The second Sharjah Arabian Stamp Exhibition yesterday at Mega Mall in Sharjah, with the focus this year on the GCC.

The event is being held under the patronage of Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, chairman of Sharjah Media Corporation. For the second year in a row, du is supporting the event as main sponsor.

Attending the exhibition’s opening ceremony on behalf of du was Ahmad Aburahima, Vice President, Government Relations.

“Sharjah is a well-recognised regional cultural hub, and we are delighted to support the GCC-focused Sharjah Arabian Stamp Exhibition for the second consecutive year,” said Ahmad Aburahima.

“We believe this event upholds the vision of HH Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, to establish the emirate as a centre of excellence in Arabic and Islamic culture. We wish the organisers the best of luck and success in achieving their goals with this event.”

Organised by the Emirates Philatelic Association (EPA), stamp collectors from the UAE and across the Gulf will be displaying collections until Saturday.

The collections will help show how the postal service in the region rapidly developed as it become a globally important trading hub.

New for this year is the inclusion of a competition for those taking part with a jury from the EPA handing out prizes for the best displays.

Children will also be encouraged to get more involved and will have the chance to design a postcard with the winning pictures being printed and distributed officially by the EPA.

Anyone between the age of five and 15 will be handed a blank card on which to create their favourite traditional scene – as the country prepares to celebrate its 40th birthday.

EPA president Abdulla Khoory said: “It is fantastic to be back for the second year after all the success we had when this event was launched.

“The feedback we had from people coming to the exhibition in year one was very positive and we hope to see them all back for 2011.

“With the added features this time we are all very hopeful to get even more people interested and involved. It is a fascinating hobby and can help really educate the public – both young and old. “