The Emirate of Sharjah is set to engage with tens of thousands of young and old book lovers from France all over the world, at the 38th edition of the Paris International Book Fair (Salon Livre Paris) taking place from March 16-19.

Being a world-class and bespoke symbol for Arabic culture and literature in the Middle East, Sharjah will be celebrating its selection as the Special Guest City of the fair this year. The emirate of Sharjah, under the supervision of Sharjah Book Authority, in cooperation with cultural institutions and heritage entities, will organise a series of sessions, seminars, performances and folklore event that communicate an authentic and meaningful understanding on the rich cultures and heritage of the UAE and the Arab region.

The UAE delegation to the fair will comprise over 150 Arab and Emirati authors, intellectuals, journalists and media personnel, who will demonstrate the region’s unique cultural and literary charms to the western world through a colourful programme, which includes a public exhibition of artworks by some of the most prominent Emirati artists.

During its participation in one of Europe’s major book events, Sharjah will demonstrate its creative and diversified literatures and arts on the streets of Paris, with performances that will provide an inspiring and educational journey into the UAE and its cultures, through a mix of music, traditional costumes, folk songs, poetry and traditional crafts. One of the programme highlights will be book signings by forty renowned authors, whose prominent works has been translated to French.

Leading cultural entities will be represented at the Sharjah pavilion. These will include the Emirates Writers Union, Emirates Publishers Association, National Media Council, Sharjah’s Department of Culture, Sharjah Institute for Heritage, Dr. Sultan Al Qasimi Centre for Gulf Studies, Sharjah Media Corporation, UAE Board on Books for Young People, Sharjah Libraries, Knowledge Without Borders, the 1001 Titles initiative, Al Qasimi Publications, Kalimat Group, and Etisalat Award for Arabic Children’s Literature.

The Paris Book Fair 2018 is expected to draw more than 150,000 visitors, bringing together over 3,000 authors, intellectuals and academics from around the world, as well as 30,000 professionals in the publishing industry. Guests at the fair will take part in hundreds of cultural events, which include panel discussions, seminars, book signings, workshops, professional meetings and open meetings for the public.

HE Ahmed Al Ameri, Chairman of SBA, said: “The Paris Book Fair is considered one of the most important literature events that Sharjah takes part in. Our participation is in line with the directives and guidance of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council Ruler of Sharjah, to strengthen the presence of the UAE and greater region in forums that promote a more transparent understanding of other cultures and enables educational communication with  them.”

Al Ameri underlined that the selection of Sharjah as Special Guest City reflects the emirate’s historical commitment to participate across all exhibitions and events that enable the opportunity for the emirate to promote the cultures and values of the Arab region.

He added: “This is an opportunity for us to boost cooperation with various French institutions and capitalise on bilateral cultural bonds that help promote dialogue between Sharjah and Paris. Sharjah is one of the key destinations favoured by French authors and scholars seeking to gain a glimpse into the Arabic cultural experience, understanding the backstory of its formation, literature, heritage and history.”