Sharjah Book Fair offers vouchers to students to purchase their favourite books

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

Under the directives of Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), school students attending the 42nd edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) are to receive vouchers generously provided by the authority.

These vouchers empower students to acquire their favourite titles and enhance their personal libraries with the latest releases from participating publishers at the fair.

Students will be spoiled for choice filling their reading lists for the upcoming year, as SIBF, which continues until Nov.12, houses a selection of over 1.5 million titles presented by 2,033 Arab and foreign publishers.

This gesture is in line with SBA’s mission to facilitate access to knowledge and learning resources for younger generations, aligning with the emirate’s vision to establish a knowledge-based society. Through ongoing initiatives and events, the authority aims to raise awareness among children about the importance of reading, its impact on their future, and their role in achieving the aspirations of the UAE.

A student reads a book during the SIFB in Sharjah.

The 42nd edition of the book fair features a diverse range of cultural, entertainment, and educational activities, including over 1700 events led by 215 guests from 69 countries across six interactive spaces. Hosting hundreds of thousands of students from various academic stages, this 12-day cultural extravaganza brings together creators, artists, and inspirational figures from various knowledge and creative fields, spanning theatre, novels, sports, music, social media content creation, space, and science.

A few days ago, His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, had directed the allocation of Dhs4.5 million to stock Sharjah libraries with the latest publications of the 42nd session of the Sharjah International Book Fair. The move aims to support the book industry regionally and globally and facilitate the expansion of publishing businesses. 2,033 Arab and foreign publishing houses are partaking in the event.

Sheikha Bodour stated that the Ruler of Sharjah’s grant constitutes a continuation of Sharjah’s efforts in strengthening the publishing industry and the emirate’s libraries, both public and government. The annual generous grant contributes to ensuring libraries are up to date by offering the latest in scientific, literary and other areas of knowledge.

She added that the SIBF is not limited to promoting books and enhancing cultural activity, as it has also become a medium to enable publishers to overcome challenges through several services and facilities that made Sharjah the preferred choice for those working in the book industry, regionally and globally.

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter