The Emirate of Sharjah continues to position itself as a leading partner in the Middle East and Africa for writers, poets, intellectuals and lovers of the written word with the identity launch of the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) and the establishment of Sharjah Book City, the first publishing free zone in the Middle East to offer comprehensive services and support for the publishing, printing, distribution and selling of books.
Photo Credit: SCRF 2015
The Sharjah Book Authority is the corporate body for most publishing activities in Sharjah and it encourages and leads investment in creative industries by offering a platform for the exchange of knowledge and ideas between people from different countries and cultures. Additionally, SBA aims to attract relevant bodies and figures operating in the cultural sector in general with a focus on publishing; printing; translation and documentation. The Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF), Sharjah Children's Reading Festival (SCRF), Sharjah International Book Fair Translation Grant, professional programs for writers and a joint conference with the American Library Association (ALA) are divisions of SBA.
The identity launch occurred during the 7th Edition of the Sharjah Children's Reading Festival and follows Sharjah International Book Fair's winning of the Market Focus Achievement Award at the London Book Fair International Excellence Awards. The identity launch was personally witnessed by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and the Ruler of Sharjah and furthers his commitment to nurturing the minds of the world with culture and knowledge through books.
Photo Credit: SCRF 2015
SBA will develop the regional printing and publishing sector and support the significant role of writers who bring the availability of various sources of information and light technological advancements for the Middle East and Africa thus changing the face of the publishing industry in the Middle East.