Sharjah Book Authority highlights UAE's cultural richness
Riyadh International Book Fair 2024 focuses on fostering collaboration and supporting translation initiatives
Riyadh: The Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) is showcasing the vibrant cultural scene of the UAE at the Riyadh International Book Fair 2024, held at King Saud University under the theme “Riyadh Reads.”
Running until 5th October, the event offers a platform for fostering engagement between Sharjah's literary initiatives and the Saudi public, as well as local publishers.
The SBA pavilion is also highlighting a wide range of publications, including children's and young adult literature, historical texts, and works by the Ruler of Sharjah, underscoring Sharjah's role as a major literary hub.
Strengthening cultural ties and collaboration
Sharjah's participation in the fair seeks to expand opportunities for local publishers and invite them to engage in the upcoming Sharjah International Book Fair. This collaboration is seen as a vital component of deepening ties between the UAE and Saudi Arabia, particularly in the realm of literature and publishing.
Support for publishers through translation grants
A significant highlight of the SBA's pavilion is the presentation of various support initiatives for publishers.
Fadel Hussein Bussaim, Deputy Director of the Sharjah International Book Fair and supervisor of the SBA's paviliondetailed the authority's translation grants, which aim to promote cross-cultural literary exchange.
The grants include a $4,000 award for the book of the year and $1,500 for children's books, encouraging the translation of valuable literary works.
Additionally, the Tarjuman grant offers up to $750,000 for the best translations that serve Arab and Islamic culture, providing publishers with the resources to bring important literary contributions to a global audience.
The display aims to address past challenges faced by participants and present new opportunities for growth within the publishing industry.
Showcasing Sharjah's literary contributions
This year’s participation at the Riyadh International Book Fair marks another step in Sharjah's long-standing commitment to promoting literature and fostering connections with the global literary community, reaffirming its role as a leader in cultural and educational development in the UAE and beyond.