Sharjah book fair to begin on October 30

The 38th edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) will be held from October 30 to November 9, the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) announced on Monday.
According to Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, chairman of the SBA, this year's book fair will be carrying the theme of the Sharjah World Book Capital (SWBC), 'Open Books Open Minds', to promote books and reading across age groups and communities.
Authors, publishers, intellectuals and artists from across the globe will bring their experiences and expertise to the popular annual event and add colours to its vibrant cultural programme.
"As a cultural beacon of the region, a position Sharjah rose to resulting from the leading efforts of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, it is our primary goal to foster an environment of knowledge and innovation built on the foundations of books and reading. As the Unesco World Book Capital 2019 we are bringing an exceptional literary and cultural offering to the Sharjah International Book Fair, the world's third largest celebration of the book," said Al Ameri.
"The 38th edition of the SIBF has assumed the same theme as Sharjah World Book Capital's to emphasise  the emirate's significant achievements as an international hub for authorship, culture and creativity. This will be an exceptional edition of the book fair, where our events and discussions will all shine a spotlight on the book's ability to ignite people's minds, appreciate cultural differences and bring them closer," he added.
"Today, this annual cultural event has become an inseparable component of Emirati identity and Arab culture. The SBA is dedicated to ensuring that the SIBF will always be a platform for vibrant exchange between Arab and international authors, and a place visitors will leave with new learnings about themselves and other civilisations." Al Ameri concluded.
Last year, over 2.23 million people visited the 37th edition of the Sharjah book fair, of which 230,000 were students. The 11-day book fair hosted Japan as the guest of honour. Azzedine Mihoubi, Algeria's Minister of Culture, was named the edition's Cultural Personality of the Year.
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