Sharjah Book Fair participates in Beijing Book Fair

SIBF participated in Beijing Book Fair, the world's fourth biggest international book fair, came in line with the directives of His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, to promote knowledge and extend bridges of cultural communication with the outside world, as well as to promote for SIBF2012 & 2013 and showcase the opportunities in Arab region

Sheikh Sultan is always keen to foster love of reading amongst minors and adults regardless of their ethnic and cultural backgrounds, making valuable books available and to enhance presence in international arenas and events dedicated to expanding prospects of global cultural cooperation and benefiting from China's rich cultural experience.

Omar Ahmed Al Bitar, UAE Ambassador to China, visited SIBF stand where he was received by Salim Omar Salim, SIBF Head of Sales & Marketing and head of the participating delegation.

Salim gave a brief presentation on SIBF participation and the strategy it embraces to promote Sharjah Book Fair in international cultural events.

The ambassador was briefed by Salim on books and releases showcased at SIBF Stand, which includes Al Qasimi releases and publications, with a focus on books written by the Ruler of Sharjah.

The stand also includes 2011-2012 releases by the Sharjah Department of Culture and Information for 2011-2012, other releases by Kalimat Publishing House and publications by various childhood centres, in addition to the UAE Publishers Association and Knowledge without Borders.

At the end of the ambassador's visit, Salim dedicated to him the latest book written by His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah that translated into English. Al Bitar thanked Sheikh Sultan for the great attention he gives to the youth and younger generations as he spares no effort to empower them will all the means to enrich their knowledge and acquaint themselves with global cultures via modern technologies and new means.

Speaking on the occasion, Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Amri, Director of the Sharjah International Book Fair, said: "This book fair offers a precious opportunity to publishers, distributors, writers and lettermen to exchange expertise and meet the directors of international book fairs."

He noted that the Beijing Book Fair is attended by the leading international publishing
houses, thus offering an ideal platform for publishers, authors and all professionals
in the publishing and book industry from all over the world, to network,exchange ideas and expose to all Arab and global cultures.

He added: "We are guided by the directives of our rational leadership to press ahead with our strategy to activate channels of common cultural cooperation between all countries in the world, and to maintain Sharjah's highly reputed cultural status on the global stage, where it is internationally recognized as a cultural and education hub."

Sharjah Book Fair was established in 1982 under en Emiri Decree issued by His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, and has grown to become one of the biggest book fairs in the Middle East.

The 10-day annual Book Fair (7-17 November) is a direct result of Sharjah's dedication and commitment to developing and maintaining a culture of reading within the Emirate and the UAE, as is clearly encapsulated in the SIBF motto - For the love of the written word.