SHARJAH: H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, inaugurated the 43rd Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) at Expo Centre Sharjah, running until November 17. Themed “It Starts with a Book” and organised by the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), this year’s fair celebrates Morocco as its guest of honour, marking a key cultural exchange.
In his opening speech, H.H. Sheikh Sultan underscored Sharjah’s dedication to the Arabic language, literature, and heritage. He highlighted the Historical Corpus of the Arabic Language, a monumental 127-volume project documenting Arabic’s development over 17 centuries. With the efforts of over 700 contributors, this achievement reflects the emirate’s commitment to preserving linguistic heritage. H.H. noted the dictionary’s scope, which encompasses classical poetry, the Holy Quran, and contemporary discourse, symbolising Sharjah’s cultural legacy.
The Ruler of Sharjah also shared the launch of the Comprehensive Arabic Encyclopedia, a new project covering diverse topics such as science, literature, and arts, aiming to reconnect the Arab world with its scholarly heritage. H.H. expressed his pride in Sharjah’s intellectual achievements and its role as a beacon of Arab culture, emphasising that these projects demonstrate an unwavering commitment to knowledge and the Arabic language.
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Celebrating Moroccan culture, the fair features 40 Moroccan authors, events, and a pop-up restaurant offering a culinary journey. Additionally, Algerian novelist Ahlam Mosteghanemi was honoured as ‘Cultural Personality of the Year.’
The SIBF is hosting over 2,500 publishers from 108 countries, with more than 1,350 events, panel discussions, and workshops led by 250 cultural figures. The fair brings together Arab and international authors, fostering a unique platform for cultural exchange and literary exploration, solidifying Sharjah’s role as a global cultural hub.
