Tunis has a taste of Emirati culture

As part of its ongoing efforts to enhance cooperation, Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) is taking part in the 35th edition of the Tunis International Book Fair, that is taking place, under the theme, ‘We read to live twice’.

The SBA is showcasing Sharjah’s cultural project and key initiatives aimed at enhancing the local publishing industry, and organising several meetings with a host of Arab and international intellectuals and publishing professionals.

Sharjah’s pavilion at the Tunis book fair is welcoming a large number of visitors who are being introduced to the emirate’s culture and their efforts in the run-up to the celebrations of Unesco World Book Capital, which has been bestowed upon the emirate for the year 2019.

Notable figures who have visited the Sharjah pavilion include the Tunisian Prime Minister Youssef Chahed; Minister for Cultural Affairs Dr Mohamed Zine El Abidine; Rashid Al Mansouri, UAE Ambassador to Tunisia; a host of ambassadors of Arab and international countries, and Tunisian intellectuals and publishing professionals.

During the event, Fadil Hussein, Director of SBA Office in the Eastern Region, emphasised Sharjah’s keenness to participate in key cultural events worldwide, that lead to strengthening cultural bonds and promoting Sharjah’s cultural agenda and accomplishments.

He said, “Tunis International Book Fair is one of the important cultural events in the region that SBA is keen on participating in. It is an important opportunity to strengthen cultural understanding through active dialogue, build and boost partnerships, in addition to promoting Emirati and Arab culture and its achievements.”

Recently, Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) discussed Sharjah’s participation plans at Bologna International Children’s Book Fair 2020 as the Guest of Honour. This came during SBA’s presence at the 56th edition of this frontrunning children’s book event, which ran until April 4 in the capital of the Emilia-Romagna region in Northern Italy.

The Sharjah delegation held a series of meetings with the Bologna Children’s Book Fair management as well as several officials in charge of Bologna’s cultural entities, including Matteo Lepore, Deputy Major, and Francesca Martinese, responsible for International relations for Bologna Municipality; Gianpiero Calzolari, President of Bologna Children’s Book Fair; Elena Pasoli, Director of Bologna Children’s Book Fair, and Marco Momoli, commercial director at Bologna Children’s Book fair.