SHARJAH: One of the key highlight of the 39th edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair, SIBF, is the inter-linguistic and intercultural exchange of literature and ideas. It will be held from 4th to 14th November, 2020.
Under the theme, “The World Reads from Sharjah”, 73 nations represented by 1,024 publishers will lead cross-cultural dialogues at the event.
The fair will be conducted in an online – offline format this year. It will showcase more than 80,000 new titles in more than 30 languages at the Expo Centre in Sharjah covering a broad spectrum of genres. All cultural events will be held online via the newly launched “Sharjah Reads” platform following the UAE’s preventative measures against the coronavirus pandemic. Literature enthusiasts and book lovers can browse through and buy books at Expo Centre Sharjah.
Five information desks will be set up across the fair’s six halls to facilitate visitors’ access to books and publishers. Publishers from around the world will take part in the fair including 202 from Egypt, 186 from the UAE, 93 from Lebanon, 72 from Syria, 46 from Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, 39 from the United Kingdom, 29 from the United States, 13 from Italy, 12 from France and eight from Canada.
Khoula Al Mujaini, the SIBF General Coordinator, informed that the highest standards of precautionary measures are adopted to ensure safety of participants and visitors. A detailed, health and safety protocol booklet will be shared with all publishers to ensure their protection and safety at the event. Sharjah Book Authority, SBA, who are the organizers of the event will also ensure that both publishers and visitors comply with all preventative measures including physical distancing and using face masks.
Source: WAM
