Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi speaks to the assembly on November 6, during the opening of the 43rd Sharjah International Book Fair. Image: Sharjah Book Authority
By Talita Facchini | @talitafacchinii
See also:
Bodour Al Qasimi Opens the 2024 Sharjah Publishers Conference
Remembering Bassam Chebaro’s Proud Role in Arab Publishing
Sharjah Publishers Conference: 30 Round-Table Programs
UAE: Sharjah Publishers Conference Outlines Its 2024 Program
UAE: Sharjah Book Authority Approves 303 Translation Grants
Emirati Women’s Day: PublisHer and Visa Present ‘She’s Next’
UAE: Sharjah International Book Fair Opens Its Awards
UAE: Sharjah Signs Morocco as Its International Book Fair Guest of Honor
‘Books as a Solid Foundation’
The 43rd edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair officially has opened this morning (November 6) to run through November 17. The ceremony, led by the third emirate’s Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, celebrated Sharjah’s ongoing investments in culture and literature. During its run, the event will welcome more than 2,500 publishers from 112 countries and more than 400 authors under the theme It Starts with a Book.
In recent years, the fair has heightened its prominence in the world publishing industry, not least through strides in the development of its Sharjah Publishers Conference, with its focus on international issues impacting the sector. Since its opening Sunday (November 3), the 14th iteration of the conference brought together specialists from various regions to discuss and analyze contemporary issues, to provide attending publishing professionals with ideas and new business opportunities.
The opening ceremony today was intended to communicate to the audience the results of these ongoing efforts.
In his address, Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of the Sharjah Book Authority, emphasized that culture has become Sharjah’s symbol and that books are the foundation shaping the solid structure of the emirate.
“From its beginning,” Al Ameri said, “Sharjah has used books as a solid foundation for its future. They are at the forefront of all our ideas and our vision for the future.”
Those opening remarks also highlighted the efforts made by Sheikh Sultan in support of books and literature.
“We are privileged to have a ruler,” Al Ameri said, “who prioritizes knowledge, opening doors for writers, creators, and scientists. “His efforts are continually reinforced by the work of the Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi, chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), a strong advocate for significant causes in the global publishing market.”
The ‘Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language’
Sharjah’s Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi and the Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi tour the exhibition floor during the opening of the 2024 Sharjah International Book Fair at the Expo Sharjah venue. Image: Sharjah Book Authority
The event also marked the completion of the Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language, a lifelong project of Sheikh Sultan.
Spanning 127 volumes, it compiles the entire body of Arabic linguistic knowledge, securing its place in history. The project involved more than 700 writers, editors, specialists, reviewers, and other publishing and editing professionals.
“This historical dictionary,” Sheikh Sultan said to his audience, “was a dream that stayed with me for years. I know that preserving the language is preserving our children, our literature, and our identity.”
Related article: ‘Bodour Al Qasimi Opens Sharjah Publishers Conference.’ Image: SBA, Nabs Ahmedi
In addition to the dictionary, another cultural project was opened—an Arabic encyclopedia covering the fields of science, literature, the arts, and media.
“Today, more than ever,” Sheikh Sultan said, “we are determined to continue the march of knowledge and the dissemination of Arab culture and the Arabic language.”
The opening also celebrated Morocco as the 2024 fair’s guest of honor market. The Algerian author Ahlam Mosteghanemi was named the fair’s Cultural Personality of the Year.
“Over the years,” Mosteghanemi said, “I have turned down various awards and recognitions because I was convinced that a writer’s value lies not in the number of awards, but in the themes he or she advocates. However, I longed to be recognized in this case because Sharjah has turned books into a model that has surpassed all other international book fairs.”
Ahlam Mosteghanemi is one of the most influential contemporary Arab authors, acclaimed for her ability to blend profound social themes. Her works critically explore the relationship between society and women, while reflecting crucial historical events that have shaped modern Arab culture.
During the course of its run this month, the Sharjah book fair is expected to feature 1,357 activities led by 250 guests from 63 countries. SIBF 2024 also plans to stage some 600 workshops for all age groups and introduce exclusive, pre-booked workshops led by leading global experts in creative writing, according to organizers.
Sharjah’s Sheikh Sultan and the Sheikha Bodour visit the Emirates Publishers Association stand during the emir’s walk-around at the 2024 Sharjah International Book Fair. Image: Sharjah Book Authority
More from Publishing Perspectives on international book fairs and trade shows is here, more on Sharjah Book Authority and its programs is here, and more on the Sharjah International Book Fair is here.