SHARJAH: Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), chaired the authority’s third board meeting during the 43rd edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF 2024). The board discussed SBA’s strategic initiatives to deepen its global impact, foster valuable partnerships for Emirati publishers, and reviewed progress across the authority’s recent initiatives.
According to Emirates News Agency, Sheikha Bodour opened the meeting by expressing her gratitude for the guidance of H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah. She highlighted the recent establishment of the Arab Cultural Institute in Milan as an effort to connect Arab culture with the world. SBA plans to establish similar institutes in key global cities to foster cross-cultural understanding and collaboration.
Reaffirming SBA’s commitment to innovation, Sheikha Bodour announced that digital transformation remains a key focus in the authority’s stra
tegy. She emphasised the role of technology in amplifying the reach and impact of SIBF and SBA’s wider initiatives.
The board reviewed the strategic pillars defined in prior sessions and celebrated SBA’s recent accomplishments, including hosting the Booksellers Conference, the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival, the Sharjah Animation Conference, and the Sharjah Children’s Book Illustration Exhibition. Sharjah’s prominent role in international book fairs was also acknowledged.
Looking ahead, the board discussed plans to enhance the SIBF Awards’ appeal to a global audience and the launch of a specialised publishing programme. These initiatives aim to elevate Sharjah’s status as a global cultural hub and empower the next generation of Emirati publishers.
