Sharjah Book Authority Extends Bridges of Cultural Communication with Latin America

Literary fans in the southern reaches of North America have been able to find out more about Arabic culture following Sharjah Book Authority (SBA)’s participation at Mexico Book Fair. The 30th edition of the annual event saw SBA’s stand receive a great deal of interest from Latin American publishers and visitors keen to learn more about the Arabic writings, heritage and traditions. 

As the only Arab body to participate in the fair for the third consecutive year, SBA made best use of the nine-day book event by conducting meetings and forging distribution agreements with Latin American publishers. The authority received numerous enquiries from Mexican publishing and translation agencies, writers and intellectuals about its programmes for professionals working in different aspects of the industry.

A number of publishers at the fair demonstrated their desire to participate in the Professional Programme organised annually by SBA on the sidelines of the Sharjah International Book Fair, while several translation bodies showed interest in the Translation Grant offered by the authority. Writers and intellectuals from across genres also expressed their desire to work with SBA to promote cultural exchange between Arab and Latin societies.

During the fair, SBA dedicated the Spanish language version of ‘Sard Al That’ (My Early Life) written by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, to dignitaries who visited the SBA stand. A range of books that reflect the spirit of Arabic culture and Sharjah's cultural project were also gifted to the officials.

HE Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, SBA Chairman, said; "Our participation at the Mexico Book Fair is in line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, to promote communication with global cultures and to connect Sharjah and its project to international cultural events. It is not a mere single activity designed to achieve limited goals, but comes within a broader context of Sharjah's overall mission."

"Many intellectuals from countries across the globe are eager to learn about the Arab cultural movement, while Arab culture, in turn, needs this kind of communication in order to meet new audiences. SBA’s participation at book fairs worldwide is just a step towards greater cooperation and partnership that will enrich the exchange of knowledge between both sides,” he added.

Founded in 1987, the Mexico International Book Fair is one of the most important book fairs in North America and the world’s largest market for Spanish language books. Each year the event has witnessed an increasing presence from publishers, literary agents, translators and distributors who use the platform to network, undertake commercial deals and establish professional ties.