SIBF reinforces Sharjah’s reputation as a regional cultural hub at Sfax Children’s Book Fair

 

Children’s literature is very close to the heart of the SIBF, and this is evident in the upcoming Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival, which is scheduled for April 2012. The SIBF seeks to nurture young minds and cultivate a love for literature early in children’s lives. Children are the leaders of the future in a broad spectrum of professions, and this is the motivation for the focus on children’s publications.

 

Ahmad Al Amri, Director of the SIBF, pointed out that, "Our participation at the Sfax Children’s Book Fair comes courtesy of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. His grand vision is to enhance the cultural cohesion of nations around the world, thereby fostering global harmony, enlightenment and prosperity."

 

Her Excellency Sihem Badi, Minister of Women and Family Affairs of the Republic of Tunisia, officially launched the fair and subsequently graced the SIBF booth. She expressed her profound admiration for the indispensable cultural role being played by the UAE, particularly Sharjah. Her Excellency also extended her sentiments of continued success and progress to His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, as well as Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Knowledge Without Borders project. She went on to commend the Emirati Publishers Association for their sterling work in advancing children’s literature, and complimented the impressive publications of the Sharjah Department of Culture and Information.  

 

The SIBF booth was excellently supported by numerous prominent authorities from Sharjah, such as the Department of Culture and Information, Al Qasimi Publications, Culture without Borders, the Emirati Publishers Association, Binally Sharjah, The UAE Boards on Books for Young People and various Children’s Centers. Over 60 exhibitors took part in the book fair, hailing not only from Tunisia and the region, but other parts of the world. This has given the event a rich diversity, and this embodies how children’s literature is embracing globalization and blooming in the global village. 

 

The book fair offered a dazzling array of thrilling activities not only for children but for the young at heart. These included the main Book Exhibition, theatrical 

 

 

performances, concerts and interviews with authors of children’s books. In addition, the event featured the awards ceremony for the 20th National Competition of Children and Young Innovations, as well as the Star for Children’s Literature. Furthermore, the Dictation in Arabic Competition reinforced the high significance of the Arabic language in literature.