Sharjah International Book Fair 2015 nearly sold out ahead of launch

More than ninety percent of exhibiting space allocated to publishers already sold

Sharjah, June 14, 2015: Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) a subsidiary of Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) has nearly sold out of exhibition space, five months before kickoff of the 34^th edition to be held this November. So far, more than 90% of the exhibition space allocated to publishers participating in the event, which will be held at Expo Centre Sharjah, has been sold since May 15^th.

His Excellency Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, Chairman SBA said this clearly indicates that the SIBF is on its way to becoming the world’s number one literary event, thanks to the support of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah.

His Excellency, said, “Selling the majority of the space allocated to publishing houses in 2015 approximately five months prior to its launch proves the success of the fair. We owe a debt of gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi whose generous guidance has turned this event into a prestigious cultural destination, contributing to the community’s love of books and calling for understanding, dialogue and peace among people of all nations.”

According to Al Ameri, the total exhibition area will be 26,000 square meters, including an outdoor space of an estimated 850 square meters which will be added for the first time this November. He said, “The huge turnout of visitors and participants at the fair during its previous sessions has increased competition among local Arab and international publishing houses that are now eager to participate. The number of visitors reached about 1.47 million last year and contributed substantially to the development of tourism and trade in Sharjah. In addition, the participation of 1256 publishing houses from 59 countries showcasing their latest releases increased sales volume to approximately 178 million UAE dirhams or 48.5 million US dollars.”

Al Ameri added that SIBF 2015 will introduce many activities, programs and events, and will host a number of celebrated intellectual, literary, artistic and media figures who have contributed to the dissemination of culture in the Arab world and internationally. He said the event has exceeded regional and Arab boundaries, becoming an important cultural event on the international publishing calendar, honoring writers, authors, publishers and readers.

“The overall aim of the Sharjah International Book Fair is to promote the role of culture and books among community members, highlight its importance in the revival and development of nations and people and encourage everyone, especially children and the youth, to read by showcasing hundreds of thousands of new titles at affordable prices. This year’s session will be distinguished by greater and broader participation in terms of the number of publishing houses, book titles and participants, in addition to the various workshops, seminars, poetry readings, and discussion sessions the fair organizers will present,” said Al Ameri.

Sharjah International Book Fair brings book lovers, young readers, publishers and authors from around the world together for an eleven day extravaganza of readings, activities and events in a celebration of books for all lovers of the written word.