The Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) explored collaboration opportunities with key stakeholders and highlighted its efforts and initiatives to promote and support the publishing sector to global visitors and participants at the 51st New Delhi World Book Fair (NDWBF), organised by the National Book Trust India from 10th to 18th February, 2024.

The SBA’s participation in NDWBF 2024 showcased Sharjah's global achievements in the publishing sector and creative industries. It highlights the emirate's role in attracting publishers from India, who constitute the largest proportion of international publishers at the Sharjah International Book Fair.

During its participation, the authority showcased various Emirati and Arab works translated into Hindi that appeal to multiple interests and age demographics. This selection spanned genres such as novels, stories, poetry, plays, and informative books on science, history, education, and the arts. It also included literature translated to and from Arabic, showcasing the rich literary and cultural heritage of the Arab world and the Emirates.

The SBA's pavilion attracted significant attention from visitors, especially the translated works of H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, in Hindi. These publications, which cover various aspects of regional history and international relations, underscore the scientific, intellectual, and artistic achievements of Arab and Islamic civilisations, reflecting the Authority's dedication to fostering cross-cultural literary exchanges and deepening the mutual understanding between the Arab world and the Asian continent.

Throughout the international event, the SBA engaged in key meetings with top officials, organisers, and publishers to strengthen cultural exchange and collaborative efforts. This included facilitating the sale and purchase of copyrights, translation, and distribution services. The authority also met with Indian publishers in Sharjah Publishing City participating in the NDWBF.

The Sharjah delegation discussed cooperation opportunities with the NDWBF’s organisers, the National Book Trust, who recognised the SBA as one of the most significant international participants. The authority also highlighted the benefits and opportunities that Indian publishers can avail with their participation in the Sharjah International Book Fair, which can expand their reach in the Arab and global markets. The delegation also met with the Federation of Indian Publishers to understand the union's initiatives and the local market's opportunities and challenges.

The SBA also met with global publishing houses such as Penguin Random House, HarperCollins, Scholastic, Homes Book Parkers, and Kapscal. The discussions sought to enhance the translation, distribution, and promotion of Arabic and Emirati books in India and globally and addressed issues related to children's and young adult books and education.

During its participation, the SBA provided a comprehensive overview of its initiatives and programmes to support and encourage writers, publishers, translators, and readers in the UAE and the Arab world. Notable among these are the Sharjah International Book Fair and the Sharjah Children's Reading Festival, alongside international conferences that enrich the global publishing sector, including the Sharjah Publishers Conference, the Sharjah International Library Conference, and Sharjah's Booksellers Conference, to build bridges among all stakeholders in the publishing industry worldwide and facilitate the global exchange of knowledge.

Commenting on the participation, Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of SBA, said, "Sharjah's participation in NDWBF reflects the global influence of the emirate's cultural project, led by H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi. This initiative not only enlightens visitors and Indian readers about our rich cultural heritage but also symbolises the deep-rooted historical and cultural connections between the UAE and India, dating back to the trade ties established in the pre-oil era."

He added, "The New Delhi World Book Fair is a crucial part of our strategy to elevate the cultural profile of the UAE and the Arab world globally. Books will always be the premier envoys for cross-cultural communication and dialogue between nations, highlighting the humanitarian and civilisational values that Sharjah, the UAE, and the international community strive to uphold.”