Sharjah Media Centre Highlights History Of Sharjah International Book Fair During 4th Ramadan Majlis

Session Outlines Agenda for 31st Edition of Book Fair 2012

Sharjah Media Centre, the official media entity of the government of Sharjah functioning under the umbrella of Sharjah Media Corporation, tracked the history of the Sharjah International Book Fair and its accomplishments over the past 30 years during the fourth Ramadan Majlis.

Held under the patronage and in the presence of His Excellency Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qassimi, Chairman of Sharjah Media Corporation, the Majlis at the Sharjah Culture Palace was moderated by Osama Samra, Director of Sharjah Media Centre. The event drew the participation of His Excellency Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Amri, Director of Sharjah International Book Fair ; His Excellency Mohammed Diab Al Mousa, Emiri Court Advisor to His Highness, the Ruler of Sharjah; and His Excellency Dr. Yousef Aidabi, Cultural Counsellor at Dr. Sultan Al Qasimi House for Gulf Studies.

The session offered a brief overview of the Book Fair’s 31st edition, which will witness the launch of both Arabic and international publications, and feature a number of cultural lectures delivered by global speakers visiting the Arab region for the first time. To be held in November, the Book Fair will also mark the first-time attendance of a number of publishing houses from across the region, and predominantly Egypt.

The Majlis session opened with His Excellency Mohammed Diab Al Mousa sharing insights on the inception of the Sharjah International Book Fair. He said: “Based on the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, the exhibition was conceptualised as a forum for literature admirer and cultural exchange, bearing testimony to the success of hosting more than 600 cultural activities. Today, the event has grown in stature and is as popular as the Cairo International Book Fair.

His Excellency Dr. Yousef Aidabi examined the challenges faced by regulators of the exhibition at the time of its launch in 1982. One of the concerns was minor capacity of space due to the unexpected popularity of the event, which resulted in the acquisition of additional lecture hall libraries.

Dr. Aidabi underlined the importance of creating a dedicated area for children. He added that meaningful activities must also be organized on the sidelines of the Book Fair in order to attract and encourage the youth to attend the exhibition and develop a passion for books.

Validating this observation, he said: “It must be noted that His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah developed an interest in reading and collecting books from an early age. It was his interest in history, theatre and heritage that led him to write books addressing and rectifying the misconceptions about Arabic history.”

Dr. Aidabi also lauded the benefits of electronic publishing, which complements, rather than hinders traditional methods by saving time and helping in the dissemination of information.

His Excellency Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Amri thanked His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi for his continuous support and valuable guidance to the exhibition.

He said: “The Book Fair has set itself apart from similar events through logistical support and services such as warehouses and stands for publishing houses. The significant role of the Translation Centre, which has successfully translated 33 Arabic books into different languages, must also be credited.”

“The media, particularly Sharjah Media Corporation, has always been and remains a key supporter of the Sharjah International Book Fair. It plays an important role in representing the UAE on the world stage through its participation in leading international exhibitions and book fairs. The 1,000 plus visas that were issued to publishing houses in 2011 is indicative of the Book Fair’s invaluable contribution to Sharjah’s economy.”

Al Amri illuminated another initiative - the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival – that was launched to encourage children to read and understand the benefits of education. “A vision of Her Highness Sheikha Jawahir, underscores the important role played by children within the family and as the future leaders of our state,” he shared.

Osama Samra completed the session with a speech highlighting the supportive role of Sharjah Media Centre for the Sharjah Book Fair, pointing out that the centre marked its participation in the 2011 edition with the launch of the book "30 Must Know Facts About Sharjah”.

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