Sharjah to connect Europe’s young readers with Arab culture

Sharjah to connect Europe’s young readers with Arab culture

Emirate is the first Arab city to be conferred the honour at Bologna Children’s Book Fair.

Sheikh Fahim Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Department of Government Relations, Sharjah. Supplied photo

Published: Tue 15 Mar 2022, 9:04 PM

Showcasing the vibrant culture of the Arab region, Sharjah is all set to unveil a rich programme as guest of honour (GoH) at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair (BCBF), which runs from March 21 to 24. The emirate is the first Arab city to be conferred the honour in the BCBF’s 59-year history.

The Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) will be overseeing the emirate’s programme at the 59th edition of the book fair, aiming to bring the best of Emirati and Arab literature and culture to Italy and Europe.

With an impressive line-up of children’s book authors, illustrators and publishers from the UAE and the region, the emirate’s pavilion at the fair will also be turning the spotlight on leading initiatives designed to raise capable young generations that treasure books and literature.

Sharjah’s participation will offer Emirati and Arab publishing professionals, as well as the wider literary community, an opportunity for peer-to-peer networking and cross-cultural dialogue with global publishing professionals.

“We are extremely proud of this achievement, which reinforces the emirate’s