The key facts
- The Ruler of Sharjah allocated 4.5 million dirhams ($1.2 million) to purchase books from the 45th fair for the emirate's public and government libraries
- The fair features 3,212 publishers from 126 countries, presenting more than 1.7 million titles
- More than 1,500 cultural events are planned with 106 writers and artists from 25 countries; Oman is the guest of honour
The allocated funding and its purpose
The Ruler of Sharjah, Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, has ordered the allocation of 4.5 million dirhams (about $1.2 million) to purchase the latest editions from the 45th Sharjah International Book Fair, which is being held in the emirate until November 15. The funds will go toward acquiring new books from publishers and exhibitors to expand the collections of Sharjah's public and government libraries. The National reported the news.
The scale of the fair
The fair is held under the motto Made of Stories and has brought together 3,212 publishers and exhibitors from 126 countries, presenting more than 1.7 million titles — from academic literature to fiction. The program includes over 1,500 cultural, creative and artistic events featuring 106 writers and artists from 25 countries. Oman is this year's guest of honour.
Comment from the organisers
Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority, noted that the grant reflects a cultural approach that links the development of the publishing industry with expanding access to knowledge. According to her, the value of a book is revealed when it reaches the reader and becomes established in libraries, educational institutions and cultural organisations. She added that the funding provides direct support to publishers and allows the emirate's libraries to refresh their collections with titles from different cultures, languages and disciplines, strengthening their role in building knowledge-based communities.
Context
The decision fits into Sheikh Sultan's broader policy of placing books and libraries at the centre of Sharjah's cultural identity: it covers support for writing, translation and publishing, as well as the regular renewal of library resources for readers, researchers and students of different generations. Notably, the publication's materials contain two versions of the amount — the headline states Dh4.5m, while the text says Dh45m; in both cases the same order to purchase books for libraries is meant.
