting opportunities across Sharjah’s key sectors, including
food and beverages, consumer products, business services, manufacturing, technology, and
logistics. The session also explored the emirate’s appeal to investors and entrepreneurs across
sectors, including real estate, in line with the strong momentum Sharjah continues to see in this
area.
Around 75% of investment projects progressed to operational stages in 2025, while the real
estate sector recorded 29,235 transactions in the first quarter of 2026, reflecting an 18.9%
increase compared with the same period last year.
The session featured participation of prominent leaders from leading entities across the
emirate, including, including Sheikh Fahim bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Department of
Government Relations and the Higher Committee for Economic Integration in the Emirate of
Sharjah; H.E. Ahmed Hamad Rashid Matar Al Suwaidi, Assistant Secretary General of The
Sharjah Executive Council; H.E. Hamad Ali Abdalla Al Mahmoud, Chairman of the Sharjah
Economic Development Department; H.E. Ali Ahmed Ali Abughazayain, Chairman of the
Sharjah Fish Resources Authority; H.E. Najla Al Midfa, Vice-Chairperson of the Sharjah
Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa); H.E. Khamis Al Mazrouei, CEO of Sharjah National Oil
Corporation (SNOC); Omar Al Mulla CEO of Osool Investments at Sharjah Asset Management
Holding, and Saif Alsuwaidi, Director Of the Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone, alongside
representatives from business councils, educational institutions, and the hospitality sector in the
emirate.

Warsaw, June 01, 2026, Young readers took centre stage at the Warsaw International Book Fair 2026 as Emirati author Nadia Al Najjar and Polish author Paulina Płatkowska led an interactive storytelling session that highlighted the ability of children’s literature to connect cultures, experiences and imaginations across borders.
Held as part of Sharjah’s Guest of Honour programme, the session, titled “Between East and
West”, brought together children and families for a lively exchange of stories inspired by nature,
family, identity and everyday life. Rather than a traditional author talk, the event evolved into a
collaborative reading and storytelling experience that encouraged young participants to engage
directly with both writers.
Al Najjar immediately drew children into the conversation by inviting them to guess where she
had travelled from before introducing Dubai as her home city. Using illustrations and readings
from several of her books, she guided the audience through stories rooted in the UAE’s natural
environment, including Ghafatan, which centres on the ghaf tree, the UAE’s national tree. The
discussion introduced children to the Emirati desert, its climate and landscapes, while
encouraging comparisons between life in the UAE and Poland.
Describing the desert as a defining part of Emirati identity, Al Najjar explained how its extremes
of heat and cold inspire imagination and provide rich material for children’s stories. She also
spoke about Qamar, a story inspired by her family’s experience with pet cats, demonstrating
how ordinary moments can be transformed into meaningful narratives for young readers.
Another title featured a deaf girl and explored the role of sign language and communication
within families. Al Najjar explained how stories can help children understand experiences
different from their own while encouraging empathy and inclusion.

One of the session’s most memorable moments came when Al Najjar asked how many children
enjoyed reading and writing. Hands immediately shot into the air before one young attendee
revealed that she had already written a book of her own, although it had not yet been published.
Al Najjar invited the aspiring young author onto the stage to share her story with the audience.
The girl explained that her book follows a child who wakes up one morning to discover that
everyone around her, including her parents, has disappeared. The spontaneous exchange
transformed the session into a collective storytelling exercise, with children actively contributing
ideas and reflections.
Responding to Al Najjar’s presentation, Płatkowska reflected on the similarities between their
creative journeys. She noted that Qamar reminded her of a cat she cares for at home and
revealed that the first book she wrote was also centred on a tree, creating an unexpected
connection with Ghafatan.
Płatkowska also spoke about the influence of nature on her work, describing plants and forests
as a constant source of inspiration. Living in a home surrounded by woodland, she explained
that the natural world often becomes a central character in her stories rather than simply a
backdrop.
Reflecting on her beginnings as a writer, Płatkowska revealed that her daughter was the first
reader of her work. Many of her stories, she said, grew out of shared family experiences before
eventually finding their way into published books.
The session reflected Sharjah’s wider Guest of Honour programme at the Warsaw International
Book Fair, which uses literature, dialogue and creative exchange to build cultural connections
between the Arab world and Europe while encouraging young readers to see stories as a
shared space for discovery and imagination.