Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, has dedicated a Dh4.5 million grant to enrich Sharjah’s public libraries with the latest books featured at the 43rd edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF). This move aims to enhance library collections and make them valuable resources for readers and researchers across the emirate.
The 2024 SIBF, currently underway at Expo Centre Sharjah and running until November 17, hosts over 2,500 publishers and exhibitors showcasing diverse literary and academic contributions. This significant investment is aligned with Sharjah’s mission to foster a culture of reading and learning, reinforcing its position as a leader in cultural and educational advancement.
The initiative supports Sharjah’s goal of cultivating a knowledge-based society, contributing to the emirate’s broader cultural renaissance. By integrating recent literary and scientific publications, Sharjah’s libraries can maintain their status as essential hubs for knowledge and innovation.
Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), commented, “The Ruler of Sharjah’s grant bolsters our continuous efforts to uplift the publishing industry and bring fresh knowledge to public spaces. By keeping library collections current, we ensure the community remains at the forefront of knowledge and progress.”
Organized by the SBA, this year’s SIBF is themed “It starts with a book,” emphasizing the foundational role of literature in fostering intellectual growth. This grant underscores Sharjah’s commitment to nurturing education, culture, and public access to knowledge.