2,000 publishers taking part in ‘greatest book fair’

His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, inaugurated the 38th Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF). Sharjah Ruler explained that winning a prestigious cultural title like World Book Capital, whose extensive selection criteria is defined by UNESCO and top international entities, requires years’ worth of extensive efforts and strategic planning, Emirates News Agency (WAM) reported.

Dr Al Qasimi highlighted the importance of SIBF as platform for the convergence of ideas, languages, stories, experiences and cultures from around the world. “I stand here today, amid 2,000 publishers from 81 countries, 173 authors, 90 cultural personalities and a packed 11-day agenda of 900-plus activities, which have brought arts and culture from across the globe under one roof,” Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, Chairman, Sharjah Book Authority, said.

“This is what Sharjah is offering. This is what we are safeguarding for our future and yours; for your children and for humanity,” he said. HH Shaikh Sultan honoured Lebanese author and critic Dr Yumna Al Eid , also known as Hikmat Sabbagh, as the Cultural Personality of the Year, in recognition of the significant role she has played to promote the Arab literary scene through her contributions as an award-winning author and critic, for over four decades.

Abdullah Al Nuaimi was awarded Best Emirati Book (Novel) for Zubaida’s Apartment, while Palestinian Abdullah Saleem Amarah, Latifa Ali Obaid and Afraa Rachid Al Basti from the UAE won the Best Emirati Book in the field of Studies for A Brief of UAE’s cultural and Political History (From Stone Age to 1971).