Sharjah Book Authority Leads Global Publishing Conversations At New Delhi World Book Fair 2024

The Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) recently made a significant appearance at the 51st New Delhi World Book Fair (NDWBF), held from 10th to 18th February, 2024. Organised by the National Book Trust India, this event served as a platform for the SBA to explore collaboration opportunities with key stakeholders and promote the publishing sector on a global scale. The participation of SBA in NDWBF 2024 underscored Sharjah's notable achievements in the publishing and creative industries, highlighting its pivotal role in attracting Indian publishers, who represent a significant portion of international publishers at the Sharjah International Book Fair.

During the fair, the SBA showcased an array of Emirati and Arab works translated into Hindi, catering to diverse interests and age groups. This selection included genres such as novels, stories, poetry, plays, and informative books covering science, history, education, and the arts. Notably, the pavilion featured translated works of H.H. Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, in Hindi. These publications delve into various aspects of regional history and international relations, reflecting the Authority's commitment to fostering cross-cultural literary exchanges.

The SBA's engagement at the NDWBF extended beyond showcasing literature. It involved key meetings with top officials, organisers, and publishers to bolster cultural exchange and collaborative efforts. This included discussions on copyright sales, translation, and distribution services. The authority also met with Indian publishers in Sharjah Publishing City who were participating in the NDWBF. The Sharjah delegation's discussions with the NDWBF’s organisers and the National Book Trust underscored the SBA's significance as an international participant.

Furthermore, meetings with the Federation of Indian Publishers provided insights into local market opportunities and challenges. The SBA also engaged with global publishing houses such as Penguin Random House, HarperCollins, Scholastic, Homes Book Parkers, and Kapscal to enhance the translation, distribution, and promotion of Arabic and Emirati books in India and globally.

The SBA provided a comprehensive overview of its initiatives to support writers, publishers, translators, and readers in the UAE and Arab world. Notable initiatives include the Sharjah International Book Fair and the Sharjah Children's Reading Festival. These efforts are complemented by international conferences like the Sharjah Publishers Conference and Sharjah International Library Conference which aim to build bridges within the global publishing industry.

Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of SBA, commented on Sharjah's participation at NDWBF 2024. He highlighted that this initiative not only introduces visitors and Indian readers to the UAE's rich cultural heritage but also symbolises the historical and cultural connections between the UAE and India. Al Ameri emphasized that books remain paramount in facilitating cross-cultural communication and dialogue between nations.

Sharjah's active participation in international book fairs like NDWBF reflects its ongoing commitment to elevating the cultural profile of the UAE and Arab world on a global stage. Through such engagements, Sharjah continues to uphold humanitarian and civilisational values that foster a deeper understanding across cultures.

With inputs from WAM