His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, has ordered the allocation of AED 10 million for the purchase of titles in Arabic and foreign languages, which have been brought in by the 1,024 publishers who are participating at the ongoing 39^th Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) organised by the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA).

The announcement is in keeping with His Highness’s leading efforts to support both regional and international publishers to ensure the continued growth of the book and knowledge industries, globally. The annual tribute by the Sharjah Ruler to publishing professionals during SIBF witnesses a considerable increase this year, in light of the unprecedented challenges the book industry has faced in the wake of the Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.

The books and resources purchased at the fair will enrich the existing literary collections and academic materials available in various branches of Sharjah Public Library across the emirate, in addition to libraries in Sharjah’s government departments as well as in academic institutions. The grant will help populate these institutions with the latest releases of both Arabic and international publishing houses in genres of history, literature, politics, arts, sciences, and technology, to benefit researchers, scholars, academia, school and university students as well as champions of culture across Sharjah and the UAE.

HE Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, Chairman of Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), said: “His Highness’s grant communicates a message of reassurance and support to book makers in the region and around the world. The grant is a show of Sharjah’s belief in the publishing industry’s mission and efforts to promote sustainable human development, peace and progress. Through this grant, The Ruler of Sharjah has been emphasising that empowering libraries with the latest products of knowledge and culture is a direct investment in the future of Sharjah and the UAE, as these will enable especially children and the youth to broaden their intellectual horizons and develop their cultural understanding of the world, to become active partners in national development.”