Sharjah Ruler issues Emiri Decree to reorganise SBA
SBA will have full capacity to perform the necessary legal action to achieve its objectives and exercise its competence and will have financial and administrative independence
His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sh arj ah, issued an emiri decree to re org anises harj ah Book Authority (SBA).
The decree stipulates that the Authority shall be a legal entity and shall have full capacity to perform the necessary legal actions to achieve its objectives and exercise its competences and shall have financial and administrative independence.
The name oft hes harj ah book authority in english is approved as follows: “Sharjah Book Authority”, known as SBA. According to the decree, SBA main headquarters shall be in the city of Sharjah, and may by a decision of the Ruler, establish branches and offices in the rest of the emirate’s cities and regions.
The decree states that SBA aims to achieve the following:
1. Encouraging investment in the creative industries and increase their share.
2. Providing an intellectual plaform for knowledge, intellectual and cultural exchange between peoples, civilisations and cultures.
3. Emphasising the importance of the book and its impact on raising awareness among society members in light of the technical development and the diversity of sources of knowledge.
4. Enhancing the Emirate’s position at the local, regional and international levels to atract those concerned with the culture sector in general and publishing, printing, translation and documentation sectors in particular.
5. Encouraging community members to continuously learn and develop their abilities to adapt to the constantly changing conditions of life.
6. Pursuing modern knowledge in different aspects of life and disseminate such modern knowledge among members of society.
7. Encouraging community members to communicate with other peoples’ culture.
8. Developing community members’ awareness of the importance and value of information and how to benefit from it in developing their lives and society.
9. Supporting the cultural movement and scientific research at the local, regional and international levels, in coordination with the concerned authorities.
The decree also stipulates that, taking into account relevant federal and local legislation, SBA shall, in order to achieve its objectives, exercise the following competencies:
1. Drawing up the general policy, seting up the SBA strategic plans, and proposing legislation and regulations that contribute to the review and development of policies related to the book.
2. Collecting and preserving Emirati, Arab and international archaeological documents and manuscripts using scientific methods and modern technologies in coordination with other competent authorities in Sharjah, taking expertise into account.
3. Preparing, designing, developing, using and maintaining materials, programmes and databases related to publishing, printing, translation, libraries in coordination with other competent authorities.
4. Contributing to the preparation of studies, research, tests, and the development of printing, publishing, translation, and documentation products.
5. Participating in events related to publishing, printing and book fairs activities within and outside the Emirate.
6. Communicating, participating and coordinating with international bodies and institutions concerned with intellectual property and copyright.
7. Concluding agreements, memo rand a of understanding and partnerships with similar bodies and institutions within and outside the Emirate.
8. Participating in local, regional and international conferences and meetings concerned with the books’ sector.
9. Seeking the assistance of Sharjah competent authorities to obtain administrative and technical support, and seeking the assistance of experts and consultants, and cooperating with other bodies that fall within SBA objectives and competencies.
10. Implementing any other functions assigned to the Authority by the Ruler.
According to the decree, a decision of the Ruler shall be issued to specify the specialised agencies and administrative units that follow SBA.
The Authority shall be managed by a board of directors representing SBA higher authority, and shall be composed of a chairman and a number of members who are assigned by an Emiri decree, provided that the term of membership in the board is four years starting from the date of its formation and may be extended for a similar period or periods.