United Arab Emirates

Sultan AlQasimi opens 41st edition of Sharjah International Book Fair

sibf 2022

His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed AlQasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, inaugurated the 41st edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF), on Tuesday evening, November 1st, at Expo Centre Sharjah.

Under the theme ‘Spread the Word’, the 2022 edition of SIBF runs between November 2-13 with the participation of 2,213 publishers from 95 countries.

His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah marked the opening of SIBF 2022 by welcoming the gathering of eminent writers, intellectuals, publishers and leading thought leaders from the region and across the world to a vibrant new edition of the annual book fair.

His Highness said:

“The opening of the 41st SIBF marks the beginning of a celebration of 12 days of cultural activities and is an opportunity for children, youth and families across the UAE to enrich their learning in arts and sciences, and forge close connections with cultures across the world through books of diverse genres at the fair.”

His Highness continued: “The past edition of the annual Sharjah International Book Fair witnessed the launch of 17 volumes of the Historical Corpus of the Arabic Language and this year, we are launching a new set of 19 volumes. These 36 volumes document nine letters of the Arabic alphabet and I would like to express my gratitude to the researchers, linguists, and experts for their untiring dedication and efforts that have led to  this great accomplishment.”

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Source: SIBF

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The Sharjah Ruler also honoured Sudanese historian Yusuf Fadl Hasan, the SIBF 2022 ‘Cultural Personality of the Year’ at the opening ceremony.

Power of the written word in building civilisations

HE Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, Chairman of SBA; SIBF 2022 Cultural Personality Yusuf Fadl Hasan; and Lorenzo Fanara, Italy’s Ambassador to the UAE, delivered keynote speeches at the opening ceremony. The Italian Ambassador represented Italy, the Guest of Honour nation of the 41st SIBF.

The inaugural ceremony commenced with an artistic show featuring a blend of creative digital imagery and live performances echoing the message of the importance of the word and its impact in building and nurturing civilisations. The show conveyed the key message of the SIBF 2022 theme, Spread the Word, with an inspiring commentary that said: “Everything begins with a word. The mind gives shape and form to the word through meaning which helps build civilisations and nurture generations.”

The  inaugural ceremony also screened a short film documenting the progress of the Historical Corpus of the Arabic Language. Representatives of various Arab Language Academies who had a pivotal role in producing the new volumes of the Corpus also took a group photograph with the Ruler of Sharjah at the event.

Largest book fair in the world

In his keynote address, SBA Chairman Ahmed Al Ameri announced that for the second year in a row, SIBF had emerged as the largest book fair in the world in terms of buying and selling copyrights in 2022.

The SBA Chairman said:

“The Sharjah International Book Fair has a history that spans 40 over years and has cemented the foundation of the emirate’s future for a century ahead! My hearty congratulations to Sharjah and the UAE on this momentous occasion! This feat is founded in the wise vision, unwavering support and relentless efforts of Your Highness… You have our sincere gratitude.”

SIBF has become the first in the region to top the world book fairs for the second year in a row in terms of buying and selling of copyrights. The distinguished honour comes as the three-day SIBF Publishers Conference that hosted 1,041 publishers and literary agents concluded with 958 tables set for the matchmaking meetings.

Distinguished honour

For his part, Sudanese historian Yusuf Fadl Hasan, expressed his gratitude to His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah Ruler for conferring him with the distinguished honour of Cultural Personality of SIBF 2022.

He said:

“I recollect the visit of His Highness to Khartoum in 1974 and thank him for taking a keen interest in our work at the African and Asian Studies Institute. With deep gratitude, I remember his efforts to foster dialogue between the Arabic nations and African continent and for continuing to support this journey of communication amongst global cultures through hosting conferences and other events in Sharjah.”

Sharjah invests in culture

In his address, Lorenzo Fanara, Italy’s Ambassador to the UAE, asserted that Sharjah is the Cultural Capital of the world and has “spread the word of books and knowledge across nations.”

Thanking the Sharjah Ruler, the Italian Ambassador said: “Your Highness has sculpted the name of Sharjah in the history of culture.”

He added that through its activities as Guest of Honour at SIBF 2022, visitors can discover the common values shared between Italy and the Arab nations.

Describing how the roots of commonly used words and names in his home country are derived from Arabic, he said: “These names emphasise our common history. By sharing a common history, we share common values and through these cultural values, we can overcome divisive agendas and forge a future founded on openness and knowledge for the next generations.”

After the opening ceremony, His Highness toured the exhibition inspecting the stalls of participating publishing houses, including the Guest of Honour pavilion, where he was briefed on the events and activities that will be organised throughout the 12-day book fair.

Sultan bin Ahmed honours SIBF 2022 award-winners

His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, honoured winners of the 41st edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF 2022) awards on Wednesday during Day 1 activities of the book fair organised by the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) under the slogan ‘Spread the word’ at Expo Centre Sharjah.

His Highness also honoured winners of the Sharjah Translation Award ‘Turjuman’ and the 14th edition of the Etisalat Award for Arabic Children’s Literature.

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Photo: SIBF

The Deputy Ruler honoured the Istituto Per l’Oriente C.A. Nallino, winner of the AED 1.3 million Sharjah Translation Award ‘Turjuman’, for their translation of Suleyman Al Boustani’s foreword of Homer’s Iliad into the Italian language. The award was received by Claudio Lo Lacono, Director of the institute.

His Highness also honoured winners of the SIBF awards, including Dr. Mashael Al Naboodah, who won the Best Emirati Novel Book award for her title ‘Jerah Mozmena’; Dr. Abdallah Sulaiman Al Mughani, who received the Best Emirati Academic Book award for his ‘Features of UAE’s History through the Writings of Western Travelers and Politicians’; and author Shaikha Saif Al Nakhi, winner of the Best Emirati Creative literature Book award for her title ‘Those Days’.

The Deputy Ruler also honoured Kuwaiti Author Muna Al Shimari, winner of Best Arabic Novel for her book Khademat Al Maqam; Angelika Dunsmore, Head of Sales, Penguin Group, on behalf of Penguin Random House, winners of the Best International Fiction Book award for the title Micro Life: Miracles of the miniature world revealed; and South African author Futhi Nsthinglia, winner of Best International Non-Fiction Book award for her book They Got You Too.

As for the Sharjah Publisher Recognition Award, Rewayat, an imprint of Kalimat, won the Best Local Publisher award. The Best Arab Publisher award went to Arab Diffusion Company from Lebanon while International Islamic Publishing House received the Best International Publisher award.

His Highness also honoured winners of the 14th edition of the AED 1.2 million Etisalat Award for Arabic Children’s Literature. The Early Reader award went to How do You Feel Today? by Massara Touqan, illustrated by Haya Halaw, and published by Kalila Wa Dimna Publishing House, Jordan; The Picture Book award was won by Kingdom of Antiquity by Manar Haza, illustrated by Basema Husam, and published by Alia publishing, Egypt; Whispers of Trees by Fay Mousa, illustrated by Fatima Madi, and published by Dar Asfar Publishing, Saudi Arabia won the Chapter Book award; The Young Adult Books award went to I’ll start now, do you hear me? by Anas Abu Rahma, illustrated by Lubna Taha, and published by Dinosaun Publishing, Palestine; while the Comics category was closed by Jurors for this edition.

SIBF 2022 awards jury committee comprised Sinan Sweis, Dr. Laila Familiar, Dr. Lina Merhej, Dr. Hanadi Salit, and Dr. Nusaiba Al Azaibi.

