SIBF set to open minds, win hearts

One of the Emirate’s most exceptional and internationally-acclaimed events, the Sharjah International Book Fair, is slated to open its new chapter on Wednesday with the participation of 2,000 publishers from 81 countries, and excitement has already gripped the literary world.

To be held from Oct.30 to Nov.9, SIBF 2019 brings together 173 authors from 68 Arab and foreign countries who will lead 987 activities presenting scientific, knowledge and literary themes.

Books are an endless source of knowledge. Books shape an individual’s mind and wield tremendous power to transform lives for the better. It is the duty of every society to promote the book in order to build sustainable societies, which eventually help fortify the foundations of peace.

Sharjah’s cultural status is thriving thanks to the vision of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, who is keen on creating a reading community and promote the benefits of reading among children.

Over the years, the SIBF has transformed into a literary carnival. For those on intellectual pursuit anywhere in the world, Sharjah has now embossed itself as a must-visit destination during the fair.

Visitors will get a chance to witness exceptional diversity in terms of activities and titles on display. In celebration of Sharjah World Book Capital 2019 title, the book fair has assumed its theme, ‘Open Books. Open Minds.’

The line-up of events is exciting. The 38th edition of SIBF which celebrates the Republic of Mexico as a Guest of Honour, will bring together a host of Arab and international guests and celebrities including America’s most-loved host, Steve Harvey; Orhan Pamuk, the first Turkish novelist to win the 2006 Nobel Prize for Literature; and the leadership guru, Robin Sharma.

The international guest list includes Elisabetta Dami, a bestselling children’s author from Italy; Bernice L. McFadden, the American author of 10 critically acclaimed novels including the award-winning ‘The Book of Harlan’.

The Arab guest list includes Wasini Al Araj; Ahlam Mosteghanemi, Ahmed Murad; and Omani author Jokha Alharthi, the first Arabic-language writer to win the prestigious Booker International Prize, to name a few.

From India, poet and bestselling author Anita Nair; actor Gulshan Grover, and Jeet Thayil, an award-winning poet, novelist and musician whose first novel ‘Narcopolis’ was shortlisted for the 2012 Man Booker Prize for Fiction, are taking part.

Sharjah’s successful record in establishing the importance of promoting book culture has been recognised time and again, with the latest being its naming as UNESCO World Book Capital 2019.

In another well-deserved recognition for the Emirate, LIBER International Book Fair named Sharjah as Guest of Honour.

That recognition came in less than a month since Sharjah wrapped up a grand cultural showcase at Moscow International Book Fair 2019, where it participated as the fair’s first-ever Arab ‘Guest City’.

The SIBF 2019 cultural programme will feature 987 events ranging from book discussions and signings, theatre, social media events, kids and cookery activities, and more, in addition to plays, magic shows, and comics-based activities.

There’s special focus on children too. The 38th edition of SIBF has dedicated a staggering 409 activities to its Kids Programme. An array of educational, cultural and entertainment activities are geared to promote children’s learning and creativity.

The SIBF has been leaving a deep imprint year after year in the hearts of visitors, and going by the lineup of events, one can be certain that the forthcoming edition too will keep visitors spellbound.