Sharjah Book Authority attracts 230 Russian publishers to Sharjah International Book Fair 2016

The Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) announced that 230 Russian publishers have confirmed their participation in the 35th edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair, SIBF, which will be held in November 2016.

This is the fruit of SBA's efforts that have succeeded in attracting Russian publishers during its participation in the 28th edition of the Moscow International Book Fair, MIBF, which was organised by the General Directorate of Russia's International Book Exhibitions and Fairs from September 2nd - 6th in the Russian capital Moscow.

The Moscow International Book Fair, one of the major and most important book fairs in North- and Central Asia and Eastern Europe, is a gateway to publishers based in this vast geographical area, which has a long and prestigious history of interest in books and publishing, and has maintained several channels of communication with the Arab and Muslim worlds over long decades of friendship and cooperation. 

The SBA Stand in Moscow Book Fair saw the visit of Ismael Al Za'abi, Consul in UAE Embassy at Russia, who expressed his pride in this participation. Al Za'abi was received by HE Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, Chairman of SBA, who presented to him the Arabic copy of "Hadith Al Thakira", authored by His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah.

A number of high- profile figures visited the SBA Stand, namely Alper Askin, Turkish Cultural Attache in Moscow, Serge Medevac, Director of the Russian Federal Press Agency, and Demetri Etzokovitch, Deputy Chairman of the agency.  

Highlighting the importance of participation, Al Ameri said: "Our participation in the Moscow International Book Fair stems from our strong belief in the need to promote dialogue between cultures and increase communication between various professionals interested in the book industry, and is in line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, for strengthening Sharjah's status as a beacon of  intercultural and intellectual communication between  various peoples across the globe.” 

On the sidelines of its participation, the SBA delegation made the best use of its presence in the Moscow Book Fair to highlight the authority's efforts and initiatives launched to enrich the exchange of knowledge between civilizations.

The delegation held a series of meetings on the fringe of the book fair, during which it highlighted the $300,000 Translation Grant offered by the Sharjah International Book Fair to publishers. It also focused on the Matchmaking Programme, which bring together publishers and managers of translation agencies who are interested in buying and selling of the translation rights of books published in various languages. The Matchmaking Event is part of annual programmes organized by SIBF's Translation Rights Centre.

Al Ameri went on to say that the Moscow Book Fair offered the SBA delegation a platform to meet and network with a large number of publishers in Russia and its neighbouring countries, as the delegation held fruitful talks focusing on publishing issues and the need to exchange expertise and literary products. He added that MIBF's keenness on the Authority's participation truly reflects the internationally acclaimed reputation enjoyed by the Sharjah International Book Fair.

As part of his meetings, Al Ameri held talks with Sergei Kaykin, Director of the Moscow Book Fair, on the possible ways to develop cultural exchange and relations between the Sharjah Book Fair and the General Directorate of Russia's International Book Exhibitions and Fairs, as well as avenues of mutual cooperation in publishing-related issues. Kaykin lauded the role played by the Sharjah Book Fair in raising awareness, spreading knowledge and promoting the culture of dialogue between various people in the world. He thanked SBA for its participation in the book event, a fact that signifies the eagerness and interest of the UAE, and Sharjah particularly, in culture and promoting the written word. Kaykin reaffirmed the participation on Russian publishers in the 34th edition of Sharjah Book Fair, which will take place in November, vowing that the 35th edition of SIBF will see the participation of 230 Russian publishing houses. 

The SBA delegation held a series of meetings with a number of publishing houses and specialists at its stand, which attracted a large number of visitors, including publishing experts and professionals who inquired about services provided by the Authority as well as about the details on how to participate in the Sharjah International Book Fair, and other events organized by the Authority.

The Russian publishing houses underlined the need for SBA's participation in the next year's edition of Moscow Book Fair, while Central Asian countries showed a great interest in participating in SIBF, which offers a precious opportunity to meet with publishers from all over the world.

Sharjah Book Authority, SBA, was established in December 2014 under an Emiri decree issued by His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah.

SBA is tasked with encouraging investment in creative industries and offering a platform for the exchange of knowledge and culture between peoples from different civilizations and cultures. 

It is also entrusted with emphasizing the significant role of writers and their influence in spreading awareness in society in light of the technological advancement and the availability of various sources of knowledge. SBA also aims to attract relevant bodies and figures involved in the cultural sector in general, and the publishing, printing, translation and documentation in particular, as well as in the children's books specifically.