At the end of the ceremony, His Highness honoured SIBF partners and sponsors, including Etisalat from e&, which was received by Abdulaziz Taryam, CEO, Advisor and General Manager of Etisalat e& – Northern Emirates; Sharjah Broadcasting Authority, which was received by Rashid Abdullah Al Obad, Director of the Sharjah Broadcasting Authority; Expo Centre Sharjah, received by Abdullah Sultan Al Owais, Chairman, Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry; and Abu Dhabi Media, which was received by Mohammed Al Shehhi, Head of government communication.

SIBF 2022 opens on Wednesday, Hungary will be represented

Sharjah SIBF 2022

The highly anticipated 41st edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair kicks off on Wednesday under the slogan ‘Spread the Word’ and runs until November 13 at Expo Centre Sharjah.

The 12-day cultural extravaganza celebrates the world’s cultures by hosting a galaxy of distinguished authors, intellectuals, publishers, artists and creatives from 95 countries, and fetes Italy as the Guest of Honour of the 2022 edition.

Organised by the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), the international book fair enables visitors to meet Booker Prize laureates, international screenwriters, and artists, in addition to exploring countries from around the world through publishers’ pavilions, Cookery Station, and a diverse agenda of activities that comprise musical performances, plays, and theatrical shows.

This year, SIBF 2022 is hosting 2,213 publishers, comprising 1,298 from the Arab region and 915 from around the world. The 41st edition will stage 123 awe-inspiring theatrical performances as well as musicals led by 22 artists and performers from eight countries, including six new programmes and more than 30 activities led by renowned Arab and international chefs.

‘Spread the Word’

Through SIBF 2022 slogan ‘Spread the Word’, the international book fair conveys the message: “Words can build the future and change realities, so befriend and stay close to them”. The 41st edition will showcase 1.5 million titles.

As part of the book fair’s cultural programme this year, SIBF will host 150 distinguished authors, intellectuals and creatives who will lead 1,500 activities and sessions including 200 activities encompassing workshops, talks, and seminars.

For children, SIBF 2022 will organise 623 activities, shows and workshops led by 45 professionals and experts from 14 countries, including ‘Toy Tale’, an exciting musical that explores the impact of children’s addiction to video games.

Meanwhile, comics enthusiasts and lovers will have an opportunity to participate in a whopping 188 activities and workshops covering 16 topics, in addition to four roaming shows. The activities and workshops cover topics as varied as NFTs, character creation, and chibified characters.

Amongst Arab publishers, the UAE tops the list followed by Egypt and Lebanon. On the international level, India, the UK, and Italy take the top positions and will showcase their titles across an 18,000 sq m area alongside Cuba, Costa Rica, Liberia, Philippines, Ireland, Malta, Mali, Jamaica, Iceland and Hungary, who are participating for the first time in SIBF, among others.

Sharjah International Library Conference and National Libraries Summit

In partnership with the American Library Association, SBA will host the second edition of the two-day National Libraries Summit at Expo Centre Sharjah on November 6–7, that will bring together delegates from 30 countries. The 9th Sharjah International Library Conference (SILC), running from November 8-10, will bring together an international group of librarians and experts representing various libraries in the US and countries around the world.

Arab and international guests

Prominent literary personalities from the UAE include author and poet Sultan Al Amimi, Chairman of the Emirates Writers Union; poet Khulood Al Mualla; and poet and writer Ibrahim Al Hashemi. They will join their counterparts from the Arab region including Libyan novelist Mohamed Alnaas, winner of the 2022 International Prize for Arabic Fiction (IPAF); Mohamed Al-Ash’ari, poet and former Moroccan Minister of Culture and Communication; poet Hisham Algakh; author Ahmed Mourad; Dr. Ahmed Emara, Egyptian mental health and bioenergy consultant; screenwriter Hani Sarhan from Egypt; Kuwaiti poet Mohammed Jarallah Al-Sahli; and Algerian academic and writer Boumediene Belkebir.

A galaxy of literary stalwarts from around the world will also headline SIBF 2022. Prominent names here include Deepak Chopra, the  New York Times bestselling author of Abundance: The Inner Path to Wealth and Metahuman: Unleashing Your Infinite Potential; Lincoln Pierce, cartoonist/writer and bestselling author of the hilarious Big Nate book series; Rupi Kaur, Canadian poet, illustrator, photographer, and author; and Pico Iyer, a British-born essayist and novelist.

Geetanjali Shree, Indian author and short story writer and winner of International Booker Prize 2022; D.J. Palmer, American author of numerous critically acclaimed suspense novels including The New Husband and My Wife is Missing; and Megan Hess, Australian fashion illustrator who has written and illustrated 16 best-selling books, will also be at SIBF this year.

Celebrating the legacy of Mahmoud Darwish

The 41st edition will showcase the iconic works and celebrate the lyrical, haunting and creative legacy of Palestine’s most eminent poet, Mahmoud Darwish, at a dedicated pavilion throughout the 12-day fair.

The pavilion will be managed by the Mahmoud Darwish Foundation, which is participating for the first time at SIBF.

New at SIBF 2022

The 41st edition will debut six new programmes, including a three-day Thriller Festival between November 8-10 to offer writers specialised in suspense and crime genres an opportunity to showcase their works and participate in workshops, discussion panels, and book signing sessions. The event is organised in partnership with ThrillerFest in New York.

The book fair will also organise the Young Emirati Writers Programme, which is a platform that provides support to budding writers to build and advance their skills through discussion sessions, poetry evenings, and more.

Responding to public demand, SIBF is organising a series of workshops for adults this year covering a variety of topics including photography, crafts, creative writing, and theatre.

For the first time at SIBF theatre, London Apartment – the critically acclaimed social satire from the GCC written by Issa Ahmad and directed by Mosa Arty, will be staged. The play’s cast includes Juma Ali, Mays Gumir, Shehab Johar, Shahad Salman and Mishal Al Eidan.

Cookery Corner

30 cookery activities throughout the book fair will be led by eminent chefs including Dr. Nourhan Kandil and Sally Fouad from Egypt; Cristina Bowerman, Alessandro Miceli, Damiano Carrar, and Luca Manfe from Italy; Indian chef Vicky Ratnani and Vindex Tengker from Indonesia.

Social Media Corner

A total of 30 workshops at SIBFs popular Social Media Station presented by 10 experts from seven countries will cover topics including social media strategies, creative content, and more.

Celebrating cultures

For the first time in its history, SIBF will celebrate the literary works of a distinguished group of authors and intellectuals at the ‘Diaspora Authors’ pavilion. Authors featured here include Prof. Habib Abdulrab Sarori, a Yemeni AI expert at the Mathematical and Software Engineering Department at the University of Rouen Normandy, France.

The book fair will also introduce visitors to the diverse and rich African continent through the African – Arab Cultural Programme, which brings together 17 eminent guests from Mali, Senegal and Nigeria in six activities, in addition to a special Philippines Cultural Programme that reflects the unique cultural traditions, arts and music of the island nation.

Sharjah 11th Press Conference 5
Read also971 publishers from 92 countries register for participation in 12th SIBF Publishers Conference

SIBF to unite writers and enthusiasts of thriller genre at debut ThrillFest from Nov 8 -10

thriller festival sibf Sharjah

Get ready for plenty of fast-paced action, plot twists and gripping storylines as writers specialised in suspense and crime genres converge at the 41st Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) for an exciting three-day thriller extravaganza from November 8-10 at Expo Centre Sharjah.

Under the theme ‘Spread the Word’, the much-awaited 2022 edition of SIBF will mark the debut of ThrillerFest in the UAE, a premier event targeting thriller fans, authors, and publishing professionals. The new addition to SIBF’s expansive agenda of activities will deepen the knowledge of aspiring and established writers in the craft of the thriller genre and is an opportunity to showcase their works and participate in exciting and informative discussions, workshops, author book signings, and make lasting contacts in the industry.

