The Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) is participating in the 40th edition of the Kuwait International Book Fair, which will run until November 28t, with the participation of 508 publishing houses from 16 Arab and foreign countries, and with the attendance of a large number of literary men, academic elites and intellectuals.Held under the theme "Reading Expands Our Horizons", the 2015 edition was inaugurated on Wednesday by Sheikh Salman Sabah Al-Salem Al-Humoud Minister of Information and Minister of State for Youth Affairs.Following the inauguration ceremony, Sheikh Salman visited the SBA Stand where he received a copy of Sirat Madinah (History of a City), the latest book authored by His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah. Sheikh Salman was welcomed at SBA’s stand by Fadel Hussien, Deputy Director of Libraries in Eastern Zone at SBA, and Faisal Al Naboodah, Sales executive – international.
The Kuwaiti Minister praised the role played by His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah in enriching the cultural presence of Sharjah and the UAE on the global standards, and highlighted Sheikh Sultan's special interest in theatre that has contributed to preserving this type of performing arts in the Arab world, specifically in the GCC countries. He stressed his great interest in His Highness's writings and acquiring the published books immediately after they are released, due to their important historical facts and major cultural influence.HE Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, Chairman of SBA, said the great attention the SBA enjoys during its participation in the Kuwait International Book Fair exemplifies the deep-rooted and brotherly relations between the UAE and Kuwait. The cultural edifice, laid down by His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, is a source of pride and admiration to Kuwaiti intellectuals of various interests.Al Ameri noted that the SBA is keen on strengthening its Gulf and Pan Arab presence through its participation in all book fairs and cultural festivals. The authority will also expand the participation of the GCC and Pan Arab publishers and authors in its training programmes, appreciation awards and the Translation Grant and Award as part of its efforts to strengthen the influence of Arabic and Islamic culture in the global literary and intellectual scene.
During the first 3 days, the SBA stand received a large number of visitors, especially official figures and cultural, intellectual and academic elites, Including, HE Rahma Hussein Al Zaabi, the UAE ambassador to the Kuwait, Dr Badr Al Issa, Kuwaiti Minister of Education and Higher Education, and Mohamed Abdi Hayir, Somali Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism. Publishers, who were not able to attend the SIBF 2015, were eager to ask about the mechanism of participation in the upcoming editions of the Sharjah International Book Fair and the Sharjah Children's Reading Festival, and also about the participation in the SBA Awards. SBA will make the best use of its participation in the Kuwait Book Fair to introduce its yearlong calendar of events and programmes, such as the Sharjah International Book Fair, Sharjah Children's Reading Festival, the Professional Programme for Publishers, the joint conference with the American Library Association and the Translation Grant offered annually to dozens of Arab and foreign publishers, in addition to appreciation awards allocated exclusively for publishers, authors and illustrators.
The Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) was established in December 2014 under an Emiri decree issued by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah.As per the decree, SBA is tasked with encouraging investment in creative industries and offering a platform for the exchange of knowledge and ideas between peoples from different civilizations and cultures. It is also entrusted with emphasizing the significant role of writers and their influence in spreading awareness in society as well as in enhancing the emirate's status locally, regionally and internationally.