A delegation from the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) participated in the 23rd edition of the Doha International Book Fair which was organised between the 12 and22nd of December in Qatar’s capital city, Doha.
The SIBF delegation was headed by Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Amri, Director of SIBF, along with Omran Al Qatari, Head of Procurement Section at the Sharjah Department of Culture and Information.
Organised by the Qatari Ministry of Culture, Arts and Heritage at the Doha Exhibition Centre, and represented by the Department of Public Libraries, the 11-day Doha International Book Fair was held under the theme titled, ‘Global Thought Forum’.
The event was inaugurated by Dr Hamad bin Abdul Aziz Al Kuwari, Qatar’s Minister of Culture, Arts and Heritage, who also paid a visit to the SIBF stand, and appreciated SIBF’s efforts in promoting books, learning and literature in the region.
Speaking on the occasion, SIBF Director Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Amri, said, "Our participation in the Doha international Book Fair comes in line with the directives of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. Over the years, HH Al Qassimi – himself an avid reader - has made commendable efforts to singlehandedly inculcate the love of books among his people.”
“The Sharjah international Book Fair is always keen to participate at all Arab and international book fairs, as they offer us precious opportunities to network, and exchange knowledge and expertise, as well as help to expand cultural relations between all book fair managements at regional as well as global level,” he said, adding, “
He pointed out that SIBF’s participation in the Doha international book fair was distinguished opportunity to showcase the latest books and titles on a myriad of subjects, printed with the hard work and cooperation of all those involved. “Such publications and their promotion, help us contribute further to the rich cultural and intellectual Arab heritage.”
He added, “UAE has just as much welling potential as the rest of the world. Showcasing our best works in world-renowned exhibitions is the best way to promote and further encourage and pave the way for young intellectuals and writers to come forward and show their talent to the world. These young minds are the torch-bearers of our future.”
Al Amri emphasized that SIBF’s participation at the Doha Book Fair was aimed at utilizing SIBF’s kiosk as a platform for intellectual and literary discussions, boosting the reputation of UAE itself.
On the occasion, Dr Hamad bin Abdul Aziz Al Kuwari, Qatar’s Minister of Culture, Arts and Heritage, commented, “The Doha international Book Fair is an extension of Sharjah international Book Fair and other book events in the GCC countries. Book fairs across the Arab world encourage reading habits, and help shape people’s conscience, whereby offering an excellent opportunity to everyone to get first-hand acquaintance with the latest titles on the most pressing issues of the world. Finding everything from fiction to autobiographies, from world history to Arab literature under one roof is an excellent experience, both for publishers as well as the readers.
” The Qatari Minister noted that Arab book fairs were now in strong competition with international exhibitions due to their management, quality and diversity. “The Doha international Book fair has become an annual cultural extravaganza for intellectuals, writers and readers, especially that these fairs include a variety of cultural and intellectual events that capture the interest of various segments of the society,” he said.
The Minister visited the SIBF stand where he was welcomed by Al Amri, who dedicated to him a copy of ’Hadeeth Al Thakera’’s (Taking the Reins) second part, and another book titled, ‘Correspondence of Sultans of Zanzibar’, authored by His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah himself.
Al Kuwari said the latter book is very important to the Arabic and global literature and also praised the first part of ’Hadeeth Al Thakera’. Japan was this year’s Guest of Honour at the Doha International Book Fair, as the two countries celebrated the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations. A total of 419 publishing houses representing 27 Arab and foreign countries participated in the event.
Doha International Book Fair is one of the most prominent and highly reputed international book fairs in the region. The book fair, which features many events and activities, including religious, cultural, literary, art and political seminars, attracts a huge number of visitors, book lovers and publishers each year from across the world.
