Publishers from Palestine, Lebanon and Sudan will be exempt from participation fees at the 43rd edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF), the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) announced Friday.
This initiative aligns with Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah’s vision to foster the growth of Arab publishers and safeguard the region's heritage for future generations. It reflects the Sharjah Ruler's committed and ongoing support for the industry, providing it with the necessary tools and platforms to continue to thrive and be the engine for promoting Arab language, literature and culture worldwide.
SBA Chairperson Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi stressed that Arab publishers in the region are facing unprecedented challenges, and there is an urgent and critical need to unite efforts to abate the severe hit the industry has taken in the past year.
Highlighting that the future of Arab culture is directly shaped by the strength, efficiency and resilience of its publishing sector, the SBA Chairperson has called for all possible support to enable the industry to overcome its current challenges.
She added: "Sharjah has been, and will always remain, an inclusive haven for Arab culture and intellectuals. The emirate's unwavering commitment to the Arab cultural project is reflected in all our policies and practices. We sincerely hope that future editions of the Sharjah International Book Fair will find our culture, intellectuals and nations thriving in the best possible state."
The exemption is part of Sharjah's central role in enhancing the resilience and efficiency of the Arab publishing sector, ensuring its continuity in uplifting communities, and promoting knowledge and awareness, particularly in light of the targeting, restrictions and blockades faced by publishers, libraries, and cultural institutions, isolating them from their Arab and global counterparts.
