The Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) concluded its participation in the Guadalajara International Book Fair in Mexico attracting a large number of visitors interested in understanding Arabic books and culture. The SBA was the only Arab exhibitor at the 9-day event held from November 28 to December 6 in Guadalajara, the capital of Mexican state of Jalisco, which is known as "the Pearl of the West" and “the City of Roses”.Guadalajara International Book Fair is one of the most important book fairs in North America and is the world's biggest marketplace for books in the Spanish language. Last year the book fair saw participation of 1945 publishers from 44 countries and received 766,000 visitors.The Emirates Writers Union and Kalimat Publishing Group participated under the umbrella of the SBA for the first time to offer their latest publications and Arabic bestsellers, which were admired by both participants and visitors. SBA took the opportunity to network with South American publishers and introduced them to Arabic culture and shared information on initiatives and efforts undertaken by the Emirate of Sharjah to ensure intercultural communication between people of varied cultural backgrounds.The SBA stand also hosted many diplomats during its participation such as the President of Argentine Society of Writers, Ana Maria, who was interested in cooperating in events. Her country was chosen as the guest of honour at this year's edition of Guadalajara Book Fair in recognition of the unique coexistence of people from various rich and diverse cultures and their interest in literature and arts.
HE Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, SBA Chairman and Director of Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF), said, "Our participation falls within the directives of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah. His directives aim to promote Arabic culture and introduce the Sharjah International Book Fair in events across the world. We are pleased with the overwhelming response we had during our participation in this fair, for the third consecutive year.”Al Ameri added: “We received applications and queries for participation in the SIBF and the recently launched, Sharjah Book City. The Spanish version of books written by His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah that highlight the history of the Arab region and its culture attracted more visitors, who were eager to acquire these titles. Holding the book fair in the city of Guadalajara, whose name originates from Andalusian Arabic word “Wadi Alhijara” meaning ‘valley of stones’ has helped increase interest from Mexican and Latin American people in Arab Culture and revived the historical ties between both sides during the Muslim rule of Andalusia.”
The book fair was an opportunity for Arab communities living in Mexico and South America to buy the latest books in Arabic and other titles translated into Spanish offered by the SBA through Al Qasimi Publications and the Emirates Writers Union and Kalimat Publishing Group. The SBA stand also received a large number of media and foreign publishers interested in the SIBF Translation Grant, which funds the translation of books with a focus on translations from and to Arabic. Publishers also expressed interest in participating in next year’s edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair, Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival and other events organised by SBA. The Sharjah Book Authority was established in December 2014 by Emiri decree issued by His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah and is tasked with encouraging investment in creative industries and offering a platform for the exchange of knowledge and ideas between people from different countries and cultures. It is also entrusted with emphasizing the significant role of writers and their influence in spreading awareness of technological advancement and the availability of various sources of knowledge.