Sharjah - His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, inaugurated today (Wednesday) the 42nd edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair, organised by the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) with the theme "We Speak Books," at Expo Centre Sharjah until November 12. The inauguration was held in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, the Crown Prince, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, and His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah.

During the opening ceremony, His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi delivered a captivating speech in which he emphasized the significance of the native Arabic language. His Highness revealed that he is working on a project, the "Dictionary of World Languages," which aims to showcase the origins of various languages.

After sharing these inspiring words, the Sharjah Ruler along with Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), felicitated Ibrahim Al-Koni, the renowned Libyan writer and novelist, who has been named as the 'Cultural Personality of the Year' at SIBF 2023.

The Swiss publisher Unionsverlag received accolades for their exceptional work in winning the 7th Sharjah Translation Award, 'Turjuman,' for their translation of Raja'a Alem's novel, The Dove's Necklace.

Ibrahim Al-Koni, the distinguished 'Personality of the Year' for SIBF 2023, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Sharjah Ruler for bestowing this prestigious title in his keynote speech.

During his keynote speech, HE Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of the Sharjah Book Authority, highlighted the remarkable growth and achievements of SIBF under the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah. He declared, “Through this unique vision, Sharjah has garnered global acclaim in the realms of culture and literature”.

Al Ameri emphasised that the 42nd edition of SIBF has attracted publishers and exhibitors from 109 countries, collectively representing more than half of the world's nations.

Representing South Korea's Guest of Honor delegation, Chulho Yoon, President of the Korea Publishing and Culture Association, expressed his delight at being in Sharjah and remarked, "Back in June, Sharjah was at the Seoul International Book Fair as Guest of Honour, and as a result, Koreans have been able to really get to know the cultures of Sharjah and the UAE, and we are here to further this vibrant exchange”.

Following the opening ceremony, His Highness toured SIBF accompanied and briefed by Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of SBA, on the participating pavilions, institutions, entities and publishers, and on the diverse agenda during the 12-day fair. The Ruler of Sharjah started his tour with a visit to the Guest of Honor pavilion from South Korea, where he received a detailed briefing on their program, as well as the major activities and events that this pavilion would host during their participation.

This year's edition of SIBF boasts an impressive participation of 2,033 publishers hailing from 109 countries. Among them are 1,043 Arab publishing houses and 990 foreign counterparts, collectively showcasing an astonishing 1.5 million titles. This remarkable collection comprises 800,000 Arabic titles alongside 700 titles from other languages. The 42nd edition further distinguishes itself with 215 prominent Arab and international writers, thinkers, innovators, and artists who will lead 1,700 activities, including 900 workshops, musical performances, theatrical productions, culinary events, and much more.