Sharjah Book Authority Strengthens UAE-Latin America Cultural Ties At Guadalajara International Book Fair 2025

The Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) is actively participating in the Guadalajara International Book Fair 2025. This involvement aims to enhance collaboration between the UAE's cultural sector and institutions across Mexico and Latin America. The SBA is showcasing Sharjah's commitment to fostering knowledge-based communities through dialogue, learning, and public engagement.

During this international event, which continues until 7th December, the SBA has engaged in 30 meetings with cultural institutions, publishers, and government organisations. These discussions focus on identifying new collaboration areas, exchanging expertise, and supporting initiatives that promote translation and publishing of Arabic content into global languages.

Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of SBA, emphasised the importance of international presence for cultural exchange. He stated, "Building strong and effective bridges with cities and countries around the world is a core pillar of Sharjah’s cultural project under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. Our presence at international book fairs is a living representation of Arab and Emirati culture, and a way of strengthening its status within global creative and knowledge production."

The SBA also met with Alejandra Chacoff Ricci from Chile's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Vanina Colaggiovani from Argentina's Creative Industries Market (MICA). These meetings aimed at enhancing cultural exchange with South American institutions. Discussions included opportunities for participation in each other's cultural events.

Additionally, SBA explored collaboration opportunities in rights exchange, translation programmes, and professional development with representatives from national publishing associations. These included José Manuel Anta from Spain's Federation of Publishers’ Associations (FGEE), Philip Hunziker from Guatemala Publishers Association, Christian Rainone from Fundación El Libro, Antonio Alonso from Mexican Publishers Association (CANIEM), Emiro Hernán Aristizábal from Colombian Publishers Association, and Oscar Castillo Rojas from Costa Rica Publishers Association.

SBA also engaged in discussions with leaders of major international book fairs such as Ezequiel Martínez from Buenos Aires International Book Fair; Rafael Eduardo García González and Henoc de Santiago Dulché from Monterrey International Book Fair; Adriana Ángel from FILBO Bogotá; Claudia Neira Bermúdez from Centroamérica Cuenta Festival; José Diego González Mendoza from CERLALC–UNESCO; Dejanira Álvarez; and José Higuera López from New York International Book Fair.

Cultural Engagements

The programme included participation in receptions hosted by Canada, Chile, Catalunya, Bologna, Argentina, Buenos Aires Book Fair, independent publishing houses, Planeta Publishing House reception, and Hachette's 60th anniversary celebration. These engagements further solidified SBA’s role in promoting cultural exchange globally.

Al Ameri noted significant interest in Sharjah’s cultural project during these engagements. He highlighted the attention received by the Spanish edition of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah’s book "The Inquisition: An Investigation of Twenty-Three Files of Cases Committed Against Muslims in Andalusia." This work has attracted considerable interest among visitors.

The SBA's participation at Guadalajara International Book Fair underscores its dedication to fostering global cultural connections. Through strategic meetings and collaborations with various entities worldwide, it continues to promote Arabic literature on an international stage.

With inputs from WAM