In its ongoing quest to nurture new relationships and expand existing ones, a delegation from the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) has met with several high profile, influential publishers and literary agents at the Turin International Book Fair, with a view to exploring future avenues of cooperation and joint ventures.

During the fair, one of Italy’s largest trade events for books, the SBA representatives discussed possible collaboration with the Italian literati through the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF), which is held annually in November, and the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival (SCRF), which is held annually in April. 

The delegation offered a deeper insight into SBA’s vision, its affiliated departments and the major activities it organises in Sharjah throughout the year.

On the sidelines of the Turin Book Fair, the SBA delegation held a series of matchmaking meetings and B2B sessions with representatives and heads of leading Italian cultural organisations, directors of publishing houses, literary agents and media professionals. They discussed potential investment opportunities via Sharjah Publishing City and emphasised Sharjah’s internationally recognised status as a cultural hub in the Arab world and the Middle East. 

In a meeting with Elena Pasoli, Director of the Bologna Book Fair, the delegation gave a detailed picture of SIBF’s opportunities and the publishers and authors it hosts as a key cultural event in the Arab world.

HE Ahmed Al Ameri, Chairman of SBA, said: “During its participation in Turin International Book Fair, SBA presented the aims and strategies that form part of the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mouhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, who stresses the importance of openness to Western culture and deepening relations with the West in order to realise his vision for a dialogue of diverse cultures, civilisations and societies.”

He added: “SBA’s participation aimed to enhance communication with intellectuals and publishers in order to enrich SIBF’s events and activities. It also strives to build on the success of its presence in other events to create a base of international relationships between the Arab world and European countries.”

The SBA Chairman continued: “The authority successfully provided a vivid picture of the opportunities offered by the Sharjah Publishing City (SPC), which was welcomed with considerable interest from Italian and other European publishers, who were eager to discuss the services it will provide to the global book market. This was an excellent opportunity to introduce Sharjah’s visions and its aspirations to a wider cultural audience.”

Held annually in May, the Turin International Book Fair draws a large number of exhibitors, experts and professionals in the book industry due to its rich programme of activities and hosts more than 1,000 conferences, meetings and discussion sessions involving in excess of 2,000 speakers and guests, including Nobel Prize winners, scientists, philosophers, historians and artists. 

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 civilisations 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.  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.