First version of "Sharjah Literature Festival" It launches on January 17th

Sharjah, January 6, 2017 – Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, and with the support of Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Sharjah Book Authority and Honorary President of the Emirates Publishers Association, it will be launched on the 17th of the month. This is the first edition of the Sharjah Literature Festival, which is organized by the Emirates Publishers Association and the Sharjah Book Authority and continues until January 21.

The festival, which is an exceptional cultural station to celebrate literary creativity in the Emirates, aims to bring together authors, publishers, and book lovers from all sectors of society to exchange knowledge and unique experiences in an inspiring cultural atmosphere. It is full of diverse activities designed to meet the interests of all its visitors, making it an ideal platform for promoting cultural dialogue and highlighting the aesthetics of contemporary Emirati literature.

His Excellency Rashid Al-Kous, Executive Director of the Emirates Publishers Association, said that organizing this pioneering cultural event aims to celebrate the Emirati literary product, highlight the achievements of Emirati publishers, and enhance the UAE’s position as a vital literary and cultural center.

He added that the festival represents a distinctive addition to the cultural and civilizational scene in Sharjah and the UAE, and focuses on supporting and developing the publishing sector in the country by providing a platform that enables Emirati publishers to display their work and communicate with a wider audience, and an affirmation of Sharjah’s continuing journey in consolidating the value of books and reading as a basic foundation for nourishing thought. And enlighten people, stressing that this cultural event represents a platform to highlight the latest literary publications in the Emirates, with a focus on supporting innovation and creativity in the world of publishing, and provides a valuable opportunity to exchange ideas. And insights between experts in this field and opening fruitful dialogues about the challenges facing the UAE publishing sector and the opportunities that will shape the features of its future.

For his part, His Excellency Ahmed bin Rakad Al Ameri, CEO of the Sharjah Book Authority, said that the advancement of Emirati literature in reading, writing and publishing embodies the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, towards the future of knowledge and local creativity and towards the role of the intellectual and writer in Shaping the future of his society and achieving the aspirations of his country, pointing out that the Authority, under the leadership of Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Authority’s Board of Directors, sets this mission. It is at the top of its list of priorities and supports every step, event and initiative that falls within this framework.

He added that the festival will be a qualitative addition to the agenda of local and international cultural events that Sharjah is witnessing as the capital of culture, knowledge and books in the Emirates, the region and the world, especially as it unites the efforts and visions of institutions that place the writer, reader and publisher at the center of their attention, in addition to that it celebrates the history and creative achievement presented by Emirati writers through their creative journey and put Through it, the UAE’s name is on the map of creative industries centers in the world.

The festival’s activities will be held in the square opposite the University City Hall in Sharjah, and will include a range of activities, including educational workshops in the arts of Arabic calligraphy, storytelling, and creative arts, in addition to interactive dialogue sessions with authors and thought leaders, poetry evenings, and musical and cultural performances that will add special touches to the festival’s atmosphere. To a book fair to display and sell the latest publications by Emirati publishers.

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