Sharjah Showcases Publishing And Translation Leadership At LIBF 2024

The emirate of Sharjah has once again underscored its commitment to Arab culture and the global publishing industry at the London International Book Fair (LIBF) 2024. Leading a delegation that represented the emirate's cultural foundations, the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) showcased its latest achievements and initiatives aimed at advancing the publishing sector. This participation aligns with the vision of H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, to foster a nurturing environment for creativity and collaboration within the global publishing community.

At LIBF, an event renowned for gathering over 1,000 exhibitors and publishers from around the world, SBA presented Sharjah’s cultural project milestones. The delegation included prominent entities such as Al Qasimi Publications, the Department of Culture, Sharjah Publishing City, Kalimat Group, Arab Children’s Book Publisher Forum, alongside the Etisalat Award for Arabic Children's Literature and Turjuman Award. These participants highlighted their projects and initiatives, emphasizing the role of books in the UAE’s development and in promoting cultural exchange globally.

Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of SBA, highlighted Sharjah's significant contributions to enriching global culture. He credited the emirate's success to the vision and support of H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi and Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of SBA. Their leadership has been pivotal in fostering partnerships with international cultural institutions and key figures in the book industry. This collaborative approach aims to stimulate the cultural landscape, support publishers and translators, and highlight the essential role of creativity and innovation in achieving societal aspirations.

During its participation in LIBF 2024, SBA emphasized the unique opportunities available through its events like the Sharjah International Book Fair, Publishers Conference, Sharjah International Library Conference, and Sharjah Booksellers Conference. These platforms have been instrumental in strengthening the publishing sector and promoting translation activities across diverse cultures. Through such initiatives, Sharjah continues to play a vital role in supporting Emirati and Arab authors and publishers while fostering global cultural cooperation.

With inputs from WAM