In collaboration with Emirates Writers Union, the Sharjah Book Authority announced the programme during the Sharjah International Book Fair.

As the UAE celebrates its Golden Jubilee year, many institutions have been marking the year with various events and programmes and one such programme is by the Sharjah Book Authority that has launched a year-long programme of literary and cultural events.

In collaboration with Emirates Writers Union, the Sharjah Book Authority announced the programme during the Sharjah International Book Fair, which includes literary seminars, poetry recitals and other cultural events.

Highlighting the nation’s cultural accomplishments in the past 50 years, the programme will nurture a culture of reading and knowledge amongst the younger generations and provide them with the necessary tools and skills to realise their country’s ambitions.

Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, Chairman, SBA, commented, “SBA continues to collaborate with various institutions and authorities to support the country’s cultural journey. We laud the leading efforts of EWU in launching initiatives to strengthen the cultural movement in the UAE, which has been shaped and transformed over the past 50 years to become an integral element of the country’s identity.”

The 40th Sharjah International Book Fair wrapped up earlier this week at the Expo Centre which took place from November 3 to 13. The 10-day festival returned to its in-person programme, after the hybrid model that was implemented last year as a response to Covid-19 restrictions. According to the authorities, the festival saw over 1.6 million visitors from 109 nationalities.

Over 85 local and international literary figures took part in this year’s festival, including Nobel Prize winner Abdulrazak Gurnah, Jnanpith Award-winner Amitav Ghosh, Algerian author Ahlam Mosteghanemi and The Pursuit of Happyness author Chris Gardner.