Report : Mohamed Khader Navas

 Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), has affirmed that Sharjah is solidifying its status as a global cultural hub, and serves as a reliable destination for all those seeking to discover Arab culture and its rich history and contributions to humankind.
The SBA Chairperson also noted that the Emirate's prestigious cultural platforms like the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF), further advance communication between nations, making the global cultural landscape more diverse and vibrant.

These statements were made by the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) on the occasion of the announcement of the Republic of South Korea as Guest of Honour at the upcoming 42nd edition of SIBF, which will be held from November 1-12 in Expo Centre Sharjah.

The international event provides an unparalleled platform to engage with a diverse group of writers, thinkers, and cultural figures worldwide.

South Korea's nomination for the Emirate’s biggest cultural event is poised to celebrate the richness of the centuries-old Korean culture and heritage, as well as familiarise SIBF’s guests and visitors with the latest developments in their cultural, literary and creative landscape. The pioneering ways in which South Korea has modernised its cultural landscape by being strongly rooted in its past, has garnered immense attention and popularity across the Arab region and the world.

The republic’s selection as SIBF’s GoH for the upcoming edition also further solidifies the longstanding cultural ties between Sharjah and South Korea, which celebrated the Emirate as their Guest of Honour at the 65th edition of the Seoul International Book Fair this June.

Commenting on SIBF's global cultural importance, Sheikha Bodour stated, “Thanks to the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed AlQasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, SIBF has established itself as an exemplary Arab accomplishment, and we are elevating its role to enrich global culture. It has served as a platform for publishers, book industry professionals, and libraries to flourish, build partnerships, and strengthen relationships with their target audience. Moreover, the event has broadened the horizons for newer developments in Arab culture, enabling it to reach broader segments of society.”

For his part, His Excellency Ahmed bin Rakad Al Ameri, CEO of Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), said: "Celebrating the cultural experience of South Korea embodies the vision of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, which has transformed the Emirate into a prominent hub of culture and education in the region and around the world. SIBF is designed on HH Sheikh Dr. Sultan Al Qasimi’s belief that books and knowledge create the strongest and most sustainable foundations for longstanding cultural dialogue between nations and peoples. It also opens new avenues for partnerships and collaboration between the UAE’s and Arab world’s knowledge market with their global counterparts”.

“This November, South Korean culture, history, customs & practices, and their scientific and technological advancements will meet Emirati culture’s authentic Arab values, rich history, and heritage. This represents an opportunity for the public, publishers, library owners, and book institutions to directly engage with a distinguished culture of the far east. SIBF serves as a platform to strengthen their connections with local and global markets. At the same time, our Guest of Honour programme has served as an ideal gateway for new cultural accomplishments like the establishment of institutes, signing of partnerships, and the launching of initiatives over the past years that brought Sharjah and the UAE closer to nations worldwide,” he added.  

The South Korean pavilion at SIBF 2023 will present a rich cultural programme of activities and events that reflect the aesthetics and diversity of the Korean culture, which is particularly popular amongst the youth. Through panel discussions, workshops, culinary demonstrations, and artistic performances, visitors will have the chance to learn about the history, civilisation and arts of South Korea. The pavilion will also host several authors and cultural figures from South Korea who will share their experiences and perspectives with the audience.

SIBF is considered one of the most prominent cultural events in the region and the world. Each year, it attracts millions of book and culture enthusiasts, facilitating the buying and selling of publishing rights between publishers and authors and supporting the region's book industry. In 2022, the book fair brought together more than 2,213 publishers from 95 countries alongside 150 writers and thinkers from 57 countries. Over the course of 12 days, it featured 1,500 cultural, artistic, and entertainment events, and for the second year in a row, it earned the title of the largest book fair in the world in the sale and purchase of publishing rights.