Organised in partnership with ThrillerFest in New York, the popular and rapidly expanding gathering founded in 2004 aims to promote and support thriller authors everywhere. The annual event connects the community of thriller writers with readers and with each other.

The 41st SIBF will host some of the leading crime and suspense authors and experts over three days and provide a platform for bestselling international authors to meet with lovers of mysteries and thrillers in the region.

The all-star lineup at the 2022 edition of SIBF’s ThrillerFest includes Lisa Gardner, master of the psychological thriller and a #1 New York Times bestselling American novelist; Gregg Hurwitz,  a NYT bestselling author of  23 thrillers, including the ORPHAN X series; and D.J. Palmer, author of numerous critically acclaimed suspense novels, including The New Husband and The Perfect Daughter, will also share their storytelling techniques and strategies for crafting the build up to a dramatic climax at SIBF 2022.

Kathleen Antrim, the award-winning author of the bestselling political thriller, Capital Offense, and Heather Graham Pozzessere, an American author of romantic suspense and gothics will also be meeting fans and budding writers at SIBF 2022.

These crime and suspense writers will be among the roster of 129 authors, intellectuals and experts from 57 countries worldwide who will lead 1,047 activities at SIBF 2022 at Expo Centre

Sharjah, from November 2-13. In its upcoming 41st annual edition, SIBF will host 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.

The 12-day celebration organised by Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) will celebrate Italy as the Guest of Honour this year.

HE Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, Chairman of SBA
Read alsoHungary debuts at the world’s largest book fair in Sharjah

971 publishers from 92 countries register for participation in 12th SIBF Publishers Conference

Sharjah 11th Press Conference 5

 The Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) has announced that the 12th edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) Publishers Conference, an annual industry-wide event for the publishing sector held ahead of the 41st SIBF, has received participation requests from 971 publishing houses, literary agents, and rights professionals from 92 countries.

The high turnout this year reflects SIBF’s global success, especially after emerging as the largest book fair in the world in 2021 in terms of buying and selling copyrights. Sharjah’s continuous efforts to boost the sector through its participation in international book fairs and conferences and networking with international publishing houses under the umbrella of SBA have further bolstered the pivotal role of the Publishers Conference in accelerating the development of this vital industry.

As a robust platform for buying and selling rights, signing book deals, exploring translation opportunities and serving other commercial interests of the sector, the SIBF Publishers Conference will also facilitate participants to network, matchmake and do business with each other on all three days of the conference.

Mansour Al Hassani, Director of Publisher’s Services at SBA, said:

“In line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, the SIBF Publishers Conference assumes greater significance as a platform for regional and global publishers to network, discover and learn, and find innovative ways to forge a new phase of growth.”

Al Hassani added: “The growing number of participants year-on-year reflects the prominent global status of both the SIBF and Publishers Conference, and reflects the strategic vision of Sharjah’s cultural project to support and advance the publishing sector in the Arab region and enhance its position internationally.”

Held from October 30 to November 1, 2022, at Expo Centre Sharjah, the SIBF Publishers Conference will host 33 inspiring speakers, who will present, through eight panel discussions and two keynote fireside chats, a vibrant and inspiring vision of the future of publishing and provide comprehensive insights into the trends, challenges and opportunities in the industry.

HE Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, Chairman of SBA
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Celebrity chefs cook up a feast at SIBF 2022

Luca Manfe

 Celebrity chefs, bakers, nutritionists and food business experts from the region and around the globe will lead food enthusiasts in the UAE on an exciting culinary adventure as the Cookery Corner opens at the 41st Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) from November 2 – 13 at Expo Centre Sharjah.

From fusion cuisine and modernised adaptations to traditional and quick and easy preparations, the line-up of internationally renowned chefs and experts will share their expertise and headline 30 cooking activities including live demo sessions at SIBF 2022 as part of the fair’s popular ‘Cookery Corner’ programme.

Among the many notable chefs and experts who will take visitors and guests on an expansive journey into a delightful world of flavours at SIBF this year are Dr. Nourhan Kandil and Sally Fouad from Egypt, Christina Bowerman, Alessandro Borghese, Damiano Carrara, and Luca Montersino from Italy, Vicky Ratnani from India, and Vindex Tengker from Indonesia.

Participating chefs and experts

A highly respected health coach with an MBA from Paris Business School (ESLSCA), Dr. Nourhan Kandil is a certified nutritionist and the author of two bestselling books while her compatriot, Sally Fouad, a healthy nutrition and cooking expert, is a popular television host.

Some of the most influential and authoritative personalities on the Italian gastronomic scene who will be at SIBF this year include Christina Bowerman, a multi-talented Michelin star chef who shares a passion for travel and pushes the boundaries of traditional cooking; Alessandro Borghese, an eclectic and innovative chef who is also a restaurateur and cookbook author; Damiano Carrara, a Tuscan native, co-founder of Carrara Pastries, and author of Dolce Italia and A Taste of Italy; and Luca Montersino, chef, consultant, teacher, food manager, and television personality.

Voted India’s Chef of the Year in 2015 at the Indian Restaurant Awards, Vicky Ratnani is a connoisseur of various global culinary traditions and hosts several popular cookery shows.

Indonesia’s celebrated Chef Vindex Tengker, a culinary book author and distinguished advisor to the Association of Culinary Professionals Indonesia, is a master of fusion cuisine and was a judge on MasterChef and Top Chef Indonesia.

Participants can look forward to great conversations, brilliant insights into the culinary world and sample food prepared by the masters. Visitors at SIBF 2022 will also have the opportunity to buy signed copies of the participating chefs’ latest cookbooks at the 12-day fair.

HE Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, Chairman of SBA
Read alsoHungary debuts at the world’s largest book fair in Sharjah

Cooperation between Hungary and UAE: Orbán in talks with the President

viktor orbán prague eu summit

Prime Minister Viktor Orbán on Wednesday talked to President Mohammed bin Zayed of the United Arab Emirates over the phone and discussed economic and energy cooperation between the two countries, the PM’s press chief, Bertalan Havasi, said.

The two leaders highlighted the importance of bilateral ties and opportunities to strengthen them in trade, energy, sustainable energy and technology as part of the economic cooperation agreement signed by the two countries in February, the WAM news agency said.

Budapest Parliament Hungary Danube
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2022 Booker Prize winner in line-up of 27 acclaimed international  authors at 41st SIBF 

Megan Hess

 The 2022 International Booker Prize winner Geetanjali Shree; holistic wellness guru and author of The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success, Deepak Chopra; Shoaib Akhtar, a phenomenal cricketer and author of Controversially Yours: An Autobiography; and Big Nate cartoonist Lincoln Peirce will lead the line-up of 27 acclaimed international bestselling authors, award-winning novelists, and thriller writers at the 41st Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF 2021) from November 2 – 13 at Expo Centre Sharjah.

The international literary luminaries will celebrate the fair’s theme, ‘Spread the Word’ as they headline a range of author presentations, panel discussions and book signings and share the ideas that inspire their works at the 12-day cultural extravaganza.

Organised by Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), the 41st edition of the book fair boasts an extensive programme of 200 cultural activities that aim to forge connections with the world through the power of the written word.

Among the leading personalities at SIBF 2022 is Geetanjali Shree, the author of three novels and several story collections. She will enlighten visitors on the rich plurality of the world and destructive impact of borders as elucidated in her vibrant 2022 Booker Prize novel, Tomb of Sand.

