Culture & Education | Wednesday 3 June, 2015 3:25 pm |

Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) has concluded a successful participation in 2015 Book Expo America in New York’s Javits Centre lately. The SBA’s pavilion welcomed a number of prominent Emirati and Arabic figures residing in the USA, including Ambassador Lana Nsaibeh, Permanent Representative of the UAE at the United Nations and HE Omar Al Shamsi, Charge d'Affaires of the UAE Embassy in Washington, DC.

Nsaibeh and Al Shamsi were welcomed by HE Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, Chairman of SBA, who presented the Emirati Ambassador with a copy of Hadeeth Al Thakera (Taking the Reins), the book by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah.

HE Ahmed Al Ameri said, “Our participation in the Book Expo America endorses our efforts to strengthen cultural relations with friendly countries around the world, including the United States, with whom the UAE enjoys an excellent collaboration and friendship. In keeping with the vision of HH Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah. Our presence in such an important exhibition is a valuable opportunity for us to communicate with the largest publishers in the world, and showcase the pioneering cultural role played by our country. We have had very positive feedback on our role to facilitate the UAE publishing industry by event visitors, and a strong interest to collaborate with us as a gateway to the region’s publishing activity.”

Al Ameri pointed out that leading US and international publishing groups were very interested in Sharjah Book City, a project by SBA to establish a publishing Free Zone which will foster investment and growth in the publishing sector within Sharjah and the UAE. Participating in the Sharjah International Book Fair 2015, Over 30 American and international publishers confirmed their participation at the next edition of the fair, while many others expressed interest in taking part in Sharjah Children's Reading Festival 2016, and Sharjah International Book Fair Translation Grant.

SBA Chairman added that the pavilion visitors inquired about these programs and culture initiatives in Sharjah, expressing interest in visiting Sharjah to discuss potential collaboration and build stronger professional relationships between Arab and American publishers, aiming at enhancing cultural dialogue, and availing important titles to readers all over the world.

SBA also sponsored the Librarians Lounge organized by Publisher Weekly magazine. The lounge was an opportunity for a one hour presentation on SIBF and the American Library Association conference organized in collaboration with SBA next November.


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

It is tasked with encouraging investment in creative industries and providing a platform for knowledge and intellectual exchange among people from different countries and cultures.

The SBA also aims to develop the printing and publishing sector and support the significant role of writers and their influence in spreading awareness of technological advancements and the availability of various sources of information. The authority assumes the responsibility of enhancing the Emirate’s status on the regional and international level to attract relevant bodies and figures operating in the cultural sector in general, and the publishing, printing, translation, documentation and children’s book sector in particular.