Sharjah Int’l Book Fair to host an impressive 2,033 publishers from 108 nations
The 42nd installment of the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) has achieved a historic milestone by attracting the highest number of participating countries since its inception in 1981. This edition will play host to 2,033 publishers and exhibitors from 108 nations, both in the Arab and international spheres. They will collectively present an impressive array of 1.5 million titles, all to be showcased at the Expo Centre Sharjah from 1-12 November, WAM reports.
SIBF 2023, organised by the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) under the theme ‘We Speak Books,’ will bring together 600 authors from around the world to sign their new works. This is part of a comprehensive cultural, creative, and entertaining 12-day agenda that includes over 1,700 activities led by 215 guests from 69 countries targeting all age groups and diverse interests.
This year, SIBF celebrates South Korea as the Guest of Honour for the 42nd edition, showcasing the knowledge and cultural scene in fields such as literature, art, technology, and the culture of the Asian country. The cultural extravaganza will also host an exhibition in collaboration with the Portuguese University of Coimbra featuring 60 historical artefacts. Furthermore, the book fair has dedicated six interactive spaces to upskill visitors and enrich their knowledge.
This announcement was made during a press conference held at the SBA headquarters where Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of SBA; Moon Byung-iun, Consul General of the Republic of Korea in Dubai; Salem Al Ghaithi, Director of the Sharjah Broadcasting Authority; Khoula Al Mujaini, General Coordinator of SIBF; and Mansour AlHassani, Director of Publisher's Services at SBA, unveiled the agenda of the highly anticipated international event. The conference was also attended by Mohammed Al Amimi, Vice President Business Engagement & Customer Support, ‘Etisalat by e&’, as well as officials and media representatives.
Sharjah: The Silk Road for Publishers
During his keynote speech, Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of SBA, affirmed that Sharjah has become a hub connecting the East and West. This achievement is attributed to the vision of H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, who recognised the importance of knowledge and books in nation-building and the advancement of civilisations. Al Ameri pointed out that the emirate not only facilitates access to books for readers everywhere but also aspires to become the “Silk Road” for publishers worldwide. These achievements have been widely recognised and lauded globally.
Al Ameri said, “The emirate's relentless efforts have led to significant global milestones, guided by Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi, who has spearheaded the advancement of the publishing industry in Sharjah, the UAE, and the world. She has laid solid foundations for the development of the country's publishing sector. Today, she continues this journey as the Chairperson of SBA.”
Al Ameri concluded by saying, “Today, we are not only here to announce the details of SIBF 2023 but also to take a new step in a cultural project that has been evolving for forty-two years. This project emphasises that books are the cornerstone of developmental plans for countries in the region and globally. That's why we have chosen the theme 'We Speak Books' for the 42nd edition.”
During his speech at the press conference H.E, Moon Byung-iun, Consul General of the Republic of Korea said, “Korea’s methods of modernising its culture while preserving its past roots aligns perfectly with Sharjah’s values of supporting cultural creativity while preserving its local heritage and history. I believe that the cultural exchange between Sharjah and South Korea will continue to deepen and therefore open new paths of exchange that were never explored before. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Sharjah Book Authority for their amazing efforts to bring more than 20 South Korean authors, novelists, poets, calligraphers to Sharjah to exhibit their work and share their knowledge through talks, workshops and many more cultural programs.”
‘We Speak Books’
Reflecting on the SIBF 2023 slogan, Khoula Al Mujaini, General Coordinator of SIBF, said: “We Speak Books embodies SIBF’s comprehensive vision for the book and culture industry. It has evolved beyond an event for buying and selling books to become a global hub for exchanging expertise, ideas, and knowledge. It also serves as a platform for securing publishing and translation agreements and a forum for discussing literary, artistic, and intellectual issues, attracting a diverse audience from all segments of society, whether they are avid book readers or interested in creative industries related to books.”
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