Sharjah International Book Fair 2021 welcomes global publishers, writers

From Siti Baaqiah Mamat

SHARJAH, Nov 3 -- The Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) 2021, one of the top three book fairs in the world, welcomed the participation of 1,632 Arab and foreign publishing houses today, at Expo Centre Sharjah, themed 'There's always a right book'. 

Organised by Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), the book fair, which is being held from today until Nov 13, brings together 85 writers, as well as intellectuals, poets and artistes from 22 countries, and presents 970 events, including cultural sessions, performances, seminars and workshops.

Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, launched the 40th edition of the SIBF Tuesday. 

Meanwhile, SBA chairman, Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, in his keynote address, today praised the vision of the Ruler of Sharjah whose firm belief in the outcomes of the emirate’s cultural project has reinforced Sharjah’s stature as the cultural capital of the Arab world.

“His Highness believed in and envisioned the true impact of culture long before other nations recognised its soft but tangible power,” said Al Ameri. 

“I remember the time when His Highness said that a nation’s cultural projects are long-term, and that their outcomes cannot be realised in a year or two. I remember his words clearly when he emphasised that the cultural project is not merely a celebration of authors and books but rather a long journey that will one day benefit those who truly believe in it,” he added. 

He said that today, after 40 years, the SIBF has emerged as the world’s top book fair this year, as it witnessed the highest number of deals struck in the buying and selling of publishing rights.

Al Ameri added that the strengths and beauty of Arab literature have crossed geographical and linguistic boundaries thanks to the prestigious Sharjah Translation Award 'Turjuman', introduced in 2011, which aims to promote Arabic titles globally.

He said that the creative works of Sharjah poets, intellectuals and authors now enjoy an international readership and to date, the award has received 16,490 translation requests from and into the Arabic language and has helped get 1,493 books published.

The SIBF 2021 displays more than 15 million books throughout the 11-day celebration of literature, knowledge and culture. 

-- BERNAMA