Sharjah: Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Butti Al Hamed, Chairman of the National Media Office (NMO), attended the 43rd Sharjah International Book Fair 2024 (SIBF). This year’s event features over 2,500 publishers and exhibitors from 112 countries across the Arab world and beyond.
During his tour, Al Hamed explored several national pavilions participating in the fair, examining their latest publications spanning diverse cultural and intellectual fields.
Al Hamed praised the efforts of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, for advancing cultural development and fostering knowledge, “Through His Highness’ vision, the Sharjah Book Fair has evolved into a cultural celebration, a bridge connecting civilizations globally, and one of the most prominent events attracting intellectuals from around the world.”
The NMO Chairman praised Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), for her commitment to advancing the publishing sector and elevating the role of books in the Arab world. He noted the Fair’s achievement as the top global event in publishing rights transactions for the fourth year in a row, which has enriched the region’s cultural revival.
In his closing remarks, NMO Chairman emphasized that book fairs are much more than marketplaces; they are hubs of innovation, learning, and industry progress. By nurturing young talent, embracing new technology, and inspiring a passion for reading, book fairs help shape a brighter future.
The 43rd Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF), one of the largest and most prestigious book fairs globally, kicked off on October 30 and will run until November 10, 2024, at the Expo Centre Sharjah.
SIBF provides networking opportunities for industry professionals, with the highly-regarded Sharjah Publishers Conference preceding the main event, focusing on rights trading and industry trends.