43rd Sharjah International Book Fair attracted 1.82 million visitors from 200+ countries

The 43rd edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF 2024) concluded after receiving 1.82 million visitors from over 200 countries, cementing its status as a global cultural hub. Held from November 6-17 under the theme “It Starts with a Book”, the event hosted over 2,500 publishers and exhibitors from 108 countries, maintaining its position as the world’s top book fair in publishing rights transactions for the fourth consecutive year, registering 3,000 meetings in 48 hours.

UAE, India, Syria, Egypt, and Jordan top the list of nationalities that visited the book fair. Regarding age groups, visitors aged between 35 and 44 constituted the largest segment at 32.18%, followed by those aged 25 to 34 at 31.67%, and young adults aged 18 to 24 at 13.7%. Men accounted for 53.66% of the book fair’s visitors, while 46.36% was represented by women. Additionally, the exhibition welcomed 135,000 students from various schools nationwide, reflecting the growing interest in fostering a reading culture among younger generations. The Book Signing Corner saw 1000+ authors unveil their latest works.

His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, underscored the emirate’s cultural commitment by allocating AED 4.5 million to enrich public and governmental libraries. This investment enabled the acquisition of new Arabic and international titles, reinforcing the role of libraries as essential knowledge hubs.

From book fair to thriving cultural ecosystem

Reflecting on the 43rd edition, His Excellency Ahmed Al Ameri, CEO of the Sharjah Book Authority, said, “The exceptional milestones achieved during SIBF 2024 mark a significant addition to Sharjah’s cultural journey. Welcoming 1.82 million visitors and hosting over 2,500 publishers and exhibitors from across the globe has elevated the event from a book fair to a dynamic and thriving book community. It is now a fully-fledged cultural ecosystem, bringing together creators, readers, and all key stakeholders in the literary and publishing sectors.”

He continued, “This remarkable accomplishment underscores the global significance of the cultural vision founded by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and pursued by SBA under the leadership and guidance of Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, the authority’s Chairperson. Under his leadership, the fair has evolved into an inspiring model of a community dedicated to the book and all facets of its creation. It is a driving force in fostering a culture of reading and fortifying the publishing industry on both local and international fronts.”

Cultural milestones

The fair spotlighted Algerian author Ahlam Mosteghanemi as the Cultural Personality of the Year for her extraordinary contributions to Arabic literature.

It also celebrated the completion of the Historical Corpus of the Arabic Language, a monumental 127-volume achievement that preserves centuries of linguistic heritage, produced through collaboration with Arabic language academies.

Morocco took center stage as the Guest of Honour, offering a vibrant showcase of its literary and cultural heritage. Its pavilion featured over 4,000 titles, rare artefacts, and sessions led by Moroccan intellectuals, adding depth to the cross-cultural dialogues hosted throughout the fair.

A star-studded lineup and immersive experiences

This year’s program featured a diverse lineup of global icons from literature, arts, and sports, including Egyptian composer Omar Khairat, football legend Mohamed Salah, and actor Ahmed Ezz. Visitors engaged in discussions with celebrated figures such as poet Hisham El Gakh, author Stephen Bartlett, and actor Hamza Ali Abbasi.

Workshops, seminars, and panel discussions brought together over 85 Arab and Emirati writers and 49 international literary figures.

The event concluded with a spirited performance by Kuwaiti artist Humood AlKhudher, marking the finale of an extraordinary celebration of culture and creativity.

Bodour Al Qasimi honours winners of SIBF Awards and Turjuman

Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA),honoured the winners of the 43rd Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF 2024) Awards,alongside the 7th edition of the Sharjah Translation Award (Turjuman).

The ceremony took place on the inaugural day of SIBF 2024, where Sheikha Bodour congratulated the winners, remarking: “Honouring exceptional creativity embodies one of Sharjah’s core cultural values. We are committed to fostering every creative contribution, which enriches our cultural landscape and inspires future generations, amplifying the role of knowledge in shaping resilient,interconnected societies.”

Nations rise with the contributions of their creative minds

In her address, Khoula Al Mujaini, General Coordinator of SIBF, emphasised “Civilisations, in all their expressions—whether literature, thought, art, science, orarchitecture—preserve the legacy of creators who have captured their insights for future generations. History demonstrates that nations ascend and flourish through the contributions of their creative minds.”

Turkish Translation of ‘The Ring of the Dove’ wins Turjuman Prize

The Sharjah Translation Award (Turjuman) went to the Turkish translation of The Ring of theDove by Ibn Hazm Al-Andalusi, translated by Dr. Mehmet Hakk? Suçin and published by Alpha Publishing.

Sharjah Awards for Best Emirati Books

The award for Best Emirati Novel went to Awad bin Hasum Al Darmaki for Ahd Al Jerah, published by Awraq Publishing & amp; Distribution. In the Best Emirati Academic Book category, Ali Al Abdan received the award for Al Aghani Al Emirateya: Masarateha Al Oula WaMasaderha Al Qadeema, published by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre. The Best Emirati Creative Literature Book went to poet Kareem Maatouq for his poetry collection Qasa’ed Men Wadi Aqbar, published by Manshorat Kareem Maatouq. Dr. Fatima Al Braiki received the Best Emirati First Novel award for her novel Gharbana Be Qalam Al Ghorab, published by Sama Publishing,Production and Distribution.

Best Arabic and International Book Awards

The Best Arabic Novel award was presented to Issa Nasri for The Mosaic, published by Meskiliani Publishing. Best International Fiction Book went to A Stranger in Baghdad by Elizabeth Loudon, published by the American University in Cairo. The Best International Non-Fiction Book award was received by Siddharth Kak and Lila Kak Bhan for Love, Exile,Redemption, published by Rupa Publications in India.

Publisher Recognition Award

In the Publisher Recognition Award 2024, the Best Local Publishing house went to Dar Ashjar Publishing & Distribution, Best Arabic Publishing house to Meskiliani Publishing from Tunisia,and DC Books, one of India’s leading publishers, has been awarded the prestigious Best International Publisher Award at the Sharjah International Book Fair for the second time.