The Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) is participating in the ongoing 52^nd edition of the Cairo International Book Fair (CIBF), held under the patronage of the President of Egypt, Abdel Fattah El-Sisi.

Themed ‘In Reading… Life’, the event opened on June 30 and will draw to a close on July 15 at the Egypt International Exhibition Centre (EIEC) in Cairo.

At CIBF, SBA has shared the emirate’s cultural vision of the book industry, and highlighted SBA’s efforts in supporting the publishing industry, and providing Egyptian, Arab and international publishers with the opportunity to make the most of the advantages offered by the Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone (SPCFZ). SBA has also attracted the attention of children’s book experts, including publishers, authors and illustrators, and showcased the vision and mission of the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF), the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival (SCRF), and the Sharjah International Literary Agency, in addition to other efforts that translate SBA’s cultural presence regionally and globally.

During CIBF’s inauguration ceremony, HE Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, Prime Minister of Egypt; HE Dr. Inas Abdel Dayem, Minister of Culture; Mohamed Rashad, president of the Arab Publishers Association (APA), and a number of ministers and government officials, visited SBA’s pavilion where they were received by HE Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, Chairman of SBA. SBA’s pavilion also welcomed a host of senior officials, key intellectuals, as well as renowned Arab and non-Arab creative writers.

HE Ahmed Al Ameri presented HE Dr. Mostafa Madbouly with a signed copy of ‘The Inquisition’ a book authored by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, as a gift for President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. A copy of the same book was also gifted to the Egyptian Prime Minister by the SBA Chairman.

Lauding Sharjah’s cultural experience and role in supporting the cultural movement across the region and presenting an image that befits the status of Arab culture to the world, HE Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, said: “The Egyptian government and people love and respect His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah.”

For his part, HE Ahmed Al Ameri said: “Achieving the objectives of any development or cultural project starts with an investment in books. This is what the Egyptian culture has always been based on and which the Ruler of Sharjah, has fostered by prioritising books as the cornerstone of Sharjah’s inclusive development and the bedrock on which the emirate reinforces its relationships with Arab and global cultural cities and capitals.”

“CIBF is one of the region’s most significant book fairs, and we are keen on participating in this event each year to further enhance the close relations and joint action with cultural entities in Egypt. Moreover, we are exploring Egypt’s expertise in creative industries and bolstering effective communication channels to launch new quality activities and initiatives that best serve Arab books and creativity in the future,” HE Al Ameri added.

On the sidelines of SBA’s participation in CIBF, HE Ahmed Al Ameri also met with HE Dr. Inas Abdel Dayem, Minister of Culture. They discussed ways to further enhance collaboration in creative industries between SBA and Egypt’s Ministry of Culture. They also addressed a number of joint activities that will be announced in the future.

HE Dr. Inas Abdel Dayem said: “Sharjah enjoys a leading experience in the region, not only supporting cultural activities, the book industry and creativity, but also shares respect for humanity and invests in human capabilities and consciousness. This is why we are pleased to collaborate with the emirate of Sharjah, particularly in light of its active efforts at the international level, and to reach out to international cultures under the directives of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah.”