The Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) has recently concluded its showcase of Sharjah’s cultural feats at a very special literary gathering, the ThrillerFest XIV, America’s premier annual conference for international thriller writers. SBA was one of the main sponsors of the event held in New York City.

SBA leveraged this premiere literary platform to network with famous authors as well as budding talents, industry professionals, agents, and readers. SBA presented Sharjah’s unique cultural journey of over 40 years, its regional prominence in preserving and promoting the written word, to the conference attendees through a series of networking meetings and vibrant social interactions.

ThrillerFest’s blockbuster guest line-up has been invited by the SBA to the 2019 edition of Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) and the 2020 edition Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival (SCRF).

HE Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, Chairman of SBA, highlighted the Authority’s keenness to be part of international cultural events to share Sharjah’s successful cultural experience and exchange latest expertise in publishing. He noted that the emirate’s successful track record in establishing the importance of promoting books culture has been recognised time and again, with the latest being their naming as UNESCO World Book Capital 2019.

“SBA’s participation in and sponsorship of this festival reflects the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, to connect with world cultures, and introduce our Emirati heritage to them. We are confident that this participation will boost the diversity and creativity we try to bring to the Sharjah International Book Fair every year.” said Al Ameri.

Through the many meetings SBA has held with American and global publishers at this conference, their goal was to explore possible English-to-Arabic translations opportunities in the thriller genre. The Authority also introduced the several opportunities available at the SIBF Publishers Conference – the Arab region’s leading marketplace for buying and selling translations rights.

Established in December 2014, SBA is dedicated to encouraging investment in creative industries and offering a platform for knowledge and intellectual exchange between people from different civilizations and cultures. SBA is tasked with highlighting the significant role of writers and their influence in promoting community awareness in view of the technological advancements and diversity of knowledge sources nowadays.

It also aims to attract relevant bodies and figures operating in the cultural sector in general, and the publishing, printing, translation, documentation and children’s books in particular.