Sharjah International Book Fair, SIBF, a subsidiary of Sharjah Book Authority, SBA, has nearly sold out of exhibition space five months before the kickoff of the 34th edition to be held this November, selling more than 90% of the exhibition space allocated to publishers participating in the event, since May 15th.

Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, Chairman of the SBA, said this clearly indicates that the SIBF is on its way to becoming the world’s number one literary event, thanks to the support of His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah.

"Selling the majority of the space allocated to publishing houses in 2015 approximately five months prior to its launch proves the success of the fair. We owe a debt of gratitude to His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan whose generous guidance has turned this event into a prestigious cultural destination, contributing to the community’s love of books and calling for understanding, dialogue and peace among people of all nations," he said.

According to Al Ameri, the total exhibition area will be 26,000 square meters, including an outdoor space of an estimated 850 square meters which will be added for the first time this November.

He said, "The huge turnout of visitors and participants at the fair during its previous sessions has increased competition among local Arab and international publishing houses that are now eager to participate. The number of visitors reached about 1.47 million last year and contributed substantially to the development of tourism and trade in Sharjah. In addition, the participation of 1,256 publishing houses from 59 countries showcasing their latest releases increased sales volume to approximately AED178 million UAE, or 48.5 million US dollars."

Al Ameri added that SIBF 2015 will introduce many activities, programmes and events, and will host a number of celebrated intellectual, literary, artistic and media figures who have contributed to the dissemination of culture in the Arab world and internationally.

He said the event has exceeded regional and Arab boundaries, becoming an important cultural event on the international publishing calendar, honouring writers, authors, publishers and readers.

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