As part of its participation, SBA is highlighting the milestones and achievements of Sharjah’s cultural project, envisioned by His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. The 47th edition of the fair gathers 544 publishing houses from 31 countries—19 Arab and 12 international—featuring 243,000 titles, including 14,630 newly released works and 47,367 children’s books, of which 1,929 are new.
At the Sharjah pavilion, Fadel Hussein Bussaim, Director of SBA in the Eastern Region, received HE Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi, Kuwait’s Minister of Information and Culture and Minister of State for Youth Affairs, and HE Mustafa Al-Rawashdeh, Jordan’s Minister of Culture, as the kingdom takes the spotlight as the 47th edition Guest of Honour.
During its participation, SBA hosted meetings with publishers, library professionals, and creative industry stakeholders to showcase Sharjah’s unique opportunities and supporting environment. Furthermore, discussions focused on fostering collaboration through initiatives including the Sharjah International Book Fair, Sharjah Publishers Conference, Sharjah International Library Conference, and International Booksellers Conference, which support local, regional, and global publishing while facilitating the exchange of translation and distribution rights.
Commenting on the participation, Fadel Hussein Bussaim underscored Sharjah’s ongoing efforts to elevate the publishing industry as part of a broader cultural project envisioned by His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, focused on fostering a culture of knowledge that serves as a cornerstone of comprehensive and sustainable development, contributing to the advancement of the Arab world and beyond.
He said: “Under the guidance and support of Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of SBA, we are delivering a comprehensive programme aimed at strengthening collaboration with regional and international cultural institutions and creative industries. These initiatives solidify Sharjah’s status as a leader in shaping a future where books remain central to development and innovation.”
The Sharjah delegation participating in the Kuwait International Book Fair includes Al Qasimi Publications, the Sharjah Department of Culture, Sharjah Publishing City, the Sharjah Literary Agency, the Translation Grant – an SBA initiative, Kalimat Group, the Children’s Book Publishers Forum, and the Etisalat Award for Arabic Children’s Literature. Each entity showcased its initiatives to the fair’s visitors and participants, fostering cultural cooperation between Sharjah and the Arab world.
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