Sharjah: Several Emirati and Algerian authors, intellectuals were brought together under one roof as Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) hosted numerous discussion panels and poetry readings at the 25th edition of the Algiers International Book Fair.
Mr. Fadel Hussein Bussaim, Director of SBA in the Eastern Region welcomed Mr. Ayman Benabderrahmane, Prime Minister of Algeria, at the SBA pavilion, gifting him with a copy of the “The Inquisition: An Investigation of 23 Files of Cases Committed Against Muslims in Andalusia”, authored by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah.
SBA AT 25TH ALGIERS INTERNATIONAL BOOK FAIR
The SBA Pavilion at 25th Algiers International Book Fair hosted Emirati author and filmmaker Mr. Nasser Al Dhaheri and Algerian novelist Mr. Wasini Laredj in a discussion session moderated by Algerian critic Mr. Hamid Abdel Qader, under the title ‘Creative Testimonies’.
During the panel discussion the participants talked about the roots of their passion for writing and how their upbringing shaped their style.
The Authority also held a poetry reading session moderated by Mr. Abdul Karim Ozghleh, which featured poets Mr. Hasan Al Najjar and Ms. Shafiqa Wail.
SBA organized several meetings to present initiatives, projects and major events led by the Authority at the local and international levels, including Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF), Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival (SCRF), and Sharjah Publishing City (SPC) Free Zone.
The Authority also used the opportunity to spotlight the efforts of the Sharjah International Literary Agency (SILA), a first-of-its-kind literary agency in the UAE and the region, which encourages communication among publishers, authors, translators and creatives and regulate their operations in line with prevailing official frameworks.
Through SBA’s presence at regional and international events, we aim to spotlight our continual efforts to enhance the UAE’s publishing sector as well as Sharjah’s cultural project that stems from the vision of Ruler of Sharjah. Events such as the Algiers International Book Fair also present an ideal opportunity to build bridges with other great nations in the region and promote cultural exchange.
Mr. Fadel Hussein Bussaim remarked on the occasion.
The Eastern Region Director of SBA further added that, “Algeria has a unique cultural and literary mileu that has produced some of the world’s most distinguished authors and intellectuals. SBA is keen on fostering knowledge interchange and strengthening partnerships between Emirati publishers and their Algerian counterparts, in line with Sharjah’s vision to support the cultural and creative movements across the world.”