Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, has directed the allocation of AED4.5 million to enhance public and government libraries across the emirate with publications from publishers participating in the 44th Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF).
This year’s edition gathers 2,350 publishers and exhibitors from 118 countries, showcasing Arabic and international titles spanning literature, science, and fields of knowledge.
The initiative reflects His Highness’s commitment to advancing the publishing industry and ensuring that readers, researchers, and students in Sharjah and the UAE have access to works. It underscores the role of libraries in Sharjah’s vision and its approach to progress, strengthening the emirate’s reputation as a capital of knowledge and culture.
Sharjah International Book Fair 2024: AED 4.5 Million library investment confirmed
Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority, stated that the Ruler’s initiative reflects his belief in the power of libraries as institutions of enlightenment that nurture generations and drive development.
“Libraries are living archives of human thought and bridges that connect cultures and civilisations. This grant continues His Highness’s lifelong support for the publishing sector, empowering publishers to sustain their creative contributions and enriching the region’s cultural and intellectual landscape,” she said.
Held under the theme “Between You and a Book”, the 44th edition of SIBF continues to affirm its position as one of the world’s gatherings.
The event features 1,224 Arab and 1,126 international publishing houses, and hosts over 250 authors, artists, and thinkers from 66 countries, presenting more than 1,200 events throughout the fair.
The allocation of AED4.5 million will enable libraries across Sharjah to acquire publications from the participating publishers, providing access to titles for the emirate’s residents.
