Noble Cause: Sharjah Ruler Exempts Fee For Publishers From Palestine, Lebanon And Sudan At SIBF 2024

Publishers from Palestine, Lebanon, and Sudan will not have to pay participation fees at the 43rd Sharjah International Book Fair. This decision was made under the directive of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, and guided by Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA).

This initiative supports His Highness's vision to nurture Arab publishers and preserve regional heritage for future generations. It underscores his dedication to providing essential support for the industry to thrive and promote Arab language, literature, and culture globally.

Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi highlighted that Arab publishers are facing significant challenges. She emphasised the urgent need for collective efforts to mitigate the severe impact on the industry over the past year. The SBA Chairperson stated that the future of Arab culture is closely tied to a resilient publishing sector.

"Sharjah has been, and will always remain, an inclusive haven for Arab culture and intellectuals," she noted. "The emirate's unwavering commitment to the Arab cultural project is reflected in all our policies and practices. We sincerely hope that future editions of the Sharjah International Book Fair will find our culture, intellectuals and nations thriving in the best possible state."

The exemption aligns with Sharjah's role in strengthening the Arab publishing sector's resilience and efficiency. This move aims to ensure continuity in uplifting communities and promoting knowledge despite challenges faced by publishers due to restrictions and blockades.

The Palestinian Ministry of Culture reported that 76 cultural centres, three theatres, five museums, 15 publishing houses, and 80 public libraries in Gaza have been damaged or destroyed by direct attacks. Similar destruction has affected institutions in the occupied West Bank.

In Sudan and Lebanon, key hubs for Arab publishing face escalating difficulties impacting their operations. These challenges hinder their ability to access materials or conduct daily activities effectively.

Additionally, maintaining regional connections has become difficult for these publishers. This affects book movement and participation in international book fairs.

The exemption initiative reflects Sharjah's commitment to supporting Arab publishers during these challenging times. By removing financial barriers at such events, it aims to foster growth within this vital cultural sector.

With inputs from WAM