Cardboard parcels filled the workspace of the postal service center during the third day of the Sharjah International Book Fair. Attendees from various countries utilized the facility managed by the National Network for Logistics, a unit of 7X, to send their acquisitions abroad. Khaleej Times observed that the stand serves as a crucial link for readers and institutions wanting to transport purchased volumes to their home nations.
Moataz Al Eid, the official in charge of the shipping operations, detailed the volume of parcels moving through the stand. He noted that daily shipments typically range from 700 to 800 books, but this figure can surge to between 1,000 and 1,500 during peak periods. Al Eid mentioned specific destinations for these Arabic titles, including France and Florida, illustrating the global demand for the region's literature.
The highest volume of shipping activity generally occurs in the final days of the event rather than the start. According to Al Eid, delegates from educational institutions and public libraries often spend the initial days reviewing publisher catalogs before finalizing their purchases. Some buyers arrive with precise lists of missing subjects, such as a European university library seeking specific academic gaps. Once these selections are made, the books are processed for international dispatch.
The majority of these exported volumes focus on educational content and cultural heritage. Al Eid explained that buyers frequently seek books detailing Arab traditions, history, and archaeological sites. He highlighted interest in specific nations like Morocco and Syria, where readers want to understand local heritage and historic landmarks. This literary interest often parallels travel planning, with visitors using books about Jordan, Oman, Saudi Arabia, or the UAE to identify sites for future visits.
When Khaleej Times inquired about the purpose of sending Arabic books overseas, Al Eid reported that buyers stated they translate them. This indicates that the publications serve as source material for translation projects or academic study in non-Arabic speaking regions. The shipping center thus facilitates the global dissemination of Arabic knowledge and culture.