The Sharjah Book Authority pavilion was a hive of activity during the Frankfurt Book Fair this week.
With the world’s largest book fair restricted to industry types in the first three days, before opening to the public on October 14 and 15, delegations from major European publishing houses and regional authors payed a visit to the emirate's spacious stand to discuss further collaborations.
The biggest guest at the pavilion was the Sharjah ruler Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, in addition to Ali Abdullah Al-Ahmad; the UAE’s ambassador to Germany.
A major focus of the discussions were the opportunities presented by Sharjah Publishing City, an exclusive free zone that will act as a hub for global publishing houses.
Ahmed Al Ameri, chairman of the Sharjah Book Authority, said that a number of literary organisations have agreed to set up a base in the new district, located off Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, while others will visit during the Sharjah Book Fair.
The free zone, whose first phase will be officially inaugurated at the end of the month, already hosts a slew of publishing houses who hail mostly from India and South East Asia.
However more than the agreements, Al Ameri says the Sharjah Book Authority’s participation in the Frankfurt Book Fair is ultimately a knowledge sharing exercise.
“Book fairs serve as vital mediums where individuals and organisations can learn about other cultures and build bridges of dialogue,” he said.
“Sharjah Book Authority is honoured to be able to represent Sharjah at Frankfurt International Book Fair and to portray the emirate in line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, who is a leading light in promoting the need for empowerment and investing in human resources through the mediums of culture, knowledge and intellect.”
The Frankfurt International Book Fair ends on October 15.
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