More than 1.6 million titles, including 80,000 books that will be launched for the first time, will be exhibited by 1,874 publishing houses from 77 countries at the 37th edition of Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF), which is scheduled to take place from October 31 to November 10.
Held under the theme 'Tale of Letters', the 11-day literary extravaganza will see 1,800 cultural, entertainment and artistic events featuring 472 guests from across the world.
The details of the SIBF 2018 were revealed during a press conference held on Monday at the headquarters of the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), the organisers of the world's third largest book fair.
Ahmed Al Ameri, chairman of the SBA, unveiled the SIBF's programmes in the presence of Dr Akima Umezawa, Consul-General of Japan, representative of Japan, the Guest of Honour at SIBF 2018.
He said that the 'Tale of Letters' was selected as the theme of this year's edition as it embodies the value of letters in the history of human knowledge, and its impact in opening prospects for discovery and communication between world's civilisations.
"There is exceptional diversity in terms of the activities and titles on display this year.
This underlines the pillars upon which the fair is based, under the vision and directives of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah," said al Ameri.
Outlining a distinguished list of prominent Arab cultural and literary luminaries, Al Ameri said: "This year, we are hosting an impressive array of prominent figures who will be enriching the SIBF 2018."
Omar Ghobash, UAE Ambassador to France; novelist Sultan Al Omaimi; poet Kholoud Al Mualla; poet and writer Saleha Ghabesh; and actor and director Habib Ghuloom; alongside an impressive elite group of Arab writers, poets and intellectuals will represent the UAE at the fair.
New publishing houses
Al Ameri added that SIBF saw a significant increase in number of participating publishing houses, with Egypt taking the lead of total number of participating publishers with 276, followed by the UAE with 150 and Lebanon with 90. Al Ameri pointed out that this year's edition has attracted 130 new publishing houses from 12 countries that are participating for the first time.
Cultural programmes
The SBA Chairman unveiled that the SIBF's Cultural Programme will host 154 guests from 25 countries that are taking part in 272 events, while Children's Programme will see 950 events featuring 45 guests from 12 countries.
Al Ameri said: The Cookery Corner will encompass 60 events presented by 15 guests from 11 countries, most notably France, India, Australia, Ireland and Morocco, while the 'Social Media Station' will see 136 activities and specialised workshops involving a gathering of social media influencers who will share their personal experiences in digital medium as well as their knowledge and expertise in today's communication and media.
On Children's Programme, Al Ameri underlined that the SIBF celebrates young visitors and offers them an array of events, theatrical performances, shows and workshops, such as 'Little Red Riding Hood', the King of Lions', inspired by Disney's film of the same title, and the 'Abqour' at which the kids will watch the story of a Japanese cartoon character with his friends.
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