The Sharjah Book Authority, in partnership with the Emirates Writers Union, has launched a year-long programme of literary and cultural events in celebration of the UAE’s Golden Jubilee.
The programme, which was announced during the Sharjah International Book Fair, will include literary seminars, poetry recitals and other cultural events. It will highlight the nation’s cultural accomplishments in the past 50 years.
“We laud the leading efforts of EWU in launching initiatives to strengthen the cultural movement in the UAE, which has been shaped and transformed over the past 50 years to become an integral element of the country’s identity,” Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, chairman of the book authority, said.
“Both parties share a common vision; most notably, to nurture a culture of reading and knowledge amongst the younger generations and to equip them with the necessary tools and skills to realise their country’s ambitions.”
For his part, Sultan Al Amimi, chairman of the Emirates Writers Union, said a series of “exceptional events and initiatives” will be unveiled during the course of the next year “that will further enrich the already vibrant literary and cultural scene”.
The 40th Sharjah International Book Fair wrapped up earlier this week at the Expo Centre.
The 10-day event, which ran from November 3 to last Saturday, marked a focused return to an engaging in-person programme, after the hybrid model implemented last year as a response to Covid-19 restrictions.
More than 85 local and international literary figures took part in this year’s SIBF, including Nobel Prize winner Abdulrazak Gurnah, Jnanpith Award-winner Amitav Ghosh, Algerian author Ahlam Mosteghanemi and The Pursuit of Happyness author Chris Gardner. It also received 1.6 million visitors from 109 nationalities, according to a statement.
Scroll through the gallery below to see more photos of Sharjah International Book Fair 2021:
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Staff at the Expo Centre Sharjah distributing UAE flags to celebrate flag day at the Sharjah International Book Fair. Ruel Pableo / The National -
The SIBF includes a vibrant children’s programme with more than 355 scheduled activities. Ruel Pableo / The National -
Taking place until November 13, the fair is being held at the Expo Centre Sharjah under the theme, There is always the right book. Ruel Pableo / The National -
The SIBF is free to attend and has no specified Covid-related restrictions apart from the need to wear a mask. Ruel Pableo / The National -
A girl celebrating Flag Day with her father at the SIBF. Ruel Pableo / The National -
More than 85 local and international literary figures are scheduled to take part in this year’s SIBF. Ruel Pableo / The National -
UAE flags being distributed to SIIBF visitors in honour of Flag Day. Ruel Pableo / The National -
To best navigate and make the most out of the event, we recommend you download the SIBF smartphone app. Ruel Pableo / The National -
Children dressing up with their favourite character in one of the children's activities at the SIBF. Ruel Pableo / The National -
The fair is hosting more than 1,600 publishers from around the world. Ruel Pableo / The National -
Flag Day being celebrated at the SIBF. Ruel Pableo / The National -
Visitors admiring a Lamborghini book at the Italian pavilion at the SIBF. Ruel Pableo / The National -
To better help visitors navigate through the fair’s offerings, volunteers designated as Book Guides have been stationed around the site. Ruel Pableo / The National -
A girl dressed up as her favourite Disney character at the SIBF. Ruel Pableo / The National -
Workshops in photography, art, leaf-printing and robotics catering through different ages are also being held across the 11 day-event. Ruel Pableo / The National -
The children's section at the SIBF. Ruel Pableo / The National -
The SIBF app will give you immediate access to the fair’s programme, as well as a list of exhibitors. Ruel Pableo / The National -
Workshops in photography, art, leaf-printing and robotics catering through different ages are also being held across the 11 day-event. Ruel Pableo / The National -
This year's SIBF is one of the first literary events in the region to completely reprise an in-person format. Ruel Pableo / The National -
A celebration of Flag Day at the Sharjah International Book Fair. Ruel Pableo / The National -
Taking place until November 13, the fair is being held at the Expo Centre Sharjah under the theme, There is always the right book. Ruel Pableo / The National
