SBA takes Emirati literature to Cairo International Book Fair

Sharjah/ Emirates Business

Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) took another significant step to enhance Arab cultural dialogue at the 48th edition of Cairo International Book Fair (CIBF), which runs until February 10.
Two events, a seminar titled ‘The Emirati Novel in the Past and the Present’, and a poetry reading session, ‘Voices from the UAE’, were organised by SBA on the side-lines of the Book Fair to share authentic experiences reflecting the UAE’s remarkable cultural and literary scene.
SBA’s stand attracted several officials, representatives of cultural authorities, intellectuals, and Egyptian literati, including poets and novelists. His Excellency Helmy Al Namnam, Egypt’s Minister of Culture, His Excellency Dr Mohammed Mokhtar Gumaa, Egypt’s Minister of Endowments (Awqaf), as well as Adviser Khalifa Saif Al Tunaiji, Charge d’Affaires of the UAE Embassy to Cairo, also paid visits to the stand.
“The participation of Sharjah Book Authority at CIBF reinforces its vision to develop stronger ties with Arab and international cultural institutions, exhibitions and fairs. These participations are tangible outcomes of our keen focus on knowledge-based communications and strong cultural collaborations, both regionally and internationally,” said HE Ahmed Al Ameri, Chairman of SBA.
“Key platforms such as the CIBF are vital to furthering SBA’s efforts in showcasing Sharjah’s prolific on-going and rapidly expanding cultural project,” Al Ameri added.
Moderated by journalist Dina Qandeel, the seminar on ‘Emirati Novel in the Past and the Present’ saw Emirati author, Eman Al Yousuf, explore the history of the Emirati novel. She took the audience on a journey of the Emirati novel’s great feats in quality and creative exploration, its variety in prose construction, and the development of marketing tools over the years.
‘Voices from the UAE’ poetry session also witnessed a huge turnout. In a vibrant, interactive atmosphere created by the participants, audiences were seen soaking up the goodness of poetry recitation by Ali Al Shaali and Sheikha Al Mutairi who read original, free verse poems.
Morocco, guest of honour at the current of CIBF, is running an array of cultural events including poetry reading, art shows, films and documentaries on the history of Morocco. Renowned Egyptian poet, Salah Abdel Sabour, was awarded the person of the year.
35 countries have participated at the 48th CIBF, of which 22 are Arab and African countries, and 850 publishers comprising 550 Egyptian, 250 Arab and 50 foreign publishers.
Established in 2014, Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) is dedicated to encouraging investment in creative industries and offers a platform for the exchange of knowledge and ideas between people from different countries and cultures. It is also entrusted with emphasising the significant role of writers and their influence in spreading awareness of technological advancement and the availability of various sources of knowledge. SBA also aims to attract relevant bodies and figures operating in the cultural sector in general, and the publishing, printing, translation, documentation and children’s books in particular.