Abu dhabi: The Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) has significantly broadened the global reach of Sharjah's cultural project by participating in 15 international events across various regions, including Arab capitals, Asia, Europe, and the Americas, during the first half of 2026. These participations have served to showcase an Emirati approach centered on openness to knowledge, fostering international partnerships, and increasing the circulation of books, translations, and Arabic content. They also underscored Sharjah's pivotal role in the UAE's cultural landscape, connecting publishers, libraries, and creative professionals from the region with their global counterparts.
According to Emirates News Agency, Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of SBA, emphasized that international participation is crucial for sustaining the UAE's cultural presence on the world stage. He noted that these efforts reflect the vision of H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, who prioritizes knowledge as a core element of development. Al Ameri also highlighted the directives of Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of SBA, aimed at developing a sustainable knowledge industry and enhancing the presence of Arab culture in international markets.
Al Ameri elaborated that Sharjah's involvement in major global cultural events positions it as a key partner in advancing the book industry. This is in line with its experience as a hub for publishers, authors, libraries, and cultural institutions worldwide. The authority measures the impact of each engagement by assessing the opportunities created for book industry professionals, contributions to translation and content exchange, and the establishment of long-term collaborations with cultural and professional institutions globally.
SBA kicked off its international engagements at the New Delhi World Book Fair, where discussions with Indian publishers aimed to position Sharjah as a regional hub. This was followed by participation in the Cairo and Damascus International Book Fairs, reinforcing ties with regional institutions and cultural professionals. In Europe, the authority expanded its network at the London and Leipzig Book Fairs, focusing on opportunities in Sharjah for book and content professionals.
In Italy, the Arab Cultural Institute at the Catholic University of Milan, established in partnership with SBA, launched an Arabic language and culture program to support staff at a migrant and refugee reception center. At the Bologna Children's Book Fair, SBA emphasized publishing rights and content development for younger audiences, while also engaging international illustrators in Sharjah's events.
SBA's reach extended to South America through participation in the Bogot¡ International Book Fair, bolstering links between Arab and Latin American publishing industries. The authority also engaged with cultural stakeholders in Morocco and Qatar, further embedding Sharjah in the Arab cultural scene.
At the Thessaloniki International Book Fair, SBA discussed translating Arabic works into Greek and fostering Greek participation in the Sharjah International Book Fair. In Poland, as Guest of Honour at the Warsaw Book Fair, Sharjah's cultural presence was reinforced in European publishing markets.
In Asia, an SBA delegation visited Kuala Lumpur to explore publishing and bookselling models, while participation in the Beijing International Book Fair highlighted Sharjah's integrated publishing industry. In Chicago, SBA made history at the American Library Association conference, presenting initiatives like the 'Home Library Project' and the Arab Bookverse platform.
Looking ahead, SBA plans to continue its international engagements with upcoming events in Brazil, Abu Dhabi, Amman, Barcelona, Frankfurt, Kuwait, and Guadalajara, further cementing Sharjah's role in the global cultural arena.
Source: Emirates News Agency