Kalimat Group Unveils 'Sarab' Imprint Dedicated To Arab Arts At Sharjah International Book Fair

H.H. Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, along with H.H. Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Founder and CEO of Kalimat Group, attended the launch of the Group’s new imprint "Sarab" at the 44th Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF). Sarab focuses on publishing high-end visual art and coffee-table books that document Arab arts and culture through a modern visual lens.

Sarab's launch featured four luxury art publications showcasing Sharjah's cultural diversity. The first book, "Sharjah from the Sky," created with the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, offers an aerial view of the emirate, highlighting its urban and natural harmony. The second book, "Mosques of Sharjah," in collaboration with the Department of Islamic Affairs, explores the emirate’s architectural heritage through its mosques.

The third publication, "Sharjah Libraries – A Century of Knowledge," developed with the Sharjah Book Authority, chronicles public libraries across Sharjah, marking a century since the first library was established in 1925. The fourth book, "Mleiha – Ancient Treasures of the United Arab Emirates," produced with Shurooq and Assouline, delves into Mleiha's archaeological significance and its role in preserving UAE’s ancient heritage.

Sarab is Kalimat Group’s latest step in advancing Arabic publishing through specialised imprints. Following successes with Kalimat for children’s literature, Rewayat for fiction, and Comics for graphic novels, Sarab adds visually striking books to their portfolio. These works aim to engage readers globally by documenting regional art, culture, and history in a contemporary form.

H.H. Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi stated: "The launch of Sarab extends our vision to explore new ways of engaging with knowledge and to reimagine the book as a visual work that unites concept and beauty. Art books are not merely luxurious publications; they are vessels of culture that embody the spirit of creativity and present it in ways that honour its richness and diversity."

She further added: "This project draws inspiration from Sharjah’s enduring cultural spirit, one that has always championed innovation in the service of knowledge and transformed cultural initiatives into sustainable, human-centred projects. We believe that every book carries a message and that every idea deserves a medium worthy of its expression."

Sarab aims to reinforce Arab identity within this genre by offering readers a fresh perspective on beauty and knowledge combined. Each title provides a unique experience celebrating Arab identity while fostering cross-cultural dialogue worldwide.

With inputs from WAM