PVPF 2024

Emirati writers will be showcased at London Book Fair by Sharjah Market Focus

on Mar 24, 2022

The Sharjah Market Focus programme for writers and a seminar were announced today by the London Book Fair (LBF) in collaboration with the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) and the British Council. A series of cultural events honouring Emirati authors and books, as well as a professional programme aimed at enabling and expanding business prospects, will help UK and international publishers develop into this culturally dynamic region.

LBF is the world's largest spring book trade and publishing event, and it will return to Olympia London on April 5-7, 2022, for the first time since 2019.

Omar Ghobash, author of 'Letters to a Young Muslim' and a global champion of Arabic literature; and Dr Abdulaziz AlMusallam, novelist, are among the Emirati writers taking part in the event.

And also short-story writer Mohammad Al-Murr; popular Arabic poet Khalid AlBudoor; and writer and journalist Dubai Abulhoul.

writer, researcher, and cultural heritage consultant; Mohammad Al-Murr, a short storey writer; Khalid AlBudoor, a renowned Arabic poet; and Dubai Abulhoul, a writer and journalist.

Dr. Afra Atiq, an Emirati poet, will be the Market Focus Author of the Day on April 6 at the PEN Literary Salon, in conversation with Joelle Taylor. On April 6, Ahmed Al Ameri, chairman of the Sharjah Book Authority, will speak on the LBF Main Stage alongside David Taylor, managing director of Lightning Source UK, about the Future of Book Supply.

Growth of the creative industries

Over the past three years, LBF and the British Council have collaborated with SBA to promote deep ties and assist the development of creative industries through publishing, translation, and author programmes, which will continue with events.

Pavilion for Sharjah Market Focus

SBA will coordinate Sharjah's Market Focus pavilion, which will feature cultural initiatives from across Sharjah, including projects by Al Qasimi Publications, the Sharjah Department of Culture, the UAE Board on Books for Young People (UAEBBY), Kalimat Group, and the Dr Sultan Al Qasimi Centre of Gulf Studies. A reception for publishers will be held at the SIBF Publishers Conference. Other cultural elements on the pavilion include traditional music, henna, and a gorgeous gallery showcasing Sharjah's heart.

The pavilion will also promote Sharjah Publishing City (SPC), SBA's flagship programme and the world's first publishing and printing freezone.

providing premium services and commercial benefits to publishers, authors on April 5, at 2 p.m., the pavilion will be officially opened.

The Arab Publishing Center is a one-stop shop for all things related to publishing in the Arab world

Market Focus is a genuinely international festival of literature and publishing hosted by LBF. Mexico, South Africa, China, Australia, Korea, and 2019's Market Focus Indonesia were among the more than 40 countries and territories that took part. Sharjah will be returning to Market Focus after being one of the 20 countries that took part in the Arab World Market Focus in 2008.

‘Global forum for exchange of cultural ideas’

Andy Ventris, director of the London Book Fair, said: “We are very pleased to be able to welcome Sharjah as Market Focus at The London Book Fair, after the pandemic forced us to postpone for two years. One of the most important aspects of the fair is its role as a global forum for the exchange of cultural ideas and literature, and we are delighted to shine a spotlight on all that Sharjah publishing and Emirati literature has to offer.”

‘Power of culture’

Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, chairman of SBA, commented: “We are delighted that Sharjah will be LBF Market Focus in 2022, as it will be an important opportunity to share the vision of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, of the power of culture, and literature especially, to build bridges around the world. We believe that books are a crucial way to gain knowledge, open new horizons and establish dialogue between different cultures, and we are eager to showcase Sharjah’s unique role in this in endeavour in April in London, the publishing capital of the world.”

‘An outstanding group of authors’

Rachel Stevens, director Literature, British Council, said: “We are delighted to see Sharjah take to the stage as Market Focus at London Book Fair this year. Building on our programme together over the past three years, our partners, the Sharjah Book Authority, will be showcasing an outstanding group of authors representing both contemporary stories and the rich cultural heritage of the Gulf. As long-term strategic partners we continue to build connections between our literature and publishing communities and support the development of our creative sectors with a special focus on translation and cultural exchange.”