Described by TIME magazine as “one of the top 100 heroes and icons of the century”, Deepak Chopra, a world-renowned pioneer in integrative medicine and personal transformation, is the author of 92 books including Quantum Healing. The US author’s most recent work, Abundance, will offer SIBF visitors practical advice on how to cultivate a sense of abundance and chart the road to success and fulfillment.

Popularly known as ‘Rawalpindi Express’ for his magic with the cricket ball, Shoaib Akhtar’s no holds barred autobiography, Controversially Yours, covers every detail of his early struggling phase till the 2011 World Cup, both on and off the cricket ground, and is a celebration of the magic of the game itself.

Lincoln Peirce, cartoonist/writer and New York Times bestselling author of the hilarious Big Nate book series, will discuss how his fascination with comic strips at a young age led to the comic strip, Big Nate, which now appears in over 400 newspapers worldwide.

A breakout literary phenomenon from Canada, Rupi Kaur who wrote, illustrated, and self-published her first poetry collection, milk and honey in 2014, is currently on a world tour, and will regale audiences at SIBF with poetry, humour, spoken word, and more.

Pico Iyer, British-born essayist and an acclaimed travel writer, who is widely regarded as one of the most eloquent and incisive observers of the emerging global culture, will share his visionary insights gained from 46 years of travel at SIBF 2022. Joining him at the 41st edition of the fair is his compatriot, Clare Mackintosh, an international bestselling and award-winning thriller novelist and author of  I Let You Go.

Prominent writers from the US who will engage with audiences at SIBF include Dr. Leonard Mlodinow, theoretical physicist, screenwriter, and author of five best-selling books including The Grand Design; Neil Strauss, a 10-time New York Times best-selling author, editor and columnist; and Carrie Thornton, editor and author of The Storyteller by Dave Grohl.

Thriller and suspense writers from the North American continent include Gregg Hurwitz, award-winning author of 23 books including the Orphan X series; Lisa Gardner, famed for her edgy characters and twisty plots in One Step Too Far and Before She Disappeared; Heather Graham, who has written more than 200 novels and novellas; and D. J. Palmer, bestselling author of the critically acclaimed The New Husband and My Wife is Missing.

Marie Lu, bestselling author of science and fantasy fiction for young adults, and Karen M. McManus, author of the popular One of Us Is Lying series will also reach out to their young readers at SIBF.

Representing Canada are Nita Prose, a longtime editor whose debut novel, The Maid, was published earlier this year and Kristin Phillips, an educator and children’s author.

Australian fashion illustrator Megan Hess who has worked with leading luxury fashion houses and illustrated portraits for notable publications such as Vanity Fair and Time, will be at SIBF to showcase both her craft and her best-selling books.

Writers from India include C.V BalaKrishnan, an award-winning novelist and short story writer; G. R. Indugopan, screenwriter, director and author; Joseph Annamkutty Jose, author, actor and vlogger; Sunil P. Ilayidom, award-winning author, critic and orator; and Ravi Subramanian, an award-winning author of thriller fiction.

The pioneer of Indian pop music, Remo Fernandes, who writes and sings his songs in five different languages and has penned his autobiography, will also be at SIBF this year along with Usha Uthup, who has sung and performed in more than 16 lndian languages and authored The Queen of Indian Pop.

 Lloyd A. Luna, a sought-after Filipino motivational speaker and leadership coach in the Philippines, who has authored 17 self-help books since 2005, will inspire audiences at SIBF 2022.

SIBF 2022: 623 edutainment activities to hone skills and expand knowledge of children

SIBF 2022 children

 With a total of 623 vibrant and edutainment activities lined up for the 41st edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF 2022) that runs from November 2 – 13 at Expo Centre Sharjah, young visitors have plenty of options to keep themselves entertained through interactive workshops, theatre shows, and edutainment activities led by 45 professionals and experts from 14 countries.

The expansive programming agenda for children at SIBF 2022, which runs under the theme ‘Spread the Word’, is designed to nurture creativity and imagination and help children of all ages unleash their artistic potential.

123 shows

During the 12-day cultural extravaganza, 123 immersive theatrical shows and roaming parades led by 22 artists and performers from eight countries will nourish and foster the imagination of young children.

‘Toy Tale’ play

‘Toy Tale’, an exciting musical, is a play that explores the impact of children’s addiction to video games. The events unfold in an abandoned toy store where young children will experience and learn the negative consequences of their obsession with video games, especially those that are not age-appropriate.

The diverse cast includes Ahmed Al Najjar, Hussein Al Mahdi, Heba Al Durri, Dima Ahmed, Iman Faisal, Malak Abu Zaid, Muhammad Al Muslim, Jana Al Failakawi, Saud AlZarouni.

Living Lamp Posts

An enchanting and illuminating act, the Living Lamp Posts are a marvellous moving display of ornate light and colour that will light up visitors’ faces and fill them with joy as they stroll through the fair’s halls.

Pinocchio on Ice

The adventures of Pinocchio, the wooden puppet who becomes a boy with the touch of a fairy’s wand and whose nose grows longer when he lies, will come to life on the ice rink with elaborate props, colourful costumes and amazing acrobatics.

Speed Painter

SIBF visitors can look forward to the fast paced, high energy of talented artists who will delight audiences with their lighting-fast painting skills. Infusing gentle humour as they execute dynamic artworks, the theatrical art show springs a pleasant surprise when the painter turns his artwork upside down.

Scienza Della Plastica

Visitors will gain an introduction into the science of plastics and explore the secrets of plastic recycling through amazing science experiments packed with spectacular optical illusions and peppered with fun facts throughout the mesmerising show.

In addition, the 12-day cultural event will host a diverse range of vibrant activities and workshops each day, targeting children of varied age groups to expand the knowledge and experiences of young generations. The action-packed agenda of activities including science and interactive workshops are led by qualified experts from across a spectrum of art, science and creative disciplines, and will help visitors hone their skills and unleash their talents.

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

HE Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, Chairman of SBA

‘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.

 ‘Spread the Word’
Commenting on the SIBF 2022 slogan, Khoula Al Mujaini, General Coordinator of SIBF, said: “‘Spread the Word’ has great significance for Sharjah, the cultural capital of the Arab world. Through this slogan, we want to convey that the emirate bears the responsibility of spreading knowledge and literature worldwide and celebrate humankind’s capacity to create change, instil positivity, and connect with others. It is also an affirmation that Sharjah is a living platform for cultural exchange and a meeting place for peoples from around the world.”

Sharjah International Book Fair 2022
Photo: SIBF

 1,047 activities led by 129 guests from 57 countries
Announcing the SIBF 2022 programming agenda, Khoula Al Mujaini noted that the 41st edition will witness a total of 1,047 activities led by 129 guests from 57 countries.

The book fair’s cultural programme in particular will be led by an elite group of 70 authors, intellectuals, and artists from 15 countries, who will present 200 activities including panel discussions, workshops and reading sessions to highlight creative journeys, knowledge and expertise in various genres.

Guest of Honour programme
To celebrate its participation as SIBF 2022 Guest of Honour, Italy will organise 17 activities as part of its cultural programme.

Of these, 4 events are part of the Cookery Corner and 5 are children’s activities, in addition to 6 entertainment shows and roaming shows, she elaborated. The other activities led by Italy include ‘Aterballetto: A Poetry Abstraction’ and ‘Balletto Di Roma’ (Ballet of Rome).

Notable Italian authors participating in SIBF 2022 include Viola Ardone, Luigi Ballerini, Alessandro Baricco, and Francesca Corrao.

International guests

A galaxy of literary stalwarts from around the world will also headline SIBF 2022, she added.

