SIBF 2024: Sharjah Ruler launches annual int’l book fair with grand opening
Expo Centre Sharjah hosts 2,523 exhibitors from 108 nations
The Ruler of Sharjah, Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, has inaugurated the 43rd Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) at Expo Centre Sharjah.
Organised by the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), the 12-day event is themed ‘It Starts with a Book’ and features 2,523 publishers and exhibitors from 108 countries, with a diverse programme of nearly 1,400 events spanning cultural talks, workshops, and literary engagements for all ages.
The grand opening ceremony was attended by esteemed members of the Sharjah and UAE leadership, cultural dignitaries, intellectuals, and international authors. Sheikh Dr. Sultan was received by Deputy Ruler Sheikh Sultan Bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of SBA, alongside other prominent officials.
In his opening address, the Ruler of Sharjah underscored the emirate’s ongoing commitment to the Arabic language and cultural preservation, emphasising the significance of the recently completed Historical Corpus of the Arabic Language, an unprecedented work of 127 volumes chronicling 17 centuries of Arabic linguistic evolution.
“We welcome you to the 43rd Sharjah International Book Fair. We thank the distinguished guests, including scholars, intellectuals, writers, publishers, and the media, for their exceptional presence, a testament to the enduring strength of our culture,” he said.
The Ruler of Sharjah reflected on the importance of the event in celebrating the power of literature and knowledge. He expressed pride in the Historical Corpus of the Arabic Language and its role in preserving Arab heritage, adding, “Today, we celebrate two cherished events. First, the Sharjah International Book Fair itself – for books are the key to nations' success, advancement, and development. Our second joy is the completion of the Historical Corpus of the Arabic Language, a monumental scholarly achievement realised by a team of over 700 contributors.” He highlighted the corpus’ historical and cultural value, stating, “The corpus has been a personal dream, founded on my belief that preserving the language is also preserving its people, history, literature, and authentic identity.”
In addition, Sheikh Dr. Sultan announced plans for a new Comprehensive Arabic Encyclopedia, which will encompass sciences, literature, arts, and significant Arab figures. “This ambitious initiative will reconnect the Arab world with its rich legacy of scientific, artistic, and literary achievements,” he said.
Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of SBA, echoed the Ruler’s sentiments, describing Sharjah’s commitment to human and intellectual development. “Each gathering at the Sharjah International Book Fair reaffirms the profound foundations of Sharjah’s ambitious cultural vision, where books have always stood as the bedrock of our highest aspirations,” he said. Al Ameri noted that the recently concluded publishers’ conference attracted over 2,000 publishers from 108 countries, facilitating more than 3,000 contracts.
Morocco, this year’s Guest of Honour, is being celebrated with a vibrant cultural programme featuring more than 40 Moroccan literary and artistic personalities. Latifa Moftaqir, representing the Moroccan Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication, expressed her gratitude to Sharjah for highlighting Morocco’s cultural heritage: “This is a meeting between two brothers and symbolises an eternal cultural and human bond that continues to grow stronger.”
Cultural Personality of the Year: Renowned Algerian novelist Ahlam Mosteghanemi was named ‘Cultural Personality of the Year’ at the fair. In an emotional speech, she praised the Ruler of Sharjah as “the knight who rose to protect the heritage of our language with the Historical Corpus of the Arabic Language for which he put together more than 500 scholars and linguists.” Reflecting on her personal journey and connection to Sharjah, she shared her gratitude, saying, “Two decades ago, I came to Sharjah for the first time, and I was welcomed with warmth. From my heart, ‘I love you, Sharjah’.”
Mosteghanemi voiced concern for current regional crises, stating, “I am not well… with the children we are losing in Gaza and Lebanon. In the presence of blood, ink becomes modest and a shadow is cast over the presence of literature.”
SIBF 2024
The 43rd Sharjah International Book Fair’s agenda includes over 1,357 events, with 500 cultural sessions featuring esteemed authors from 63 countries. A highlight of the festival is the daily book signing by more than 400 authors. The event brings together 85 prominent Emirati and Arab authors, as well as 49 international authors, with sessions exploring trends in Arab and global literature.
A series of short films was screened at the opening, including one that explored the SIBF theme, depicting the boundless journeys of discovery and growth sparked by books. Another film presented the culmination of the Historical Corpus of the Arabic Language, showcasing the extraordinary seven-year effort by over 700 contributors, including linguists and historians. The digital and AI-powered corpus, titled ‘MojamGPT,’ aims to make Arabic heritage widely accessible.
Following the ceremony, Sheikh Dr. Sultan toured the book fair, visiting the Moroccan Guest of Honour pavilion and other pavilions from Sharjah-based entities contributing to the cultural landscape. He also met with local and Arab publishers, exploring their latest publications and initiatives in the fields of knowledge, culture, and science.
The 43rd Sharjah International Book Fair, open until November 17, stands as a celebration of literary heritage, showcasing the power of books to bridge cultures and illuminate minds. The event reinforces Sharjah’s position as a global hub for cultural exchange and knowledge.