Sharjah Book Authority participates in Moscow International Book Fair

Sharjah / Emirates Business

Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) has concluded its participation at the 29th edition of the Moscow International Book Fair (MIBF), held recently in the Russian capital of Moscow – an event that garnered the participation of nearly 500 publishing houses from 40 countries from all around the world. SBA utilised their presence at the book fair to interact with and attract publishers from Russia and other parts of the world to its various upcoming events.
The SBA delegation was one of the few representing the Arab world at what has over the years become North and Central Asia’s and Eastern Europe’s most important publishing events. MIBF attracted over 100,000 visitors this year, who kept SBA’s exhibitor stand extremely busy with their footfall, learning about their services and inquiring about their exhibitions and events that are curated for publishers and book lovers from all over the world.
Highlighting the importance of connecting with international publishers, and that of MIBF itself, Salim Omar Salim, Director of Sales and Marketing at SBA, said, “The Moscow International Book Fair is one of the most prestigious cultural and literary events in Central Asia.
Participation in the MIBF has provided us easy access to the book market not only in Russia, but also in the larger Asian and Eastern European regions. The fair also offers us a platform to meet and interact with thousands of professionals from many countries across the world.”
Salim reiterated the crucial role of such international events play in strengthening communication between various cultural organisations, authors and publishers, enhancing effective collaborations and forging fruitful future partnerships. These valuable ties, he said, will see the dawn of more specialised cultural activities and promote the development of the publishing industry within the region and across the wider world.
On the side— lines of its participation at the Moscow book Fair,
the SBA delegation held a series of meetings with a number of publishing houses and experts, most notably Chinese publishers, extending them an invitation to the Sharjah International Book Fair.
The two parties have decided to feature a dedicated stand for Chinese publishers at the Sharjah International Book Fair 2016.
SBA’s ongoing efforts to enrich the exchange of knowledge and expertise between Emirati and Russian cultures have been seen by the fact that a large number of Russian publishers have confirmed their participation at this year’s SIBF, which will kick off on 2 November.
This achievement came after a series of meetings, discussing prospects of future partnerships with the organisers of MIBF, particularly in view of their longstanding ties of cooperation in literature and publishing.
SBA was established in December 2014 under an Emiri decree issued by His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of
Sharjah. They are tasked with encouraging investment in creative industries, and offer a platform for the exchange of knowledge and culture between peoples from different civilizations and cultures.