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UAE: Booker Prize winner Georgi set to attend Sharjah book fair 2024
The highly-anticipated event will run from November 6 - 17, under the theme 'It starts with a book'
Bulgarian poet and playwright, Georgi Gospodinov, internationally recognised after winning the 2023 International Booker Prize, will be among the luminaries at the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) 2024.
On Monday, the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) announced that the 43rd edition will feature 2,520 publishers from 112 countries, with 400 authors signing their latest works.
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A total of 1,357 activities will be held, led by 250 guests from 63 countries, offering a diverse program for all age groups and interests. The fair will take place from November 6 to 17 at Expo Centre Sharjah, under the theme “It starts with a book.”
'Metaverse in Publishing'
Meanwhile, 'Metaverse in Publishing' will be a key spotlight of the 43rd edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF 2024) which will see the participation of 112 countries from over 2500 publishing houses.
Unveiling this year's edition, organisers highlighted that SIBF will showcase the use of virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) technologies to create new forms of content, engage readers, and develop interactive and immersive storytelling experiences.
Khoula Al Mujaini, the General Coordinator for SIBF said, “Workshops will also address Artificial Intelligence in publishing, alongside discussions on the challenges of publication and sustainability, which will be a significant topic on the agenda.”
UAE leads Arab participants
SIBF 2024 will host 2,522 publishers and exhibitors, 835 of whom are Arab and 264 foreign. The UAE leads the Arab participants with 234 publishers, Egypt with 172, Lebanon with 88, and Syria with 58. Internationally, the United Kingdom leads with 81 publishers, followed by India with 52.
Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of SBA said: “The book is the origin of all things and is the record of all human achievements. They safeguard the histories and accomplishments of nations, guiding societies as they advance. This is why the theme for this year's fair is 'It Starts with a Book.' It encapsulates the belief that every significant journey in learning and personal growth begins with a book, serving as a gateway to endless knowledge and understanding.”
He added, “In an era where information is abundant, it is important to recognise books as foundational tools that facilitate individual enlightenment and ultimately contribute to the collective progress of society.”
Prominent Moroccan figures in literary spheres to attend fair
This year, the Kingdom of Morocco will be the Guest of Honour, celebrating rich cultural heritage through a specially curated program. Workshops, book signings, and artistic performances will showcase Moroccan literature and creativity while roaming shows and cultural forums will offer attendees the opportunity to experience Morocco's diverse culture and engage in insightful discussions.
Prominent Moroccan figures in the literary and intellectual spheres will lead panel discussions to foster cultural and knowledge exchange. Additionally, artistic and musical performances will illuminate Morocco's diverse cultural expressions.
Reflecting on the deep relationship between the UAE and Morocco, Ahmed Al Tazi, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco to the UAE said, “The bond is described as an olive tree-its roots deeply embedded in the soil, bearing fruit over time. This strong cultural connection, nurtured by their creators, is evident in the event. Books are the vessels of our culture” and this year's participation will highlight Moroccan culture through workshops, seminars, theatrical and musical performances, and the presence of Moroccan cuisine.”
134 guests to lead 500 cultural activities
A total of 134 distinguished guests will lead 500 cultural activities at the SIBF this year. This gathering will include renowned writers, intellectuals, and artists, many of whom are recipients of prestigious Arab and international awards. The lineup features 49 international speakers from 14 countries, 45 Arab guests from 17 nations, and 40 notable Emirati speakers. These thought leaders will engage in a variety of activities such as panel discussions, readings, workshops, and sessions that explore various art forms and literary genres.
SIBF 2024 will also offer pre-booked, specialised workshops in both Arabic and English. The Arabic-language workshops will run for three days, while the English sessions will last one day. Topics covered will include thriller writing, literary editing, and therapeutic writing. These sessions will be led by esteemed authors like Ahmed Mourad, Ahmed Abdel Majeed, Rupi Kaur, Isabella Maldonado, and others.
The fair will be attended by prominent figures such as Canadian theoretical physicist and cosmologist Prof. Lawrence M. Krauss, known for The Physics of Star Trek; Pakistani novelist Amna Mufti, author of Paani Mar Raha Hai; British author Tahir Shah, famed for The Caliph's House; and South African poet and writer Iain S. Thomas, celebrated for I Wrote This for You and Every Word You Cannot Say.
Renowned global historian Professor Peter Frankopan from the UK, author of The Silk Roads: A New History of the World, will be a participant. Also attending the fair is Brandy Gillmore from the US, a globally recognised expert in mind-body healing and author of Master Your Mind and Energy to Heal Your Body: You Can Be Your Own Cure. Indian actress and author Huma Qureshi, known for her book Zeba: An Accidental Superhero, will also take part in the event.
Emirati and Arab guests
Prominent Emirati and Arab writers will be part of the event, including Dr Sultan Al Ameemi, Dr Saeed Al Dhaheri, Dr Hamad Bin Seray, author Ibrahim Al-Hashimi, poet Ali Al Abdan, author Eman Al Yousuf, poet Amal Al Sahlawi, author Salma Al Hafeeti, and writer Abdullah Al Hassawi.
Additionally, the cultural program will feature celebrated figures from the Arab world such as Egyptian actor Ahmed Ezz, economist Ahmed El Sayed Al Naggar, Dr. Saad Al Bazai, Dr. Amir Taj Elsir, as well as poets and novelists including Egyptian poet Hisham El Gakh, novelist Ibrahim Abdel Meguid, writer Laila Al-Othman, poet Adham Fathy, and author Saad Al-Rifai.
Poetry nights
As part of the 43rd edition, the Poetry nights will take place daily at 7pm. They bring together a distinguished group of poets from around the world to present their work in six different languages: Arabic, English, Urdu, Punjabi, Malayalam, and Tagalog. The poetry is accompanied by live musical performances, creating an artistic atmosphere where the beauty of words blends seamlessly with the sweetness of melodies, celebrating cultural and artistic diversity.
The event features prominent international poets such as Janis Thomas from the UK, Pakistani Wasi Shah, Rafeeq Ahammed from India, and Esther Vargas Castillo from the Philippines. Dr Mishal Hamed, poet Ibaa Al-Khatib, poet Adam Fathi, and poet Nasser Al Obeir represent the Arab world.
Thriller festival to return
The highly awaited third edition of the Thriller Festival will return to SIBF from 7 to 10 November in collaboration with Thriller Festival New York. This event will unite visitors with renowned authors specialising in thriller and crime fiction.
It will offer a dynamic platform for seven international and seven Arab best-selling authors to engage directly with fans of mystery, suspense, and thrillers across the region. Featured authors include Ahmed Mourad, Amir Atef, Yehia Safwat, Saad Abed Al Badr, Mohammed Al Nasser, John J. Nance, and Tess Gerritsen.
Roaming shows and concerts
The 43rd edition will feature a diverse selection of workshops and theatrical performances, thoughtfully designed to engage visitors of all ages and creative backgrounds. The fair will offer 600 workshops, providing a rich, interactive learning experience that caters to a wide range of interests. This includes 465 workshops specifically designed for both adults and children, along with 135 workshops focused on early childhood, aimed at developing essential skills and nurturing a lifelong love for knowledge and exploration from an early age.
In addition to the workshops, this year's fair will highlight 105 thrilling performances, including theatre productions, roaming shows, and symphonic concerts, showcasing an outstanding array of international artists from nine different countries.
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Nandini Sircar
Nandini Sircar has a penchant for education, space, and women's narratives. She views the world through a prism of learning: whether it's the earthly pursuit of wisdom or the unearthly mysteries of space. In her written universe, women and children take centre stage.
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