Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), organiser of Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF), has unveiled the theme for this year’s event. Titled ‘A World in My Book,’ the 36th edition of the world’s third largest book fair will focus on the myriad of experiences that books are able to bring to readers.

The theme of SIBF 2017, the dates of which are November 1-11, reinforces Sharjah’s vision to emphasise the opening of windows into new cultures via books and human exchange. Several visuals will represent the slogan for this year’s edition, with graphics representing science, history, literature, technology, astronomy and other sources of knowledge accessed through books.

This theme for the forthcoming edition of SIBF builds on those dating from the fair’s inaugural event in 1981. These have highlighted the value of knowledge in the creation of a progressive and happy society and stressed the importance of reading, especially among the young generations. Previous SIBF titles have included ‘Reading for All,’ ‘Read, You Are in Sharjah’ and ‘Read More’. Today, after three-and-a-half decades of ongoing efforts, the fair has grown to become one of the largest and most influential cultural events in the Arab region. By successfully promoting books and reading among the UAE’s populace, SIBF has also helped advance the publishing movement in Sharjah and beyond.

Khoula Al Mujaini, Head of Marketing at SBA, said that the theme for SIBF 2017 emphasised a central concept; that books represent windows through which readers can look at the world. She reiterated that books offer considerable advantages over the modern methods used to access knowledge, such as videos, voice notes and electronic images, as these can stifle imagination. 

“For each edition of SIBF we strive to make books accessible and appealing to as wide an audience as possible. We aim to ensure that visitors to the fair go home with a renewed love for reading and that they establish it as a daily practice and a way of life. Our message this year is that each book is a world that extends beyond mere print on pages. An involving work of fiction can stimulate the mind to interpret the author’s imagination, while a book on science can helps crystallise abstract principles into meaningful concepts. SIBF 2017 will help visitors to understand that books are key to expanding understanding, developing creative thought processes and ultimately opening up new worlds,” said Al Mujaini.

Last year’s edition of SIBF was the most successful to date. Titled ‘Read More,’ SIBF 2016 hosted more than 2.31 million visitors, with the footfall figures breaking all previous records. The volume of book sales at the fair reached AED 176 million, the highest ever in its 35-year history.

SIBF 2017 will see the participation of 1,650 publishing houses from 60 countries. More than 1.5 million titles will be on display throughout the 11-day celebration of literature, knowledge and culture. Spreading across 14,625 square metres, this year’s edition will feature 393 guests from 48 countries who will take part in more than 2,600 events.