Sheikh Sultan speaks during the launch of the German edition of 'Bibi Fatima' in Frankfurt, Germany. WAM

His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, has announced a cooperation agreement with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), for the translation of various literary works from Arabic into other languages and vice versa.

The agreement will be signed during the upcoming Sharjah International Book Fair on Oct.30.

The announcement was made during a speech by Sheikh Sultan on Wednesday, at the launch of the German language edition of the book, 'Bibi Fatima and the King's Sons,' authored by Dr. Sheikh Sultan, during a ceremony in Frankfurt.

Sheikh Sultan visited on Wednesday Frankfurt Book Fair held in Frankfurt until Oct.20.

During his tour in the fair, His Highness visited the Emirati Publishers Association pavilion, talked to Emirati publishers and authors, and discussed with the mechanisms of the book industry in the UAE where he confirmed his continuous support to the Emirati publishers, authors and cultural and literature scene in the UAE.

Sheikh Sultan also directed several initiatives that would support the publishing industry in the UAE.

He later visited the Sharjah pavilion held under Sharjah Book Authority, where he met several authors from around the world and explored the books of the pavilion participating entities such as Department of Culture, Al Qasimi Publications, Sharjah Publishing City, Kalimat Publishing Group, and the translation grant programme.

This is the 21st participation of Sharjah at the 300 years old Frankfurt Book Fair, which is considered as one of the oldest and most prestigious book fairs around the world.

He later toured the fair pavilions visiting several Emirati, Arab and international publishing houses and exploring the latest Arabic books and cultural contributions.

The Sharjah Ruler also met with George Olms, CEO of Olms publishing; and Dr. Günter Meyer, Chairman of the Centre for Research on the Arab World. The latter thanked His Highness for his cultural and literature contributions and presented him and his contributions to the audience.

Amidst great attendance of several German intellectuals and readers, His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah inked his signature on copies of his books, for a large number of visitors.

WAM