The Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) has announced the second edition of the Emirati Book Fair (EBF), which will take place at the SBA headquarters in Sharjah from April 20 to 24. The event, which is being organised in collaboration with the Emirates Writers’ Union, will provide a public platform for ten major Emiratis publishing companies to showcase thousands of works by local authors. The event, which will feature a panel discussion and a poetry evening organised by prestigious Emirati authors and intellectuals, will be open to the public on April 21.

The event, which was the brainchild of His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, was aimed at supporting and encouraging the Emirati publishing industry, according to Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, Chairman of SBA. He went on to say that Dr Al Qasimi held the works of every Emirati author in high regard and that the book fair aimed to grow into the largest platform for Emirati publishers and writers in the UAE.

Al Ameri added: “EBF attests to the growth of the Emirati publishing sector, and presents a unique opportunity for readers to explore Emirati publishers’ latest offerings. Therefore, SBA is intent on establishing the book fair as a regular feature on Sharjah’s annual cultural calendar that bolsters the emirate’s status as a globally recognised literary and publishing hub.”

Sultan Al Amimi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Emirates Writers Union, said: “EBF reflects the country’s vision to commend and celebrate its exceptional authors and other intellectuals and to invest in knowledge-based communities. It is but natural that Sharjah should host such an event, as the emirate has assumed a crucial responsibility to represent and promote Emirati literature and culture.”