Sharjah Book Authority Calls for a Unified Action to Support Children’s Book Industry

In an effort to revolutionise and lead in the region’s book industry for children, the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) has called on authorities and publishers across MENA, to engage in unified efforts, to expand and develop the industry across the Arab world, both qualitatively and quantitatively. SBA’s efforts to develop this initiative reflects on the industry’s recent experiences in stimulating a new dawn of development in children’s literature.  

The call came during SBA’s participation at the 54th edition of the Bologna Children’s Book Fair, taking place from April 3-6 in the Italian city of Bologna.        

Making the most of the widespread presence of a diverse spectrum of notable figures and institutions in the international children’s book industry, SBA familiarised participants with the upcoming edition of the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival (SCRF), which will run its 9th edition under the theme, ‘Discover Beyond’, from 19 to 29 April in Sharjah, UAE.

“One of SBA’s core focuses is to continue to establish cross-cultural collaboration through an active presence at important international cultural events, such as these. We see it as a great opportunity to introduce the world to Sharjah’s unique cultural fabric, which blends a careful preservation of the past with modern sensibilities. Our cultural and literary presence around the world is a reflection of the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah” said HE Ahmed Al Ameri, Chairman of SBA.   

Sharjah Publishing City (SPC) and its role in fostering the global publishing industry was a big focus of the three-day SBA agenda. Publishing professionals learnt how SPC operates in facilitating their entry into publishing markets in the GCC and Middle East, and supports the establishment of their businesses with ease on new turfs.  

The SBA exhibition stand at the Fair witnessed an impressive turnout of high-profile diplomatic and cultural visitors, including the UAE Ambassador to Italy, HE Saqr Nasser Al Rais. Visitors and publishers from around the world enjoyed a close view of Sharjah’s cultural and literary experience, and its efforts to nurture children’s minds and souls through books and creativity.

On the side-lines, SBA meet with publishing professionals and children’s literature experts from all over the world. The SBA stand gave visitors an opportunity to learn about Sharjah’s most important projects, their achievements, as well as potential opportunities.  

Established in December 2014, SBA is dedicated to encouraging investment in creative industries and offering a platform for the exchange of knowledge and ideas between people from different civilizations and cultures. It is also tasked with emphasising the significant role of writers and their influence in promoting community awareness. SBA also aims collaborate with relevant bodies and figures operating in the cultural sector in general, and the publishing, printing, translation, documentation and children’s books in particular.