Sharjah Ruler Opens 43rd Sharjah International Book Fair 2024

Post by: Raman Preet

Photo : Sharjah Govt Media Bureau

His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, inaugurated the 43rd edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) on Wednesday, November 6, 2024. The grand opening, held at the Expo Centre Sharjah, marks the commencement of this prestigious cultural event, which runs until November 17. This year’s theme, "It Starts with a Book," resonates with the fair’s mission to promote books as catalysts for growth and knowledge.

Upon his arrival, His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan was warmly received by prominent members of the Sharjah leadership, including Sheikh Sultan Bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah; Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA); and Sheikh Khalid bin Isam bin Saqer Al Qassimi, Chairman of the Civil Aviation Department, among others. Intellectuals, authors, and cultural dignitaries were also present to witness this significant occasion.

In his address, His Highness emphasized Sharjah’s ongoing commitment to promoting the Arabic language and preserving its cultural heritage. He highlighted the completion of the Historical Corpus of the Arabic Language as a major milestone, noting that it would play a key role in advancing the Arabic language globally. This landmark project, a monumental scholarly achievement, chronicles 17 centuries of Arabic linguistic evolution and is the product of seven years of dedicated work by over 700 contributors.

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"The Arabic language is at the heart of our culture," said Sheikh Dr. Sultan, adding that the corpus preserves an invaluable cultural and linguistic legacy. "It is not only about the language itself but also the rich history, literature, and stories that it carries with it." His Highness also expressed his pride in Sharjah's role in safeguarding the Arabic language, saying, "Through this project, we have ensured that Arabic will remain a living, breathing language for generations to come."

The completion of the Historical Corpus, which spans 127 volumes, is seen as a key contribution to the preservation of classical Arabic poetry, the Holy Quran and Hadith language, and the modern-day usage of Arabic, including its representation in media and social discourse. His Highness noted that this achievement serves as a foundation for future projects dedicated to the Arabic language and cultural heritage.

In his speech, the Ruler of Sharjah also shared exciting news with the audience: the launch of a new project aimed at creating the Comprehensive Arabic Encyclopedia, a scholarly initiative that will cover various fields, including sciences, literature, arts, and the lives of notable Arab figures. This ambitious endeavor will serve to reconnect the Arab world with its rich cultural, scientific, and artistic achievements, bridging the past and the present.

Sheikh Dr. Sultan also honored renowned Algerian author Ahlam Mosteghanemi as the Cultural Personality of the Year for the 43rd edition of SIBF. In a heartfelt speech, Mosteghanemi thanked His Highness and Sheikha Bodour for recognizing her contributions to the Arab literary scene. She described Sharjah as a city that has always embraced books and learning, and credited the emirate with inspiring her own literary journey.

Reflecting on the importance of books in shaping societies, His Highness said, "Books are the architects of societies. They are our greatest companions and friends." He drew upon a famous quote by the renowned Arab poet Al-Mutanabbi, who once said, "The dearest place in the world is the saddle of a galloping horse, and the best companion in life is a book."

The opening ceremony also featured the screening of short films showcasing the theme of this year’s fair, "It Starts with a Book," which highlighted the transformative power of books and the ongoing work to preserve the Arabic language. One of the films focused on the Historical Corpus of the Arabic Language, detailing the tireless efforts of scholars and linguists who worked for seven years to complete this groundbreaking project.

The Sharjah Ruler also visited the Guest of Honour pavilion, where he was briefed about Morocco’s rich literary and cultural contributions, as Morocco is the focus of this year’s SIBF. In addition, His Highness toured several other pavilions, including those showcasing works by local and Arab authors, as well as contributions from Sharjah-based entities that support literary and cultural development.

In his keynote address, Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of the Sharjah Book Authority, reiterated the emirate’s vision to place books at the heart of its cultural agenda. He emphasized that Sharjah’s true strength lies not just in its infrastructure but in its unwavering commitment to knowledge and intellectual development. Al Ameri noted that this year’s fair is set to be one of the largest ever, with over 2,500 publishers and exhibitors from 108 countries.

The fair will host more than 400 authors over the 12-day event, with a variety of cultural activities, book signings, and literary discussions. These include over 500 cultural sessions, workshops, and panel discussions that will bring together leading global intellectuals, scholars, and writers to explore key issues in literature, language, and culture.

With an impressive lineup of events, including a rich program from the Moroccan delegation featuring more than 40 literary figures and cultural performances, the Sharjah International Book Fair promises to be a celebration of knowledge, creativity, and the timeless power of books

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