Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, has inaugurated the first Emirati Book Fair organized by the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) in cooperation with Emirates Publishers Association.
Held at SBA’s headquarters in Al Zahia Area, the Fair is organized as part of Sharjah’s celebration of its selection as World Book Capital 2019.
The event also coincides with the Emirati Book Day announced by the Ruler of Sharjah, which falls on May 26 each year.
Touring the various pavilions of the fair, Sheikh Sultan began with the "Emirati Writers exhibition", which presents more than 80 bright pages written by UAE poets and writers in their own hands.
He also visited the Emirati Writer's Museum, which is held in cooperation with the Juma Al Majid Center for Culture and Heritage, and sheds light on the life and creativity of leading and contemporary Emirati writers like Al Majidi bin Dhaher, Hamid Al Shamsi, Salem Al Owais and others, through highlighting their achievements and displaying their personal possessions – pens, manuscripts and others.
The Sharjah Ruler has ordered the allocation of AED500,000 grant in support of the Emirati Book Fair.
His move reflects the ruler’s keenness to promote locally-produced literature within the UAE’s book industry by supporting Emirati writers and intellectuals, and ultimately enhancing their presence in libraries.
