Sharjah is taking part in the Seoul International Book Fair 2024.

The pavilion of the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) at the 2024 Seoul International Book Fair, the largest event of its kind in the Republic of Korea, was a central point for vibrant cultural exchange. It showcased a diverse collection of Emirati and Arab books. This participation was a significant step towards raising the profile of Arab and Emirati culture on the international stage. It aimed to foster cross-cultural communication with Korean and global publishers and strengthen ties between Sharjah and South Korea’s thriving literary and cultural community.

The SBA used its presence at the book fair, held from June 26th to 30th, to highlight the diverse cultural programming organized throughout the year in Sharjah. This included featuring the renowned Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) and the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival (SCRF) to over 350 Korean publishers, 122 international publishing houses from 18 countries, 180 authors, and visitors to the Seoul International Book Fair.

The authority also showcased Sharjah’s calendar of specialized international conferences, such as the Sharjah Publishers Conference, Sharjah Booksellers Conference, and Sharjah Animation Conference, as well as its prestigious international awards including the annual Sharjah Translation ‘Turjuman’ Award, Sharjah Children's Book Illustration Award, and SIBF Awards. This was an effort to raise awareness of Sharjah’s commitment to fostering creativity, translation, and illustration in the Arab publishing world.

The SBA underscored Sharjah and the UAE’s significance in developing the region's creative industries and enhancing its literary and artistic movements on the global stage. Presentations highlighted future projects and cultural initiatives aimed at supporting authors and translators, while also showcasing its successful track record in organizing world-class events and forging partnerships with leading cultural institutions. Through these efforts, the SBA sought to further cement Sharjah’s position as a global cultural hub.

Khoula Al Mujaini, Director of Events and Marketing at SBA, emphasized that the emirate’s participation in the Seoul International Book Fair bolsters the UAE’s goals to strengthen cross-cultural communication. She stated, “Building upon Sharjah’s participation last year as the Guest of Honour provided an exceptional opportunity to showcase Arab and Emirati culture on the global stage, aligning with the vision of H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. This experience, supported by Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority, allowed Sharjah to broaden the horizons of cultural exchange with the Korean audience and the international cultural elite.”

“We believe that books serve as a powerful bridge connecting nations, and our participation reflects our dedication to furthering mutual understanding and global cultural dialogue. By highlighting Sharjah’s role as a leading cultural destination through our creative initiatives, we aim to create new opportunities for exchange and understanding with Korean civilization and other world cultures. We are proud to showcase success stories that reflect the UAE’s progress in consolidating its position as a global cultural and literary hub, while underscoring Sharjah’s authentic voice in the global industry,” she added.