Sharjah Ruler boosts local libraries with Dh4.5 million worth of books

Money will go to buying titles from publishers participating in Sharjah International Book Fair

Staff at the Expo Centre Sharjah distributing UAE flags to celebrate flag day at the Sharjah International Book Fair. Ruel Pableo / The National

The SIBF includes a vibrant children’s programme with more than 355 scheduled activities. Ruel Pableo / The National

Taking place until November 13, the fair is being held at the Expo Centre Sharjah under the theme, There is always the right book. Ruel Pableo / The National

The SIBF is free to attend and has no specified Covid-related restrictions apart from the need to wear a mask. Ruel Pableo / The National

A girl celebrating Flag Day with her father at the SIBF. Ruel Pableo / The National

More than 85 local and international literary figures are scheduled to take part in this year’s SIBF. Ruel Pableo / The National

UAE flags being distributed to SIIBF visitors in honour of Flag Day. Ruel Pableo / The National

To best navigate and make the most out of the event, we recommend you download the SIBF smartphone app. Ruel Pableo / The National

Children dressing up with their favourite character in one of the children's activities at the SIBF. Ruel Pableo / The National

The fair is hosting more than 1,600 publishers from around the world. Ruel Pableo / The National

Flag Day being celebrated at the SIBF. Ruel Pableo / The National

Visitors admiring a Lamborghini book at the Italian pavilion at the SIBF. Ruel Pableo / The National

To better help visitors navigate through the fair’s offerings, volunteers designated as Book Guides have been stationed around the site. Ruel Pableo / The National

A girl dressed up as her favourite Disney character at the SIBF. Ruel Pableo / The National

Workshops in photography, art, leaf-printing and robotics catering through different ages are also being held across the 11 day-event. Ruel Pableo / The National

The children's section at the SIBF. Ruel Pableo / The National

The SIBF app will give you immediate access to the fair’s programme, as well as a list of exhibitors. Ruel Pableo / The National

Workshops in photography, art, leaf-printing and robotics catering through different ages are also being held across the 11 day-event. Ruel Pableo / The National

This year's SIBF is one of the first literary events in the region to completely reprise an in-person format. Ruel Pableo / The National

A celebration of Flag Day at the Sharjah International Book Fair. Ruel Pableo / The National

Taking place until November 13, the fair is being held at the Expo Centre Sharjah under the theme, There is always the right book. Ruel Pableo / The National

Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, has donated Dh4.5 million ($1.2m) to buy books from Arab and foreign publishers participating in the Sharjah International Book Fair this year.

The annual tribute is in line with Sheikh Dr Sultan's commitment to continually update Sharjah’s libraries with the latest titles.

All literary fields are covered, including science, the arts, fiction, culture and history, in both Arabic and foreign languages.

It is hoped the new influx of books into the emirate will serve students, researchers and academics with the most up-to-date content.

The sizeable fund allocation will also boost revenue for the publishing houses, book retailers and authors who are taking part in Sharjah's literature event, many of whom may have struggled to make a profit during the pandemic.

The 40th edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair started on November 3 and will run until November 13 in Expo Centre Sharjah. Organisers say it is the largest of its kind in the world.

Held under the theme "There is always a right book", it is one of the first book fairs in the region to return to an in-person model post-pandemic.

The annual event is a temporary home to 1,632 Arab and global publishers from 83 countries.

Exhibitors showcase more than 15 million copies of 1.3 titles, with books for every age group and interest.

More than 85 leading cultural figures are taking part in this year’s event, including Nobel Prize winner Abdulrazak Gurnah, Jnanpith Award winner Amitav Ghosh, The Daily Show host Trevor Noah, Chaos of the Senses author Ahlam Mosteghanemi and The Pursuit of Happyness author Chris Gardner, all of whom are to appear in person at the fair.

The fair will also host more than 1,000 activities, including 440 cultural sessions, in addition to 355 shows, performances and seminars, as well as workshops for children.