SBA Highlights Sharjah’s Cultural Project At The 38th Guadalajara International Book Fair

The Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) showcased the emirate's cultural prominence at the 38th Guadalajara International Book Fair (FIL) in Mexico. The SBA engaged in strategic discussions to explore collaboration and highlight Sharjah's unique cultural heritage. Led by Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of SBA, the delegation met with Marisol Schulz Manaut, Director-General of FIL, to discuss partnerships in publishing and distribution.

During these meetings, the focus was on strengthening ties between Sharjah and Mexico. They aimed to build connections with the Sharjah International Book Fair and introduce Arabic culture to broader audiences. This aligns with SBA's commitment to fostering international cultural cooperation through strategic partnerships.

SBA also engaged with José Manuel from the Spanish Publishers Association in Madrid. Discussions centred on enhancing cultural ties between Sharjah and Madrid. Plans included formalising collaboration through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), covering key areas like publishing, translation, and broader cultural initiatives.

This MoU aims to enhance partnerships with prominent cultural institutions and promote expertise exchange within the publishing sector. It reflects SBA's dedication to advancing international cultural cooperation and expanding global literary connections.

Aligned with Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi's vision, SBA facilitated participation of graduates from its Launch Track training programme at FIL. This initiative allowed participants to explore Latin American literature for potential Arabic translations, enriching dialogue between Arab and Latin American cultures.

Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri commented on SBA’s participation: "FIL is one of the key platforms for amplifying Arab and Emirati cultural presence in Latin America and among Spanish-speaking audiences." He emphasised that this builds on Sharjah’s success as Guest of Honour at FIL 2022.

Networking Opportunities

The event provided valuable networking opportunities for writers and publishers. It enabled discussions with prominent Latin American and Spanish literary figures, opening new horizons for Emirati authors to benefit from diverse global literary experiences.

Mansoor Al Hassani, Director of Publisher Services at SBA, stated: "SBA shares strong ties with FIL, established in 1987 as the world’s largest Spanish-language publishing hub." This year’s participation focused on championing Emirati and Arab culture while showcasing literary icons.

Engaging Publishers

SBA engaged Mexican and Latin American publishers during its participation. They provided an overview of the Sharjah International Book Fair and highlighted unique opportunities it offers for advancing the publishing industry and promoting cultural exchange.

SBA also showcased year-round events like the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival, Sharjah Publishers Conference, and others. These serve as platforms for knowledge sharing, collaboration, and fostering global connections within publishing sectors.

Promoting Literary Excellence

The Sharjah Literary Agency (SLA), part of SBA's delegation, held meetings with leading Latin American publishers. They aimed to promote their roster of represented authors, increasing visibility of Latin American authors in the Arab world through translation efforts.

SBA highlighted prestigious awards like the Sharjah Translation Award (Turjuman), reflecting dedication to celebrating Arab and Islamic cultural heritage globally. The Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone presented its infrastructure designed to support creative industries.

SBA’s participation at FIL underscores its commitment to fostering cultural exchange and understanding between nations. By engaging in strategic collaborations, it continues to position Sharjah as a leading global cultural hub while promoting Emirati contributions worldwide.

With inputs from WAM