Prominent names include New York Times bestselling author Deepak Chopra, the American author of Abundance: The Inner Path to Wealth and Metahuman: Unleashing Your Infinite Potential; Lincoln Pierce, cartoonist/writer and bestselling author of the hilarious Big Nate book series; Rupi Kaur, Canadian poet, illustrator, photographer, and author; Pico Iyer, a British-born essayist and novelist; Geetanjali Shree, Indian author and short story writer and winner of International Booker Prize 2022; D.J. Palmer, American author of numerous critically acclaimed suspense novels including The New Husband and My Wife is Missing; and Megan Hess, Australian fashion illustrator who has written and illustrated 16 best-selling books.

Emirati and Arab literary personalities

The list of eminent Emirati writers, thinkers and poets participating in the 41st edition include Sultan Al Amimi, poet Khulood Al Mualla; poet and writer Ibrahim Al Hashemi, the writer Saeed Al Hanki, the historian Dr. Hamad bin Saray; author Asma Al Hammadi, and poet Dr. Aisha Al Shamsi.

Khoula Al Mujaini revealed that prominent literary personalities from the Arab region at SIBF this year include Libyan novelist Mohamed Alnaas, winner of the 2022 International Prize for Arabic Fiction (IPAF); Mohamed Al-Ash’ari, poet and former Moroccan Minister of Culture and Communication; poet Hisham Algakh, author Ahmed Mourad, Dr. Ahmed Emara, Egyptian mental health and bioenergy consultant, and screenwriter Hani Sarhan from Egypt; Kuwaiti poet Mohammed Jarallah Al-Sahli; and Algerian academic and writer Boumediene Belkebir.

Khoula Al Mujaini, General Coordinator of SIBF
Khoula Al Mujaini, General Coordinator of SIBF. Photo: SBIF

A vibrant children’s programme

SIBF 2022 will organise 623 activities, shows and workshops for children this year, which will be led by 45 professionals and experts from 14 countries.

123 shows featuring theatre, dance performances and musicals

The 12-day cultural extravaganza will stage 123 awe-inspiring theatrical and performances as well as musicals led by 22 artists and performers from eight countries.

 New at SIBF 2022

The upcoming edition of SIBF will debut six new programmes, including a three-day Thriller Festival between November 8-10 to offer writers specialised in suspense and crime genres an opportunity to showcase their works and participate in workshops, discussion panels, and book signing sessions. The event is organised in partnership with ThrillerFest in New York.

The book fair will also organise the Young Emirati Writers Programme, which is a platform that provides support to budding writers to build and advance their skills through discussion sessions, poetry evenings, and more.

Responding to public demand, SIBF is organising a series of workshops for adults this year covering a variety of topics including photography, crafts, creative writing, and theatre.

An entire day will be dedicated to the UAE’s large Filipino community with a special Philippines Cultural Programme that reflects the unique cultural traditions, arts and music of the island nation.

The book fair will also introduce visitors to the diverse and rich African continent through the African – Arab Cultural Programme that brings together 17 eminent guests from Mali, Senegal and Nigeria.

 8 chefs and experts to lead 30 activities at the SIBF Cookery Corner

Food lovers can be part of an expansive culinary journey with eight chefs from four countries and experts from nine countries who will lead 30 cookery activities throughout the book fair. Notable participants include Dr. Nourhan Kandil and Sally Fouad from Egypt; Cristina Bowerman, Alessandro Miceli, Damiano Carrar, and Luca Manfe from Italy; Indian chef Vicky Ratnani and Vindex Tengker form Indonesia.

30 workshops at the Social Media Station

A total of 30 workshops at SIBFs popular Social Media Station presented by 10 experts from seven countries will cover topics including social media strategies, creative content and more. Notable guests leading the activities include Hala Harb and Hussein Al Azat.

Comics Corner to host 188 activities

Comics enthusiasts and lovers will have an opportunity to take part in a whopping 188 activities and workshops covering 16 topics, in addition to four roaming shows. The activities and workshops cover topics as varied as NFTs, character creation, and chibified characters.

Sharjah International Book Fair returns for its 41st annual run with the theme ‘Spread the word’

Sharjah International Book Fair 2021

The highly anticipated 41st edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) will kick off on November 2 for 12-days, the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) has announced. Themed ‘Spread the word’, the cultural extravaganza will further SBA’s ongoing mission to highlight the emirate’s cultural project and raise the community’s awareness about the power of the written word and its importance in building a bright, sustainable future.

The 41st edition of SIBF will take place in Expo Centre Sharjah from November 2 – 13, and host Italy as Guest of Honour. The event’s slogan calls on people of the world to believe in the power of words in building bridges of cultural communication based on noble values.

With a line-up of hundreds of distinguished authors and intellectuals from around the world who will lead a vibrant cultural programme, SBA seeks to manifest what words can accomplish in honouring and respecting cultural diversity.

Commenting on the upcoming edition, HE Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, Chairman of SBA, said: “The 41st edition of SIBF renews our commitment to the wise vision set by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, focused on building societies that understand the true value of books and its formative role in the developmental journeys of nations. It also asserts the impact of authors, creatives and intellectuals in driving the role of culture in building civilisations and making a tangible impact on human awareness.”

He added: “SIBF represents a living manifestation of Sharjah’s ambitions set more than 50 years ago, to present to the world one of the most successful and pioneering developmental projects in the region and the world – one founded on investing in culture and human capital development; one that transcends libraries and creative events, authors, intellectuals and poets to influence and shape other key sectors of a nation and the world. Books shape the identity of a nation. Books are the engines of an economy; they are change makers and a developmental tool. Without them no achievements in knowledge, science or investments can be realised.”

For her part, Khawla Al Mujaini, General coordinator of SIBF, said the slogan of the 41st edition ‘Spread the word’ reflects the true power contained in words and their impact on every aspect of life. “With this slogan, we want to convey that words are not written to be hidden between covers of books. Words are at the core of all creative pursuits, and in fact, at the heart of everything we do.”

In 2021, the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF), crossed a major cultural milestone by becoming the year’s largest publishing event worldwide in terms of business exchanges and copyright sales.

Sharjah Book Authority announces new award in recognition of publishing rights professionals across the world

Sharjah Book Authority

 The Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) has announced the launch of a significant new award for publishing rights professionals which will be awarded at the 2022 edition of the 12th Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) Publishers Conference.

Designed to support rights professionals and enhance opportunities for industry growth, the debut Sharjah Rights Connection Award will be presented in two distinct categories: one, for an individual professional selling translation rights at a publishing company; and second, for independent professionals or those working with specialised agencies to sell the rights to books to publishers and other licensors.

The Publishers Conference was launched in 2011 with a groundbreaking rights translation grant programme that has supported the translation of works across all languages. The SIBF translation grant has since enabled the publication of 1672 books across 41 languages and the vibrant matchmaking programme that facilitates it at the annual SIBF Publishers Conference has been the axis of many new connections across the rights trading world with a unique emphasis on bringing new markets and publishers into the trading mix.

Organised in the lead-up to the annual book fair, the SIBF Publishers Conference is a robust platform for buying and selling rights, signing book deals, exploring translation opportunities, and serving other commercial interests of the sector.

1. Ahmed Al Ameri
HE Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, Chairman of SBA

Announcing the launch of the new award, HE Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, Chairman of SBA, said: “Over the past decade, SBA has been proud to put rights trading at the centre of our activities as a fitting reflection of its role at the core of the publishing industry. Protection of copyright and related rights of creators is vital to disseminate knowledge and ensure the sustainability of the global publishing industry. We are pleased with our efforts in this area to date and delighted to put those who are the superstars of the international rights world in the spotlight via the Rights Connection Award.”

