Sharjah: Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) has highlighted its initiatives and projects that revolve around reading and publishing, at the Cairo International Book Fair (CIBF).
During the 49th edition of CIBF SBA emphasised Sharjah’s rich literary cultural background with a focus on the Sharjah International Book Fair, Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival, Professional Programme for Publishers and the Library Conference, which is held annually in collaboration with the American Library Association. Sharjah Publishing City was given a special focus during the event, which features 27 Arab and foreign countries, with Algeria participating as the Guest of Honour.
SBA’s presence at CIBF, which runs until February 10, is in line with its vision to provide a vivid picture of Sharjah’s cultural activity to a worldwide audience through fairs, events, exhibitions and meetings.
On the sidelines of its participation, the SBA delegation met with cultural organisations and publishers, exploring possible collaboration with the organisers of events related to reading and the book industry. It also discussed activities and initiatives that can be implemented in conjunction with the influential Egyptian bodies that are actively involved in the publishing sector.
The SBA also gave a presentation to a number of publishers on Sharjah Publishing City and the exclusive services it offers professionals and experts in the book industry in the Arab region and Middle East. The presentation promoted significant interest, in particular SPC’s contribution to the publishing landscape in the Arab world, including its printing capacity, marketing, design and editing services.
The SBA stand received a number of official dignitaries, representatives of cultural organisations, intellectuals, poets, literati and media professionals. Among them were Dr. Mohammad Mokhtar Juma, Egypt’s Minister of Awqaf; Inas Abdul Dayem, Egyptian Minister of Culture; Ezz Al Deen Mihoubi, Algerian Minister of Culture, and Eng. Juma Mubarak Al Junaibi, UAE Ambassador to Egypt.
Ahmad Al Ameri, Chairman of SBA, said that the Sharjah Publishing City is a global first and a milestone within the industry across many levels. “In line with the vision of His Highness Dr. Shaikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, who has always underlined the importance of promoting communication and dialogue, our participation at the Cairo International Book Fair adds to the cultural mix of book industry professionals, authors and intellectuals from around the world,” he added.
Established in December 2014, SBA is dedicated to encouraging investment in creative industries and offering a platform for knowledge and intellectual exchange between people from different civilisations and cultures. SBA aims to highlight the significant role of writers and their influence in promoting community awareness in view of the technological advancements and diversity of knowledge sources.
