Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) will launch the world’s first virtual reality book as part of the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival (SCRF) that will take place at Expo Centre Sharjah on April 20-30. Entitled Baba Zayed, this book, available in English and Arabic, will enable children from the United Arab Emirates read the virtual reality way.
The book will teach children about the brief biography of the Union, Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who is not just a politician but also a visionary. The book aimed to enhance national identity in the children of United Aram Emirates.
Ahmad Bin Rakkad Al Ameri, Chairman of SBA, said; “At Sharjah Book Authority, we strive to make the best use of technology to enhance culture and knowledge, especially in its application to children’s literature. With the launch of the digital publication Baba Zayed, we are seeking to utilise the latest development in expanding knowledge. This technology has been available in world markets for some time, but its uses until now have been limited to digital games and films. This book will be the first of its kind in the world that uses 3D VR Glasses to enable children to read and at the same time enjoy 360-degree interaction with the story.”
SBA began promoting the said book at KidZinia in Dubai Mall through different interactive stages that offer VR headsets with downloadable Baba Zayed content. The most awaited SCRF will bring not only children readers but also top authors of children’s books internationally to discuss ways on how to encourage young people to read.