The LIBER International Book Fair, which returns to Madrid on 9-11 October 2019 to celebrate its 37th year, will host Sharjah as Guest of Honour.
Organised by IFEMA and promoted by the Spanish Association of Publishers Guilds (FGEE), the fair will be witnessing the participation of 11,200 professional visitors, 458 companies, over 300 journalists and media outlets, and 51 countries.
As LIBER’s guest of honour, Sharjah will be continuing its efforts to promote cultural and literary exchange with the Spanish and international communities. This is in less than a month since the emirate wrapped up a grand cultural showcase at Moscow International Book Fair 2019, where it participated as the fair’s first-ever Arab ‘Guest City’.
They also underlined that they wanted to learn from the experiences of Sharjah as it celebrates its yearlong status as World Book Capital 2019, the UNESCO honour that was first awarded to Madrid in 2001. IFEMA also underlined that they want to shine light on the pioneering role and the cultural leadership of H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, whose efforts in the past 47 years has rooted Sharjah’s presence on not just the regional, but global cultural stage.
Sharjah’s grand pavilion will be seen at LIBER this time and will be buzzing with a diversity literary, intellectual and creative activities, where the emirate’s leading entities in publishing and education will showcase the UAE’s long heritage as well as Sharjah’s current efforts to develop a culture of reading at home and its committed efforts to take the region’s culture around the world.
Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, Chairman of Sharjah Book Authority, said that geographical boundaries remain unchanged, but knowledge has the power to bridge gaps between nations.
He added: “Through its presence, Sharjah will be recreating UAE’s flourishing creative cultural landscape for our Spanish and European audience. We are delighted to bring you a collection of 70 books by Emirati writers and poets, in Spanish, and hope reading these will offer you a glimpse of our literary culture”.
Majid Al Suwaidi, UAE Ambassador to Spain, said: “UAE’s cultural project is spearheaded by Sharjah, which is the center of its local and international efforts. The emirate plays a unique role for our nation, leading the way in establishing cultural communication with the rest of the world. This is why the international community is celebrating Sharjah as World Book Capital 2019, a tall honour that has come to UAE for the first time as a result of HH Sheikh Dr. Sultan Al Qasimi’s clear vision and continued efforts to develop society on the pillars of knowledge and intellect.”
Eduardo Lopez-Puertas said: “Bringing Sharjah as Guest of Honour raises LIBER’s profile, showcasing its relevance and attractiveness to cultural hubs as far the Arab region. Our efforts have been directed to create the right forum for readers, culture lovers and all branches of buyers and professionals within the publishing business”.
Sharjah – The World Book Capital 2019 – is preparing to participate in the Spanish book event with a uniquely designed pavilion that reflects the gems of Sharjah’s past and present. A packed itinerary of events and activities have been planned by Sharjah, including seminars, panel discussions and literary and art sessions led by an elite group of Emirati and Arab literati and intellectuals who will share their insightful views and experiences with the Spanish audience during the three-day event.
