‘Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor – The Autobiography’ won a prestigious award at the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF), on November 6, 2013. The real life account of the Al Habtoor Group Chairman’s life, was awarded ‘Best International Book on Business and Economics’. It was selected by a panel of independent judges.
The award was presented by His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, at the international book fair. It was accepted on behalf of Mr Al Habtoor by Ian Fairservice, CEO and founder of Motivate Publishing, publisher of the best-selling autobiography.
Al Habtoor said, “It is lovely to see my life story win such a prestigious award. My hope is for the book to become an educational tool to be used in schools and universities.”
The autobiography, co-written by Linda S. Heard, was launched in the region in 2012, and it has already hit the best-sellers lists at various bookstores through the GCC. There are two versions of the book; one in English and one in Arabic.
Most recently, the book was introduced to an international audience in its UK debut at high-end retailer Harrods, in Knightsbridge, London in October.
Al Habtoor said, “It took nearly two years of hard work to write the book. I am happy to see it receive so much interest from readers all over the world.”
The Sharjah International Book Fair, in its 32nd edition, showcased more than 400,000 books written in 180 languages. It featured more than 1,000 exhibitors from 53 countries.