Book lovers throng Sharjah fair
EMIRATE TO ORGANISE SPECIAL PROGRAMMES TO MARK 40 YEARS OF CULTURAL PROGRESS
Sharjah will hold special celebrations next year to mark its recognition as World Book Capital 2019 by Unesco and 40 years of cultural progress, officials announced at the opening of the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF 2018) yesterday.
SIBF 2018, held under the theme ‘Tale of Letters’, is the biggest edition so far in terms of the number of publishers (1,874) and the volume of books (20 million) this year.
The 11-day SIBF, organised by Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), runs till November 10.
Since 2001, Unesco has awarded the title every year to a city in recognition of its achievements in promoting books and reading. On its website, Unesco notes Sharjah’s programme titled ‘Read — you are in Sharjah’ as a multithemed initiative that makes books available to a wide section of society, especially marginalised populations, as a driver for social inclusion.
2019 is also the year when Sharjah will mark 40 years of the launch of a cultural and knowledge movement by His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah.
Opening address
In his opening address, Dr Shaikh Sultan said he had launched an appeal in 1979 to “stop the building of only concrete structures and start the building of knowledge and culture”. He added that the progress stemmed from investing in human capital in Sharjah.
Dr Shaikh Sultan also made special mention of his wife Shaikha Jawaher Bint Mohammad Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs, whom he described as “the jewel of Sharjah”.
He later signed a copy of his new book titled Bibi Fatimah and the King’s Sons, which was launched at SIBF 2018.
Personality of the Year
During the opening ceremony, Dr Shaikh Sultan also honoured Azzeldine Mihoubi, Algeria’s Minister of Culture, as the SIBF Personality of the Year; Japan as the Guest of Honour; and winners of various awards in publishing and literature.
Mihoubi likened his selection as Personality of the Year to the “impact of a tsunami”. He added that his selection would reinforce the close cultural ties between the UAE and Algeria. He dedicated his honour to his President Abdul Aziz Bouteflika.
Speaking at the ceremony, Ahmad Al Amiri, chairman of the Sharjah Book Authority, said SIBF “combats hatred” by promoting dialogue and cultural exchange, as well as “a message of light and love” written by “the words of many people, from many different beliefs”.
Dh1.3 million award
The SIBF awards included the Dh1.3 million Tarjuman (Translation) prize, in its second edition, given to French publisher Sindbad Actes Sud for translating the Arabic book Features of Tyranny into French.
This year, SIBF will have 1,800 events featuring 472 guests from around the world, with 200 book-signing ceremonies by authors from 19 countries.
A wide array of international authors, intellectuals, bloggers, and YouTubers will abe attendance, including award-winning British author Emma Gannon and physicist Dr Leonard Mlodinow from the US.
The Cookery Corner Programme will have 60 events with 16 guests from 11 countries, including France, India and Australia.