A deserved title

Being a world book capital will add to the established cultural infrastructure of Sharjah

A view of the Sharjah Book Fair last year. Courtesy Sharjah Book Fair

Ask any long-term resident or citizen of this country to name the emirate with the richest cultural proposition and you might not be surprised to hear this answer: Sharjah. The emirate and the city is home to a diverse range of cultural offerings, from the mysterious charms of Central Market, better known as the Blue Souq, to the wonders of the Museum of Islamic Civilisation, the heritage area and much more. The city also hosts the internationally renowned art Biennial, which closed this year’s run earlier this month, and of course, the annual book fair, which is now one of the largest in the world.

Almost 20 years ago, Sharjah was named Arab Capital of Culture by Unesco. This week, as The National reported, the city has been named 2019 World Book Capital by the same organisation. The award is richly-deserved recognition for the emirate’s role as a thriving cultural hub. Roll on April 2019, when the year of celebrations begins.