The Sharjah Book Authority has concluded its participation in the Beijing International Book Fair, held from 17 to 21 June at the China National Convention Center in the Chinese capital. The authority took part as a component of the United Arab Emirates' national presence as Guest of Honour at the fair's 32nd edition, in a participation that highlighted Sharjah's standing in the Arab publishing industry and its role in supporting cultural and intellectual exchange between the UAE and China.
The authority participated through the "UAE House", a pavilion overseen by the UAE Embassy to the People's Republic of China and jointly organised with the Ministry of Culture.
The pavilion offered a comprehensive cultural experience, introducing audiences, publishers, and enthusiasts to Emirati identity in literature, arts, heritage, and the publishing industry. It also featured a programme of meetings with writers and creatives, artistic and heritage performances, and activities focused on Emirati culture and the country's initiatives in the fields of knowledge and creativity.
Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, Chief Executive Officer of the Sharjah Book Authority, said: "The Sharjah Book Authority's presence at the Beijing International Book Fair this year carries added significance, as it comes within the UAE's participation as Guest of Honour in an edition that affirms the depth of Emirati-Chinese cultural relations.
"In conveying the voice of the Emirati and Arab creator and publisher at this forum, the authority draws on the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, who has made the book an instrument of knowledge and connection with peoples of the world — reinforcing the emirate's role in supporting Arab culture and enabling it to reach global platforms."
He added: "The directives of Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority's Board of Directors, give us the impetus to develop the authority's international presence in accordance with an institutional vision that reads the transformations of publishing through the lens of knowledge investment and long-term partnerships.
The Chinese market today is influential in digital publishing, content production, and intellectual property rights, and Sharjah's presence there builds new expertise, expands its network of publishers, and transforms cultural relations into collaboration opportunities with enduring impact."