38th Sharjah International Book Fair Assumes the Sharjah World Book Capital Theme, ‘Open Books Open Minds’

Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) has confirmed the dates of the 38th edition of Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) as October 30–November 9, 2019. Aligning its efforts with Sharjah World Book Capital (SWBC)’s to promote books and reading across age groups and communities, SIBF 2019 will be carrying the SWBC theme, ‘Open Books Open Minds’. . 

Authors, publishers, intellectuals and artists worldwide will bring their experiences and expertise to this prominent book event and partake in a vibrant cultural programme.

HE Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, Chairman of SBA, said: “As a cultural beacon of the region, a position Sharjah rose to resulting from the leading efforts of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, it is our primary goal to foster an environment of knowledge and innovation built on the foundations of books and reading. As the UNESCO World Book Capital 2019 – a global recognition of the emirate’s cultural project – we are bringing an exceptional literary and cultural offering to the Sharjah International Book Fair, the world’s third largest celebration of ‘the book’”.

Al Ameri added: “The 38th edition of SIBF has assumed the same theme as Sharjah World Book Capital’s to emphasise upon the emirate’s significant achievements as an international hub for authorship, culture and creativity. This will be an exceptional edition of the book fair, where our events and discussions will all shine a spotlight on the book’s ability to ignite people’s minds, appreciate cultural differences and bring them closer."

“Today, this annual cultural event  has become an inseparable component of Emirati identity and Arab culture. SBA is dedicated to ensuring that SIBF will always be a platform for vibrant exchange between Arab and international authors, and a place visitors will leave with new learnings about themselves and other civilisations.” Al Ameri concluded. 

Year on year, SIBF has reinforced its position as a must-attend event for international writers, publishers and artists. It plays a leading role in promoting a culture of reading and creativity in the UAE, especially among children and youth. 

Established in December 2014, SBA is dedicated to encouraging investment in creative industries and offering a platform for knowledge and intellectual exchange between people from different civilizations and cultures. SBA is tasked with highlighting the significant role of writers and their influence in promoting community awareness in view of the technological advancements and diversity of knowledge sources nowadays.

It also aims to attract relevant bodies and figures operating in the cultural sector in general, and the publishing, printing, translation, documentation and children’s books in particular.