DOHA, 15th June, 2023 (WAM) — The Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) introduced visitors to the 32nd edition of the Doha International Book Fair to the emirate's leading cultural initiatives as well as innovative business solutions that are dedicated to supporting the publishing industry’s growth.
SBA informed participating publishers and allied businesses in the knowledge and creative industries on ways they can expand their presence across the Western, Asian and African book markets by utilising Sharjah’s world-class commercial infrastructure, global connectivity and by attending the emirate’s international events that have earned global recognition due to Sharjah’s strong status as a cultural and publishing capital.
H.H. Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of Qatar, visited SBA's pavilion and was received by Fadel Hussein Bussaim, Director of SBA in Sharjah's Eastern Region, who presented the Emir of Qatar with a copy of The Inquisition, a historical work by H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, which presents a detailed and insightful investigation of twenty-three case files against Muslims in Andalusia.
The Sharjah pavilion is showcasing latest Emirati publications that are highlighting locally produced literature’s ability to be high quality – both in terms of content and production – and also demonstrate the way the literary landscape is changing to adapt to the interests of modern-day readers.
Publishers who visited the pavilion were also briefed on the services and facilities provided by the Sharjah Publishing City (SPC) Free Zone, the world's first free zone dedicated to supporting printing and publishing businesses.
They also learned more about the licensing, logistical and other facilities like print-on-demand, provided by SPC Free Zone that are vital to boosting business growth and market expansion.
Fadel Hussein Bussaim, Director of SBA in Sharjah's eastern region, said, “The authority has an unwavering commitment to an active engagement in both Arab and international book fairs. Particularly in recent years, these events in the Gulf have been playing a major role in serving as catalysts for fostering meaningful connections between creators and publishers in GCC.”
He underscored SBA's pivotal role in the participation in the Doha International Book Fair, adding: “This is a prime opportunity for us to forge stronger bonds and strengthen communication with publishers, bridge the gap between them and their counterparts in Sharjah, facilitate the exchange of expertise and access to various resources that nurture the growth and development of the publishing industry within the region.”
The emirate's pavilion is receiving publishers and intellectuals from participating countries, including official figures. The SBA delegation is holding networking meetings publishers to showcase Sharjah's wide-ranging services designed for the book industry, including the offerings of the Sharjah International Literature Agency, the first-of-its-kind literary agency in the UAE and the region, which aims to facilitate communication among publishers, authors, translators and creatives, and regulate their operations in line with the established local and regional legal and professional frameworks.