Hungary debuts at the world’s largest book fair in Sharjah

‘Spread the Word’ is the thought-provoking theme of the region’s biggest celebration of books, reading, culture and creativity this year, as the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) returns for its 41st annual edition with an exciting and packed agenda with 2,213 publishers from 95 countries – the largest contingent of global publishers ever to participate in the annual book fair in its 41-year-history who will be showcasing 1.5 million+ titles.

They will be joined by 129 authors, intellectuals and experts from 57 countries worldwide who will lead 1,047 activities at SIBF 2022 slated for a 12-day run at the Expo Centre Sharjah, from November 2-13.

The 12-day celebration of authorship, readership and the vital sector of publishing is organised by Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), and will celebrate Italy as the Guest of Honour this year with a vibrant agenda presented by Italian authors, intellectuals, artists and publishers to offer visitors a unique opportunity to learn about cultural prowess and impact of the historic European nation.

The details of the upcoming edition of one of the world’s top book fairs were shared by the organisers on Wednesday during a press conference held at the Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP) in the presence of HE Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, Chairman of SBA; HE Mohammed Khalaf, Director General of Sharjah Broadcasting Authority; HE Giuseppe Finocchiaro, Consul General of Italy in Dubai; Khoula Al Mujaini, General Coordinator of SIBF; Mansour AlHassani, Director of Publisher’s Services at SBA;

The press conference was also attended by HE Ali bin Hatem, President, Emirates Publishers Association (EPA); HE Rashid Al Kous, Executive Director, EPA; Salem Omar Salem, Executive Director of the SBA; Ida Zilio Grandi, Director of the Italian Cultural Institute in Abu Dhabi; Amedeo Scarpa, Director, Italian Trade Agency, UAE; and Mohamed Al Ameemi, Vice President/Business Engagement and Customer Support, Etisalat.

SIBF: ‘A manifestation of Sharjah’s cultural project’

HE Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, Chairman of SBA, said: “The annual Sharjah International Book Fair is a manifestation of Sharjah’s cultural project, and brings together thousands of publishers and hundreds of writers and creators, in addition to millions of books in different languages under one big roof. This is a source of great pride for us and the fruit of a seed planted and nurtured by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah more than 41 years ago”.

The SBA Chairman added:

“The book fair started with just a few hundred publishers and visitors. Today, it is hosting the largest number of publishers in its history as it welcomes 2,213 publishers. Last year, SIBF was recognised as the largest book fair in the world in terms of buying and selling intellectual property rights. Even though this achievement was not our primary objective but is the outcome of the wise vision of His Highness to build nations by fostering knowledge exchange and elevating communities through the power of the written word.”

‘A model cultural project’
HE Mohammed Khalaf, Director General of the Sharjah Broadcasting Authority, said: “The Sharjah Broadcasting Authority is proud to be the official media partner of this prestigious international event which advances Sharjah’s model cultural project. Through our affiliates and subsidiaries, we will provide comprehensive coverage of the activities at SIBF 2022, including conducting interviews with distinguished guests and setting up dedicated studios for our satellite channels and radio stations.”

 Forging bonds through vehicle of culture
Expressing his deepest respect and gratitude to the Sharjah Ruler, HE Giuseppe Finocchiaro, Consul General of Italy in Dubai, thanked His HIghness for the wise vision that has enriched the crucial role played by books in shaping societies and their development.

Stating that Italy’s Guest of Honour recognition is an exceptional opportunity to further forge bonds between Italy and Sharjah through the vehicle of culture, the Consul General said that cultural exchanges are essential to build mutual understanding among all peoples.

2,213 publishers at SIBF 2022: 1,298 Arab and 915 international publishers

Mansour AlHassani, Director of Publisher’s Services at SBA, revealed that for the first time in its 41-year-history, SIBF brings together 1,298 Arab and 915 international publishers to showcase more than 1.5 million titles across a 18,000 sqm area.

With the participation of 339 publishing houses, the UAE tops the list of Arab publishers, followed by Egypt with 306 participants and Lebanon and Syria represented by 125 and 95 publishers respectively. On the international level, 112 publishers will be coming in from India while the UK will be represented by 61 publishers.

SIBF 2022 will also mark the debut participation of publishers from 10 countries including Cuba, Costa Rica, Liberia, Philippines, Ireland, Malta, Mali, Jamaica, Iceland and Hungary.

12th SIBF Publishers Conference

Unveiling details of the professional programmes scheduled for the 2022 edition, Mansour AlHassani said that more than 230 Arab publishers will receive specialised training in collaboration with New York University that focuses on international publishing standards and practices.

More than 30 speakers and experts will lead 8 panel discussions at the 12th SIBF Publishers Conference, taking place at Expo Centre Sharjah from October 30 – November 1. The three-day event will address the key issues and challenges facing the publishing sector, the future of digital publishing in the Arab world, and spotlight emerging markets to market audio books. The event will also serve as a platform for deliberating ways to advance the sector, expertise exchange, and strike new deals.

National Libraries Summit

The second edition of the two-day National Libraries Summit will be organised at Expo Centre Sharjah on November 6–7 in partnership with the American Library Association, and will see the participation of delegates from 30 countries, he added.

Sharjah International Library Conference

The 9th edition of the Sharjah International Library Conference (SILC), held in collaboration with the American Library Association (ALA), will run between November 8-10, and bring together an international group of librarians and experts representing various libraries in the US and countries around the world.