THE SBA Chairman added: “Rights professionals play a pivotal role in safeguarding the intellectual capital of creatives from infringement or unlicensed usage, enabling authors and creators to work freely and enhance their creativity. Our new award for rights professionals reflects the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, to foster the development of knowledge, culture, and creative environment in Sharjah and the UAE, and support the development of the global publishing industry. The new award also bolsters the position and role of the UAE in stimulating and encouraging creative industries and enhancing global competitiveness in this sector.”

Submission criteria

Global rights professionals can nominate themselves or be endorsed by their companies to be eligible for either of the two categories of the Sharjah Rights Connection Award.

Submissions must be made in English with two 500-word testimonials from clients that the nominated professional currently works with to make a compelling case for why they should win the award. Only individuals can apply, team submissions will not be accepted.

Applicants must specify the category they are applying for together with personal contact details. Applicants can also volunteer information not exceeding 1,000 words on the growth of their business during the previous year, successful deals clinched, innovations, partnerships, and other achievements, with supporting images.

Timeline

Registrations for the debut Sharjah Rights Connection Award will begin on September 18 and close on October 07, 2022. Winners will be announced during the 12th SIBF Publishers Conference in November 2022.

To apply for the award, global rights professionals can submit their applications on SIBF.com.

Cigarettes worth EUR 4.9m smuggled from Dubai to Hungary in cargo plane

debrecen airport

The customs and tax authority (NAV) has seized a consignment of 23 million untaxed cigarettes with a street value of 2 billion forints (EUR 4.9m) from four Polish trucks near the international airport in Debrecen, in eastern Hungary, the authority said on Monday.

The cigarettes made in the United Arab Emirates were smuggled by an international ring to Hungary by a cargo plane arriving at the airport from Dubai, NAV told MTI in a statement.

The cigarettes were seized in a raid carried out in a coordinated operation by Europol and Eurojust which also covered Austria, Poland and the Czech Republic.

Four of the ring’s members have so far been identified, NAV said, adding that three of the members are foreign nationals and the fourth one is a Hungarian citizen. The Hungarian accomplice tasked with arranging the transfer of the cigarettes to Europe was arrested in a hotel in Debrecen. A house search of the man revealed documents, electronic files, seven luxury cars, foreign currency worth 300 million forints and 49 high value wristwatches, NAV said. The man has been taken into pre-trial detention.

Authorities have issued an international warrant against the three other suspects.

5 services powering the entrepreneurial journey of publishers at Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone

Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone

The Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone (SPC Free Zone), the world’s first printing and publishing free zone, is scaling up efforts to create a nurturing environment for a broad spectrum of publishing, printing, and allied businesses to set up, grow and reach new markets, and contribute to the booming global publishing industry.

The range of affordable solutions for business setup needs at SPC Free Zone’s integrated ecosystem enables publishers to set up their businesses in just one day in Sharjah’s high-growth and promising investment environment. A range of cost-effective and value-added services are also fuelling the entrepreneurial aspirations of publishers and facilitating their access to global markets. These services save time, are convenient, enhance communication with industry experts, and help publishers focus on growing their businesses.

By choosing a specialised publishing setup package starting from AED 5,750, publishers can benefit from the following services: 

Consultancy services: Depending on the primary activity and current and future plans of the business, SPC Free Zone guides investors in deciding the structure that best suits the organisation. Investors can get pre-approvals, formalise registration of the business, and get the Business License within 45 minutes.

Drafting services:  SPC Free Zone provides drafting services for vital legal documents that are crucial for the formation of any business including Memorandum of Association (MOA) and Lease Agreements. 

Document services: Investors at SPC Free Zone will be provided with essential documents on finalising the process of company formation. These include Share Certificate, Certificate of Formation, and Business Activity Certificate.

Visa Services: SPC Free Zone offers multiple options that help publishers choose the right residency visa for their business needs. It also speeds up the visa issuance process for investors through a branch of the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, port security in the Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone.

Other Services: Under the publishing package, investors can nominate up to 5 licensed activities from different categories under one trade license without any additional fees, and the publisher can also register as a member of the Emirates Publishers Association under the agreement of understanding between the free zone and the association.

Salim Omar Salim, Director of SPC Free Zone
Salim Omar Salim, Director of SPC Free Zone

Salim Omar Salim, Director of SPC Free Zone, said:

“The value-added services under the free zone’s Publishing Package aim to fulfil the unique needs of each investor, whether they are just starting out in the business or looking to expand their operations. Apart from the wide range of benefits accruing to all investors in a free zone, the additional services further enhance the supportive environment at the free zone and take forward our commitment to creating an inclusive ecosystem for regional and international publishers.”

To know more about SPC Free Zone’s Publishing Package, please visit HERE.

Hungarian pavilion at Dubai Expo draws a million visitors

dubai hungary pavilon

The Hungarian pavilion at the 2020 World Expo in Dubai has attracted one million visitors since the fair opened in October, the Hungarian Tourism Agency said on Monday.

The pavilion’s one millionth visitor was a Japanese woman who on Saturday received a gift pack of Hungarian products and a custom memorial certificate from Expo 2020 Magyarország Nonprofit managing director Andrea Tóth and ministerial commissioner Szabolcs Tatár, the agency told MTI.

Expo 2020 Dubai is only open for a few more days but the Hungarian pavilion remains highly popular, even making the list of Emirate magazine The National’s “Five fantastic pavilions you should not overlook”, the agency said.

The pavilion continues to attract up to 8,000-9,000 visitors a day, it added.

The Hungarian pavilion on Monday is organising a two-hour concert designed to bring the atmosphere of Hungarian festivals to the expo, the agency said.

Expo 2020 Dubai was postponed for a year because of the pandemic.

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Hungary to cooperate with the United Arab Emirates in space exploration!

Péter Szijjártó Dubai

Hungary greatly values the stabilising role the United Arab Emirates plays in the Middle East and appreciates its signing of peace treaties with Israel, Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó said on Dubai on Wednesday.

Hungary supports the nomination of the officials who prepared the so-called Abraham Accords for the Nobel Peace Prize, the foreign ministry cited Szijjártó as saying. The minister also expressed hope that the spirit of the normalisation deals between Israel and the UAE would live on and lead to more similar treaties.

Speaking at a press conference after a meeting of the Hungary-UAE economic mixed committee,

Szijjártó praised the Emirates for the help it provided to Hungary by sharing its experiences and findings about the use of China’s Sinopharm coronavirus vaccine.

The two countries will continue their cooperation in the area of health care, he said, adding that their health authorities have begun sharing information with one another about the vaccination of children.

Turning to economic ties, Szijjártó said the Gulf countries, and specifically the UAE, presented a wealth of opportunities for Hungarian technology-oriented businesses, naming the area of water management as an example. Bilateral trade turnover reached 400 million US dollars last year, an 11 percent increase from the previous year, while Hungarian exports were up 19 percent, he said, adding that both indicators were at an eight-year high.

Meanwhile,

Hungary’s Eximbank has opened an 800 million dollar credit line to help finance bilateral business cooperation,

Szijjártó said. Hungarian companies were contracted by several cities in the UAE to modernise the public lighting system, he said, adding that Hungarian oil and gas company MOL was in talks with the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company on energy cooperation.

Hungary and the UAE also signed a

cooperation agreement on space exploration and space activities,

as well as on water management and higher education. Under the agreement, Hungary will offer university scholarships to 100 students from the UAE as part of the Stipendium Hungaricum programme each year, Szijjártó said.

Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, minister of economy of the UAE, hailed the partnership between the two countries, noting its role in diversifying the UAE’s economy.

