The Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) has strengthened its ties with the Indian publishing sector through its participation in the 51st New Delhi World Book Fair (NDWBF). The event showcased Sharjah’s global accomplishments in the publishing and creative industries, emphasizing the emirate’s role in attracting Indian publishers, who constitute a significant portion of international participants at the Sharjah International Book Fair.
At the NDWBF, the SBA exhibited a diverse collection of Emirati and Arab works translated into Hindi, catering to a wide range of interests and age groups. The selection included novels, stories, poetry, and plays, as well as informative books covering science, history, education, and the arts. This array of literature, translated both to and from Arabic, aimed to showcase the rich literary and cultural heritage of the Arab world and the Emirates.
During the event, the SBA engaged in crucial meetings with top officials, organizers, and publishers to enhance cultural exchange and collaborative efforts. Discussions included topics such as the sale and purchase of copyrights, translation, and distribution services. The Authority also connected with Indian publishers based in Sharjah Publishing City, participating in the NDWBF.
In addition, the Sharjah delegation explored cooperation opportunities with the National Book Trust, organizers of the NDWBF, recognizing the SBA as a significant international participant. The Authority highlighted the advantages and opportunities for Indian publishers participating in the Sharjah International Book Fair, expanding their reach in Arab and global markets. Meetings with the Federation of Indian Publishers provided insights into the union’s initiatives and the opportunities and challenges in the local market.
SBA also held discussions with global publishing houses such as Penguin Random House, HarperCollins, Scholastic, Homes Book Parkers, and Kapscal. The focus was on enhancing the translation, distribution, and promotion of Arabic and Emirati books in India and globally, addressing issues related to children’s and young adult books and education.
Throughout its participation, SBA presented a comprehensive overview of its initiatives and programs supporting writers, publishers, translators, and readers in the UAE and the Arab world. Key events like the Sharjah International Book Fair, Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival, Sharjah Publishers Conference, Sharjah International Library Conference, and Sharjah’s Booksellers Conference were highlighted, aiming to build bridges among all stakeholders in the global publishing industry and facilitate the exchange of knowledge worldwide.
