SIBF, A NEVER-MISS EVENT FOR BOOK LOVERS

All eyes of the literary world are now on the UAE with the internationallyacclaimed Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF 2018) opening its 37th edition. Over the years, the SIBF has established itself as the third largest book fair in the world and furthered its remarkable impact on intellectuals and authors. The event has, in fact, transformed into a literary carnival. For those on intellectual pursuit, Sharjah has embossed itself as a mustvisit destination as the fair will showcase over 1.5 million titles.

Over 1,690 exhibitors from as many as 60 countries are participating under the theme “Tale of Letters.” The 11-day literary extravaganza will also see over 2,600 cultural, entertainment and artistic events.

The beauty of the fair is that visitors get a chance to witness exceptional diversity in terms of activities and titles on display.

Naming Japan as the Guest of Honour makes perfect sense because The Land of the Rising Sun has a history of cultural achievements and a host of renowned intellectuals, authors and artists across its cultural scene, including cinema, music and literature.

Japan nurtured the cultural sector with many titles — translated into Arabic — written by a host of critically acclaimed Japanese novelists, such as Yukio Mishima, Kazuo Ishiguro, Nobel Prize Laureate, and Haruki Murakami, among other creative authors.

Sharjah Book Authority Chairman Ahmed Al Ameri has rightly stated that the SIBF has fostered a love of reading, enhanced a passion for acquiring knowledge among people and promoted the Arab culture globally, which makes it a key cultural milestone in UAE’S cultural landscape.

The fair is indeed a cultural incubator that brings together nations from around the globe and focuses on their cultural achievements.

Books help build a strong generation of readers and intellectuals. The continuing popularity of the book fair is an unmistakable indication that technology cannot easily erase the power of print.

Last year, the hashtag ‘#SIBF2017’ recorded more than 1.3 billion impressions in English and Arabic, indicating the global prominence that SIBF enjoys.

Sharjah’s cultural status is thriving thanks to the vision of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, who is keen on creating a reading community and promote the benefits of reading among children.

As Sheikh Sultan himself stated, “We believe that books must be available to all and from this concept we turn book fairs into an oasis of knowledge and enlightenment.” ■■■