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Sharjah Ruler orders purchase of Dh10 million worth of books at SIBF

Sharjah - The amount was more than double last year's Dh4.5-million grant.

To support the global publishing industry, the Ruler of Sharjah has ordered the allocation of Dh10 million for the purchase of books exhibited at the 39th Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF), it was announced on Saturday.

His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, has been earmarking funds for the publishers at the SIBF every year. This year, however, there has been a considerable increase in his contribution, aiming to help the book industry weather the pandemic crisis. The amount was more than double last year’s Dh4.5-million grant.

A total of 1,024 publishing houses are participating in the SIBF’s hybrid edition, which is on until November 14.

The books and resources — in Arabic and foreign languages — that will be bought with the Sharjah Ruler’s grant will be added to the growing collection of literature at various branches of the Sharjah Public Library. The libraries in the emirate’s government offices will also be receiving new titles.

Among the titles that will be purchased are the latest releases in genres like history, literature, politics, arts, sciences, and technology. Books that will to benefit researchers, scholars, academia, school and university students as well as champions of culture across Sharjah and the UAE.

Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, chairman of Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), which organises the SIBF, said: “His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan’s grant communicates a message of reassurance and support to book-makers in the region and around the world. The grant is a show of Sharjah’s belief in the publishing industry’s mission and efforts to promote sustainable human development, peace and progress.

“Through this grant, The Ruler of Sharjah has been emphasising that empowering libraries with the latest products of knowledge and culture is a direct investment in the future of Sharjah and the UAE, as these will enable especially children and the youth to broaden their intellectual horizons and develop their cultural understanding of the world.”

reporters@khaleejtimes.com