Supporting the launch of 100 titles by Emirati and Arab authors The Ministry of Culture announces “Create Publishing” initiative at 42nd Sharjah International Book Fair

The Ministry of Culture revealed the results of the “Create Publishing” initiative, as part of the recently launched National Grant Programme for Culture and Creativity. The project launched at the 42^nd edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair is in line with the Ministry’s strategic objectives to foster home grown talent and enrich the UAE’s cultural landscape. Held under the slogan ‘We Speak Books’ at the Expo Centre Sharjah, the book fair this year concluded on November 11.

Through this initiative, the Ministry seeks to enrich the publishing movement in the country and boost the local content industry. It recently announced its support for the publication of 100 books by Emirati and Arab authors, including 21 children’s books, and 79 books covering a wide range including biographies, literature, critical studies, history, national identity, self-development, theatre, media and heritage published. 24 international publishers participated in the event which also featured 62 books by UAE-based writers.

In a statement, His Excellency Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi, Minister of Culture and Youth, said: “Today, the Sharjah International Book Fair is one of the most prominent cultural events not just in the Arab world but also globally. Every year, it gathers an elite group of Arab and foreign intellectuals and creators, along with a wide cross-section of publishers who discuss some of the most pressing issues of the publishing industry and forge new ways to enrich the industry.”

With regards to the Ministry’s support for new publications, His Excellency continued: “We endeavour to support high-quality literary works because of the impact they have on the awareness and culture of society. Books are a symbol of culture and reflect the foundation of knowledge and thought, which is why we are supporting writers and their work through this initiative. Protecting copyrights supports authors to continue production to enrich knowledge and enable a diverse economy based on creativity.”

During the book fair, the Ministry organised four talk sessions as part of the Create Publishing initiative, featuring publishers such as Dr. Saif Al Jabri, Dr. Aisha Al-Ghais, Dr. Manya Sweid, Amira Boukadra, Mohsen Suleiman, Sahar Naja, Nour Arab; Researchers such as Fahd Al-Maamari, Dr. Haitham Khawaja, Khaled Omar Qaqa; and writers Maitha Al-Khayyat, and Fatima Al-Mazrouei.

Al Fikr Hall at Expo Centre Sharjah hosted a session on Emirati publishing, diversity and cultural exchange through books on Monday, November 6. Al Multaqa Hall 3 on November 7, hosted a dialogue session entitled “Writing as a Means of Self-Expression and Cultural Diversity: A Look at the Literary World.”

Two dialogue sessions were also organised in Al-Fikr Hall on November 8, entitled “The Role of Children’s Literature in Promoting the Values and Identity of the Future Generation in the United Arab Emirates,” and “Preserving History and Culture: The Role of Publishing and Blogging in the Cultural Heritage of Countries.”

The sessions also included book signing events.

“Create Publishing” in cooperation with the United Printing and Publishing aims to enrich the publishing movement and local content industry in the UAE and contribute to literary, intellectual and cultural fields. Building the talent pool of creative professionals it enhances the arts and heritage, and the cultural and creative industries sector in the UAE.

The initiative targets 500 writers and 100 publishing houses by supporting writers in the country. Fostering support for publishing houses the initiative works to strengthen creative production by providing conducive environment for them and developing effective plans to market their works and book productions through activities and events. It is one of the most important cultural events held locally, regionally and internationally.

While the Ministry will support the five hundred writers and authors by hosting them within its programmes and activities in creative centres and local exhibitions, it will also promote their works through local newspapers by organising media interviews and critical reviews. It also provides office space for public benefit associations operating in the field of literature with a large number of sources and references within the creative centres across the seven emirates.