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World’s biggest names in photography to engage with audiences at Xposure 2022 – PHOTOS

Xposure 2022

The sixth edition of Xposure International Photography Festival, a premier global event dedicated to celebrating the art of photography, will host 57 of the world’s leading photographers who will showcase their unique works that demonstrate the breadth of contemporary image-making and storytelling and reflects their exceptional experiences and adventures.

Organised by the Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB),the festival, which will be held over seven days, from February 9 to 15 at Expo Centre Sharjah, will host individual and group art exhibitions by photographers from countries around the world, as well as an integrated programme of inspirational talks, training and educational workshops to suit skillsets of varied age groups. In addition, portfolio reviews will be conducted by accomplished, award-winning photographers. 

Candid and posed portraits and images of daily life captured with the technical brilliance of composition and technique are a hallmark of the images that will be on display at Xposure 2022.

the week-long festival this year will present Magnum member Steve McCurry, whose body of work covers conflict, as well as ancient traditions and cultures. His iconic ‘Afghan Girl’ portrait taken in 1985 had captured the story of a country, its people, and refugees across the world.

Visitors can also view the works of multi-award winning Biljana Jurukovski from Macedonia whose images create discussions about different cultures and respect for traditions; Chris Rainier, who has committed himself to documenting traditional societies who live on the margins of the natural world; Daniel Kordan, a landscape and travel photographer from Russia famed for his breathtaking landscapes; and the stunning documentary images of George Georgiou, a British photojournalist. 

Other noted artists featured include Gonçalo Fonseca, a documentary photographer from Lisbon, Portugal, who sheds light on under-reported issues and Jordan Hammond, whose modern style of travel photography mixes diverse cultures, colour, light and landscapes; while Vineet Vohra, a self-taught photographer and London-based Alan Schaller who specialises in black and white photography, will share their passion for street photography.

Tariq Zaidi, who documents social issues and inequality within various societies across the globe, and Vidhyaa Chandramohan, a photojournalist who focuses on stories on women and culture in the UAE, will also be at the 2022 edition of Xposure.

Xposure 2022
Photo: Xposure International Photography Festival

Several internationally recognised nature and wildlife photographers will showcase compelling stories through their works in this popular and versatile genre at Expo Centre Sharjah.

American photographer Joel Sartore, founder of The Photo Ark, whose works focus on conservation photography will showcase images of his ongoing project that documents some of the most endangered creatures left on Earth; while Michel Rawicki who has been documenting the changing landscape of the North and South poles will offer great insights into a region that is at the heart of climate change. 

On exhibit will be works of Aaron Gekoski, an award-winning environmental photojournalist specialising in human-animal conflict; Belgian photographer Alain Schroeder who has drawn attention to critically endangered species like the orangutans; and Lurie Belegurschi, who has captured the power, majesty and vulnerability of the spectacular landscapes of the Arctic Region.

Other photographers featured in this category include Levon Biss, best known for his extreme macro work; Mogens Trolle, Danish mammal researcher turned wildlife photographer and the winner of the Animal Portraits category of the Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2020 competition; and Jasper Doest, a National Geographic contributor whose visual stories explore the relationship between humankind and nature.

Six photographers specialising in underwater environments to turn the spotlight on marine conservation includes Brian Skerry, David Doubilet, Jennifer Hayes, Jeffrey Garriock, Daryl Owen, and Laurent Ballesta.

Xposure 2022 will feature several award-winning photographers who bring out the dynamism of buildings and urban architecture with carefully conceived shots that strike a balance between composition and geometry.

Andrew Prokos, a New York City-based fine art photographer and a master of long-exposure photography will showcase his finely detailed images that incorporate architectural elements and sweeping natural and urban views; UAE-based Sajin Sasidharan will showcase his knowledge of composition, light and natural elements in his black and white photography; and Steven Brooke, an active participant in historic preservation, will draw attention to the principles of composition and artistic integrity that have guided his work.

Majid Abdalla Al Bastaki, an architectural photographer born and raised in Sharjah, will showcase images that capture the culture, art and beauty of the emirate while Iwan Baan captures the many ways people shape their shared built environment — from high-architecture to handmade homes.

Prominent photojournalists who examine the human experience through the lens of their unique personal vision, skills, and technique, include James Nachtwey, an American photographer who documents wars and critical social issues; Muhammed Muheisen, a two-time Pulitzer Prize-winner who has been highlighting the refugee crisis around the world; Omar Havana, Spanish photojournalist; Jana Andert, Czech photographer and filmmaker who focuses on conflict zones and humanitarian issues; and Kiran Ridley, whose reportage work is primarily concerned with issues of migration, human rights and political representation.

Sergey Ponomarev, whose works have depicted the European refugee crisis as well as wars and conflicts in the Middle East; Debi Cornwall, a conceptual documentary artist and filmmaker; Diego Ibarra Sánchez, a documentary photographer based in Lebanon; Bangladesh-based Ibrahim Iqbal, who has won more than 300 awards at the national and international levels; and Frank Fournier, a deeply humanistic photographer who has produced extraordinary work on the civil war in Lebanon, will also be at Xposure 2022.

A host of accomplished artists will be part of Xposure 2022 to convey stories and emotions through a range of workshops and seminars that discuss their works depicting landscapes, portraits, culture, food, cities, towns, and more, from varied geographical locations from around the globe. Prominent photographers who have captured and documented the essence of a distant place in a single frame include, amongst others, Chris Coe, Andrew Semark, Elia Locardi, and David Newton.

Other participating photographers include America’s most iconic photographer Stephen Wilkes, who is widely recognised for his fine art, editorial and commercial work; Slovenian fine art photographer photographer Beno Saradzic; Egyptian Syrian astrophotographer Samy Al Olabi; motorcycle journalist Neale Bayly; accomplished media expert Aidan J Sullivan, commercial photographer Mike Browne; successor to the Surrealist photographic tradition, Spanish artist García de Marina; Colin Hawkins, who specialises in people and product photography; and Ray Wells, the Sunday Times Picture Editor.

Robin Morgan, founder and CEO of Iconic Images of London and Los Angeles; Kathy Moran, National Geographic Deputy Director of Photography; Whitney Johnson, Vice President of Visual and Immersive Experiences at National Geographic; Luca Venturi, Founder and Art Director of the Siena International Photo Awards and of the Drone Photo Awards; and Lars Boering, founder of Triggertale.com – a platform for visual communication, are amongst the other prominent names participating in Xposure 2022.

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Italy announced as Guest of Honour of SIBF 2022 – PHOTOS

Sharjah International Book Fair

The Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) has announced Italy as the Guest of Honour of the 41st edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF), slated for November 2022.

A stellar gathering of Italian authors, artists and publishers will promote the arts, literature and culture of the Guest of Honour country at the 2022 edition of SIBF. The selection also underlines the deep-rooted bilateral ties between UAE and Italy in many spheres including culture and heritage.

The decision was announced at a meeting attended by HE Ahmed Bin Rakkad Al Ameri, Chairman of SBA, and HE Nicola Lener, Ambassador of Italy to the UAE, to discuss the potential of strengthening mutual cultural relations and explore avenues of collaboration between Sharjah and Italian cities in hosting book fairs and cultural events.

Sharjah International Book Fair

HE Ahmed Al Ameri said: “We look forward to welcoming some of Italy’s greatest writers and artists at SIBF 2022. Through the selection of Italy as GoH, we seek to further the cross-cultural dialogue between the two countries, in line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, to build bridges of cultural understanding between peoples across the world and promote common values through knowledge, art and literature.”

