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Sharjah chosen as Guest of Honor at the 2023 Seoul International Book Fair

on Jun 20, 2022

South Korea is supporting Sharjah's visionary cultural project, launched and led by Sharjah's Supreme Council Member and Ruler, His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan Bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, by naming Sharjah as a Guest of Honor at the Seoul International Book Fair 2023, the country's largest book and publishing trade show.

South Korea builds on Sharjah's continuous distinguished reputation conferred by major global cities and nations for its unrivalled efforts in building communication and discussion with cultures and civilisations throughout the world by recognising and honouring the emirate's distinctive cultural vision.

The Seoul International Book Fair, founded in 1954 and elevated to the status of an international fair in 1995, is one of the major book fairs in Asia, bringing together a diverse group of publishers, distributors, and industry experts from throughout the continent.

The book fair is a platform for South Korea, which is known around the world for its advanced infrastructure and leadership in science and technology, to highlight its contributions to the publishing industry and promote the openness and multicultural values that are ingrained in South Korean culture.

Sharjah, as Guest of Honour, will deliver a rich cultural programme that will include seminars and discussions, a presentation of UAE heritage arts and crafts, traditional Emirati song and entertainment, and promotion of Arabic culture through various other art forms.

In addition, Sharjah's Guest of Honour delegation will include a number of well-known Emirati authors, publishers, and artists.

"Not a year goes by without Sharjah registering a new milestone in its cultural project, launched by His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan Bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, that introduces global cultures to our rich history and shines light on our contributions to humanity through science, philosophy, and arts," said Ahmed Al Ameri, Chairman of SBA.

He went on to say that the emirate's cultural effort gives every Arab pride since it feeds the Arabic cultural revolution.

"The Guest of Honour designation granted on Sharjah by the Seoul International Book Fair is a recognition of the UAE's accomplishments in reinforcing the role of knowledge as a fundamental factor in the progress and prosperity of nations," Al Ameri stated. It is also a celebration of Arab culture and of every author and publisher who has helped to broaden our cultural horizons on a local, regional, and international scale."

Sharjah's new prestigious title at the 2023 Seoul International Book Fair follows its recognition as Guest of Honour at the Bologna Children's Book Fair 2022 and its recognition as Market Focus at the 49th edition of the London Book Fair, making it the first Arab country to win this honour.

The SBA delegation recently met with a number of foreign publishers attending the 34th edition of the Turin International Book Fair in Italy.

During the discussions, the SBA briefed the publishers on its plans for the forthcoming Publishers Conference, which is held annually on the sidelines of the Sharjah International Book Fair and explores the publishing industry's difficulties and goals on a worldwide scale.

The SBA participated in the event with a special pavilion that conveyed the Emirate of Sharjah's vision for developing the publishing industry, supporting the production of knowledge content, and encouraging translation as part of the emirate's directions to promote civilised dialogue and communication between the world's cultures.

Through the chances it provides to publishers at the local, regional, and international levels, the SBA assessed its efforts to assist the book business and improve the publishing process in its pavilion.

In addition to utilising the logistical capabilities provided by the Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone, which provides the publisher with comprehensive and integrated solutions that help facilitate and speed the stages of book-making using the most up-to-date technologies.