A huge crowd attends the SIFB opening ceremony.

The much-anticipated new edition of Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) 2019 opened to the public on Wednesday at the Sharjah Expo Centre.

His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, inaugurated the 38th edition of the book fair.

The Ruler of Sharjah delivered the opening speech. He spoke about importance of culture.

Ahmed Bin Rakad Al Ameri, Chairman of Sharjah Book Authority opened the event with an inspiring speech. 

Sheikh Sultan honoured Dar Al Khaleej, Press, Printing and Publishing House as the Sharjah International Book Fair media partner.

An Italian publishing house won the Sharjah Translation Award for translating a small book into Italian. The award was worth Dhs1.3 million.

The event will see the participation of 2,000 publishers from 81 countries at Sharjah Expo Centre.

It will continue till Nov.9. The SIBF 2019 brings together 173 authors from 68 Arab and foreign countries who will lead 987 activities presenting scientific, knowledge and literary themes.

In celebration of Sharjah World Book Capital 2019 title, the book fair has assumed its theme, ‘Open Books. Open Minds.’

By doing so, fair organiser, Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), highlights the emirate’s role in promoting books as the cornerstone of humankind’s true advancement.

The 38th edition of SIBF which celebrates the Republic of Mexico as a Guest of Honour, will bring together a host of Arab and international guests and celebrities including America’s most-loved host, Steve Harvey; Orhan Pamuk the first Turkish novelist to win the 2006 Nobel Prize for Literature; and the leadership guru, Robin Sharma.

The international guest list include Elisabetta Dami, a bestselling children’s author from Italy; Bernice L. McFadden, the American author of 10 critically acclaimed novels including the award-winning ‘The Book of Harlan’. From India, Poet and bestselling author Anita Nair; actor Gulshan Grover, and Jeet Thayil, an award-winning poet, novelist and musician whose first novel ‘Narcopolis’ was shortlisted for the 2012 Man Booker Prize for Fiction.

The Arab guest list includes Wasini Al Araj; Ahlam Mosteghanemi, Ahmed Murad; and Omani author Jokha Alharthi, the first Arabic-language writer to win the prestigious Booker International Prize, to name a few.

The 11-day SIBF 2019 cultural programme will feature 987 events ranging from book discussions and signings, theatre, social media events, kids and cookery activities, and more, in addition to plays, magic shows, and comics-based activities.

The 38th edition of SIBF has dedicated a staggering 409 activities to its Kids Programme. To be led by 28 guests from 13 Arab and foreign countries, the activity schedule will feature an array of educational, cultural and entertainment activities geared to promote children’s learning and creativity.

The Children’s Programme will feature activities conducted by entities and individuals from around the world including the UAE, USA, Italy, Lebanon, Greece, Jordan, Syria, Egypt and the Netherlands.

This year, SIBF broadens its cultural offerings with plays, magic shows, theatre performances, including: Wakanda, a black light theatre spectacle starring Hanadi Al Kandari, Tariq Al Harbi. In addition to a series of entertaining events presented for the first time including 3D printing, Mechatronics Laboratory, and conceptual photography.