Sharjah International Book Fair 2024 Concludes With Over 1.82 Million Visitors From More Than 200 Countries

The Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF 2024) recently concluded its 43rd edition, attracting 1.82 million visitors from more than 200 countries. This event, held from November 6 to 17 under the theme "It Starts with a Book," featured over 2,500 publishers and exhibitors from 108 nations. It maintained its status as the leading book fair in publishing rights transactions for the fourth year, with 3,000 meetings conducted in just two days.

Visitors from the UAE, India, Syria, Egypt, and Jordan were among the most represented nationalities at the fair. The age group of 35 to 44 made up the largest segment of attendees at 32.18%, followed by those aged 25 to 34 at 31.67%. Young adults aged between 18 and 24 accounted for 13.7% of visitors. Men comprised a slightly larger portion of attendees at 53.66%, compared to women at 46.36%.

The event also welcomed around 135,000 students from various schools across the nation, highlighting a growing interest in promoting reading among younger generations. In addition to this educational focus, over a thousand authors participated in the Book Signing Corner to present their latest works to an eager audience.

H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi emphasised Sharjah's cultural dedication by allocating AED 4.5 million to enhance public and governmental libraries with new Arabic and international titles. This investment underscores libraries' roles as vital knowledge centres.

Leadership and Vision

Ahmed Al Ameri, CEO of the Sharjah Book Authority, remarked on the fair's success: "The exceptional milestones achieved during SIBF 2024 mark a significant addition to Sharjah’s cultural journey." He highlighted how welcoming millions of visitors and hosting thousands of publishers has transformed the event into a thriving cultural ecosystem.

He further noted that these achievements reflect the global importance of H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi's cultural vision, supported by Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi's leadership as Chairperson of SBA.

Celebrating Literary Contributions

Algerian author Ahlam Mosteghanemi was honoured as the Cultural Personality of the Year for her significant contributions to Arabic literature. The fair also celebrated completing the Historical Corpus of the Arabic Language—a monumental project comprising 127 volumes that preserve centuries of linguistic heritage through collaboration with Arabic language academies.

Morocco was featured as this year's Guest of Honour, showcasing its rich literary and cultural heritage through over 4,000 titles and rare artefacts in its pavilion. Moroccan intellectuals led sessions that enriched cross-cultural dialogues throughout the event.

Diverse Programme Offerings

This year's programme included a wide range of activities featuring global icons from literature, arts, and sports fields. Workshops, seminars, and panel discussions brought together more than 85 Arab and Emirati writers alongside 49 international literary figures.

The Sharjah International Book Fair continues to be an influential platform for fostering a culture of reading while strengthening both local and international publishing industries through its diverse offerings and global reach.

With inputs from WAM