SBA highlights Sharjah’s initiatives at Cairo book fair

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

As part of its participation in Cairo International Book Fair’s 55th annual edition, Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) is leading several meetings, book launches, and discussions to inform publishers and other industry professionals from 70 participating countries about the latest developments in the vibrant cultural and literary landscape of Sharjah and the UAE. 

Themed “Creating Knowledge, Preserving the Word,” the book fair runs from January 24 — February 6, and SBA has taken the opportunity to highlight key current and upcoming initiatives under “Sharjah’s Cultural Project,” which have been envisioned by Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, to promote the sustainable growth of the publishing industry, as well as foster community’s love for literary and creative pursuits.

The SBA pavilion received Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly and Egyptian Culture Minister Niveen El-Kilany, in addition to officials, dignitaries, and prominent authors.

On behalf of the Ruler of Sharjah, Ahmed Al Ameri presented a signed copy of the Sultan of History encyclopaedia, which is the 84th work authored by Sheikh Sultan to Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi, in recognition of his role in promoting culture in Egypt and the Arab world.

The Prime Minister, accepting the gift on behalf of President Al Sisi, expressed gratitude and appreciation for this valuable gift.

Al Ameri also presented two signed copies each to the Prime Minister, and the Minister of Culture.

Madbouly lauded Sheikh Sultan’s impactful contribution towards enriching the Arab culture and fostering links between Arab heritage and global cultures.

He praised Sharjah for its innovative cultural initiatives that uplift communities by investing in knowledge and the creative sectors within the Arab world.

Sharjah Book Authority is committed to supporting institutions and events that champion knowledge, education, culture.

For her part, the Minister of Culture highlighted the importance of the UAE’s involvement in this edition of the fair, pointing out that it demonstrates the strong connection between the two nations.

She also underscored the continuous growth in cultural collaborations and exchanges in art and literature, which continue to strengthen these ties.

Ahmed Al Ameri affirmed that the Cairo International Book Fair is an important platform for publishers, and guided by the visions of Sheikh Sultan, Sharjah is committed to supporting institutions and events that champion knowledge, education and culture – not just in the Arab world, but globally.

He emphasised that the advancement of Arab creative industries requires collaborative efforts and expanded joint work to turn challenges into opportunities, leading a comprehensive Arab cultural renaissance that goes beyond publishing, translation, and authorship to build societies capable of contributing to sustainable development.

As part of its participation, SBA is providing a welcoming platform to publishers from 70 countries attending the book fair, offering invaluable opportunities for collaboration and communication that are made available through events such as the Sharjah International Book Fair. Acknowledged as the world’s largest book fair for three consecutive years, this event features crucial components such as the Publishers’ Conference, Libraries Conference, and International Distributors’

Conference. These forums facilitate transactions and partnerships involving the buying and selling of publishing and translation rights, fostering the global exchange of knowledge among stakeholders in the book industry and readers alike.

Additionally, the Authority is showcasing the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival, designed to nurture the skills and talents of children and youth across scientific, literary, and creative domains.

Recently, the SBA continued advancing Sharjah’s cultural connectedness and exchange with the Arab region and the world.

At its pavilion, the SBA showcased the latest works of Emirati and Arab publishers and cultural institutions.