Sharjah24: The Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) explored collaboration opportunities with key stakeholders, and highlighted its efforts and initiatives to promote and support the publishing sector to global visitors and participants at the 51st New Delhi World Book Fair (NDWBF), organised by the National Book Trust India from February 10 to 18.

Diverse Publications in Multiple Languages

SBA’s participation in NDWBF 2024 showcases Sharjah's global achievements in the publishing sector and creative industries. It highlights the emirate's role in attracting publishers from India, who constitute the largest proportion of international publishers at the Sharjah International Book Fair. During its participation, the authority showcased a diverse array of Emirati and Arab works translated into Hindi, aimed at appealing to various interests and age demographics. This selection spanned genres such as novels, stories, poetry, plays, and informative books on science, history, education, and the arts. It also included literature translated both to and from Arabic, showcasing the rich literary and cultural heritage of the Arab world and the Emirates.

The SBA's pavilion attracted significant attention from visitors, especially the translated works of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, in Hindi. These publications, which cover various aspects of regional history and international relations, underscore the scientific, intellectual, and artistic achievements of Arab and Islamic civilisations, reflecting the Authority's dedication to fostering cross-cultural literary exchanges and deepening the mutual understanding between the Arab world and the Asian continent.

Meetings with stakeholders
Throughout the international event, SBA engaged in key meetings with top officials, organisers, and publishers to strengthen cultural exchange and collaborative efforts. This included facilitating the sale and purchase of copyrights, translation, and distribution services. The authority also met with Indian publishers based in Sharjah Publishing City participating in NDWBF.

Furthermore, the Sharjah delegation discussed cooperation opportunities with the organisers of the NDWBF, the National Book Trust, who recognised SBA as one of the most significant international participants. The authority also highlighted the benefits and opportunities that can be availed by Indian publishers with their participation in the Sharjah International Book Fair, which can expand their reach in the Arab and global markets.  The delegation also met with the Federation of Indian Publishers to understand the union's initiatives and the local market's opportunities and challenges.

SBA also met with global publishing houses such as Penguin Random House, HarperCollins, Scholastic, Homes Book Parkers, and Kapscal. The discussions aimed at enhancing the translation, distribution, and promotion of Arabic and Emirati books in India and globally, and addressed issues related to children's and young adult books and education.

Programmes to enhance the publishing sector status

During its participation, SBA provided a comprehensive overview of its initiatives and programmes designed to support and encourage writers, publishers, translators, and readers in the UAE and the Arab world. Notable among these are the Sharjah International Book Fair and the Sharjah Children's Reading Festival, alongside international conferences that enrich the global publishing sector, including the Sharjah Publishers Conference, the Sharjah International Library Conference, and Sharjah's Booksellers Conference, which aim to build bridges among all stakeholders in the publishing industry worldwide and facilitate the global exchange of knowledge.


Historical relations

Commenting on the participation, HE Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of SBA, said: "Sharjah's participation in NDWBF reflects the global influence of the emirate's cultural project, led by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi. This initiative not only enlightens visitors and Indian readers about our rich cultural heritage but also symbolises the deep-rooted historical and cultural connections between the UAE and India, dating back to the trade ties established in the pre-oil era."

He added, "The New Delhi World Book Fair is a crucial part of our strategy to elevate the cultural profile of the UAE and the Arab world globally. Books will always stand as the premier envoys for cross-cultural communication and dialogue between nations, and highlighting the humanitarian and civilisational values that Sharjah, the UAE, and the international community strive to uphold.”