If there is one quality that sparkles before the world, it is the UAE’s spirit of resilience in the face of challenges. The mere fact that Sharjah is going ahead with hosting a book fair speaks volumes for the tenacity of the nation to deal with hurdles, particularly after being hit by the pandemic.

The UAE has proven itself to be a model to the world when it comes to dealing with the novel coronavirus, thanks to the guidance of the country’s wise leadership, the cooperation between all authorities, and the community’s commitment and adherence to the precautionary measures to mitigate the spread of the virus.

For instance, the national economy of the UAE is strong and resilient and has the ability to overcome such crises.

The gradual opening of the economy and business activities shows that the nation does not knuckle under pressure.

The nation also believes in stimulating intellectual growth, stumbling blocks notwithstanding. Knowledge and education are handmaidens for solutions to challenges of every kind. Reading and literacy empowers communities. The power of resilience is also conveyed through books, but a good deal of it has to be inculcated. And that comes from the leaders, peers or friends, and family.

The ‘hybrid’ book fair will entail both physical visits along with online activity. Literature enthusiasts and book lovers from across the UAE can look forward to meeting more than 100 Arab and foreign authors who will sign their works for fans at the special Book Signing Corner set up at the 39th edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair.

Organised by Sharjah Book Authority under the theme, ‘The World Reads from Sharjah’, the 2020 edition of SIBF will be held from 4-14 November with publishers exhibiting their books at Expo Centre, Sharjah.

The virus will not deter organisers from going ahead with literary discussions, workshops, creative and artistic events.

The events will be held keeping in line with the health and safety measures that the nation has chalked out for its residents and visitors.

A host of writers from the West and the Middle East, including Emirati authors, will be headlining the event.

It all boils down to the national spirit and culture. At the inaugural event of last year’s book fair, His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, said culture requires patience to develop and have a lasting impact on society.

“Forty years ago, Sharjah was not what you see today,” he said. “No one foresaw the tremendous cultural achievements, which Sharjah has attained. We began with a clear vision of where we were headed, and had the determination to get there. Culture is cultivated through patience as I have learnt personally.

“For us, being on a vibrant and inclusive cultural path was the surest guarantee of creating stable, learned and advanced communities, of building a sustainable economy on the foundation of knowledge, science and innovation. Such lofty aspirations can never be fulfilled without the power of books and learning.”

It goes without saying that the UAE has responded to the pandemic with a global praiseworthy attitude, which has enabled it to continue with many cultural programmes without putting participants at risk by quickly seeing that events adapt to the virtual online space – and pace.

Indeed, it has knuckled down to see that things are as normal as possible despite the virus making life abnormal. Exchange of ideas and exploring cultural dialogue helps in strengthening ties between people – and by extension – countries. It is this exchange that helps provide the bulwark of resilience to any impediments, thereby leading to a culturally healthy and innovative society.