“The strong cultural relations between the UAE and Italy date back to the time when the Silk Road connected the East with the West and played a key role in facilitating trade as well as intellectual and cultural exchange. At that time, the UAE was a thriving trade centre for Italian merchants. The selection of Italy as the Guest of Honour at SIBF 2022 reflects these deep-rooted bilateral ties and aims to honour Italy’s contributions to the promotion of knowledge and art,” added the SBA Chairman.

Sharjah International Book Fair

“We seek to enhance knowledge exchange and cooperation with Italy in various creative sectors and we are looking forward to introducing the audience to Italy’s cultural legacy including art, literature as well as the beauty of the Italian language,” he concluded.

HE Nicola Lener, Ambassador of Italy to the UAE, said: “Italy’s participation as the Guest of Honour at the 41st Sharjah International Book Fair next year, is a great opportunity to share our culture with the Arab world. SIBF has emerged as the world’s largest book fair this year after attracting the highest number of publishing professionals from around the world who used the SIBF platform to pursue a variety of business interests. We are keen to participate in SIBF every year and look forward to bringing Italian literature closer to the Arab audience and explore ways to enhance communication between the Italian bookmakers and publishers with their counterparts in the Arab world.”

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40th Sharjah International Book Fair attracts 1.69 million visitors from 109 nationalities 

Sharjah International Book Fair 2021

After establishing itself as the world’s largest book fair this year and receiving 1,692,463 visitors representing 109 nationalities, curtains fell on the 40th Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF), which ran its course from November 3-13 under the theme ‘There’s always a right book’.

The cultural extravaganza brought together 1,632 publishers from 83 countries. This milestone edition, where Spain was Guest of Honour, surpassed every international book fair held this year to become the world’s largest by attracting the largest number of publishers and literary agents looking to network, matchmake and do business with each other.

Females account for 51.9 percent of SIBF visitors

Statistics released by SBA reveals that Females account for 51.9 percent of SIBF visitors, and males accounted for 48.1 percent of SIBF visitors. As for age groups, 1.3 percent of visitors at SIBF 2021 were under 15 years; 52.2 percent between 16 and 30, those between 31-45 accounted for 35.5 percent, while 11.1 percent were 46 years and older. 90.2 percent of visitors registered on-ground to attend the fair, while 9.8 percent registered via SBA’s digital platforms.

Multiple visits to SIBF 2021 by 20,000 visitors

An interesting finding made by the book fair this year was that around 20,000 amongst the 1.6 million visitors to SIBF 2021 walked into the 11-day fair more than once; and thousands have visited the fair 3 to 7 times. Some even made multiple visits in one day – a clear sign that SIBF is a major cultural attraction. The fair received visitors from 109 nationalities with the UAE securing the top spot, followed by India, Egypt, Syria, Jordan, Pakistan, Iraq, Philippines, Morocco, Tunisia, Morocco, Sudan, Algeria, Italy, France, Germany, Denmark, Austria, America, Canada, and other countries.

More than 1000 activities during the cultural fest

The vibrant and diverse programming agenda of SIBF 2021 included more than 1,000 activities, including 440 cultural sessions, 355 shows, performances, seminars and workshops for children, and more than 80 awe-inspiring theatrical and dance performances from Europe, Asia, and Africa.

For the first time in the history of SIBF, aspiring illustrators, designers and art directors had an opportunity to benefit from a series of free workshops and panel sessions as part of a dedicated Illustration Survival Corner, organised in collaboration with Bologna Children’s Book Fair.

SIBF 2021 brought together 85 writers from 22 countries

SIBF 2021 hosted 85 authors and intellectuals from 22 countries who led the fair’s events and activities. Taleb Al Refai was Cultural Personality of the Year at this edition of the book fair, which also hosted distinguished guests, including Tanzanian novelist and the winner of the Nobel Prize in Literature 2021, Abdulrazak Gurnah; South African comedian and celebrity TV host Trevor Noah; Chris Gardner; writer Yasmina Khadra; Amitav Ghosh; Chetan Bhagat; and the young inventor Gitanjali Rao from America.

Notable names from the UAE and the Arab region include novelists Maysoon Saqr Al Qasimi, Sultan Al Amimi, Asma Al Zarooni, the novelist Reem Al Kamali, and Shaikha Al Mutairi, in addition to poet Khalid Abdulrahman, author Ahlam Mosteghanemi, poet Hisham Algakh, actor Muhammad Subhi, poet Faisal Al Adwani, Egyptian jewellery designer Azza Fahmy, Egyptian author Dr Midhat Al Adl, historian Ali Al Namlah, Jordanian Jalal Barjas, and many others.

Ahmed Al Ameri: The strong foundations of learning laid by books will stand firm in the face of any adversities

HE Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, Chairman of SBA, said:

“We congratulate His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, for the exceptional success of the 40th edition of Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF). His Highness’s visionary leadership has yielded great cultural achievements for the UAE and the Arab world, and proved that we are a nation that reads, creates, innovates and publishes. On these strengths, SIBF has emerged as the world’s largest book fair this year. This record achievement would not have been possible without the unwavering support of His Highness over the past four decades.”

“The conclusion of the book fair marks not the end but the beginning of a new journey of cultural excellence for the UAE and the Arab region – one in which the distinct voices of writers and intellectuals are heard and begin to resonate with the whole world. We look forward to seeing more and more creative minds contributing to humanity by achieve shared developmental goals through cultural appreciation and exchange,” Al Ameri added.

The SBA Chairman also stated that the strong participation by publishing professionals as well as the visitor turnout were both an affirmation of the willingness of both current and future generations to embrace books and knowledge. It also demonstrates Sharjah’s regional and global appeal as a platform where the best in literature, creativity, arts and culture intersect.

“The strong foundations of learning laid down by books will stand firm in the face of any adversities; and enlightened minds can build on it to drive prosperity for all,” Al Ameri concluded.

Khoula Al Mujaini: SIBF committed to achieving greater success

Khoula Al Mujaini, Director of Fair and Festivals, SBA, said that SIBF 2021 has achieved the distinguished honour of becoming the largest international book fair in the world. She stated that each year, the event provides new opportunities for publishers across the world to grow and prosper.

She added:

“The incredible success of SIBF 2021 reflects the love and commitment of our visitors, guest publishers and participants to continue celebrating and upholding the written word. As the book fair concludes, we reaffirm our commitment to build on Sharjah’s vision of bringing a bigger cultural feat for the world next year.”

Inaugural edition of the National Libraries Summit

A new addition to the SIBF 2021 agenda was a two-day National Libraries Summit, organised at the SBA headquarters in Sharjah from November 8–9, under the theme ‘Visibility, Engagement, Impact, and Collaboration’. The summit attracted more than 50 participants and 20 national libraries from across 20 countries and served as a platform to engage in several discussions and four networking meetings. The summit was held in collaboration with the American Library Association.

35 speakers, 546 publishers and literary agents participate in the SIBF Publishers Conference

546 professionals and stakeholders across the publishing community including agents, authors, and 35 speakers, participated in the 11th SIBF Publishers Conference, organised in collaboration with the International Publishers Association.

8th Sharjah International Library Conference attracts participation of 500 library professionals

The 8th edition of the Sharjah International Library Conference (SILC), held in collaboration with the American Library Association (ALA) on November 10-11, convened 500 librarians and sector professionals from across the globe, and focused on technologies and trends shaping the sector’s future and facilitated collaborations and networking between guests to elevate the services delivered to their respective communities.

The sponsors and partners of SIBF included Etisalat (official sponsor) Sharjah Broadcasting Authority (official media partner); Abu Dhabi Media (media partner); Expo Center Sharjah (strategic partner); Dar Al Khaleej (press partner); and Al Arabiya TV (media sponsor).

al almari
Photo: Sharjah International Book Fair 2021