The 2023 Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) marked another exciting chapter in the history of this globally renowned literary event, promising eleven days of literary delight from November 1 to November 12. Sharjah, a cultural hub in the United Arab Emirates, once again transformed into a bustling haven for book lovers, authors, publishers, and literary enthusiasts. Hosted at the state-of-the-art Sharjah Expo Centre, this year’s book fair promised to be a truly international and culturally diverse experience, with around 2,000 publishers from 108 countries around the world. South Korea took the spotlight as the Special Guest of Honor in SIBF’s 42nd iteration, marking the first time the country has been invited to participate as an honorary guest at a Middle Eastern book fair.
Nestled in the heart of the Gulf, the Emirate of Sharjah, one of the seven Emirates in the UAE, stands as an established center for culture and the arts in the Arab world. Designated as the "Capital of Islamic Culture" in 2014 and as the "UNESCO World Book Capital" in 2019, Sharjah has been a pioneer in promoting art, culture, and literature in the Middle East. Under the patronage of Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council of the UAE and Ruler of Sharjah, the emirate has continuously demonstrated its unwavering commitment to fostering the arts. This commitment is prominently exemplified by the SIBF, reflecting the emirate's dedication to celebrating and disseminating literature on a global scale, gaining international acclaim over the years.
Under the slogan “We Speak Books” the SIBF hosted a wide array of events, including author talks and panels, book signings, cultural events, workshops, publishing opportunities, technology talks, and literature. This year’s fair revolved around various themes reflecting contemporary global concerns and interests: sustainability, diversity and inclusion, empowerment, and literature for the youth. In line with the UAE’s commitment to sustainability and as a host of the 28th Conference of the Parties of the UNFCCC (COP28), the fair also featured discussions on environmental literature and eco-conscious publications.
The SIBF is unique in its ability to bridge diverse cultures and languages. It is one of the few book fairs that showcases literature in multiple languages, including Arabic, English, French, German, Spanish, and many more. This inclusivity attracted authors, publishers, and readers from various linguistic backgrounds, providing attendees with a rare opportunity to engage with their literary idols and gain insights into the creative process. Additionally, educational programs, and activities for children and young readers aimed to instill a love for reading and learning in the younger generation, contributing to global literacy efforts. Beyond the literary offerings, the SIBF also featured art exhibitions, cultural performances, and food from around the world. This fusion of culture and creativity enhanced the overall experience, making the fair a cultural celebration as much as a literary one.
The winners of the 42nd edition of the “SIBF Awards” and the recipients of the 15th edition of the "Etisalat Children's Book Award" were also honored during a special ceremony as part of the exhibition's events. The awards were distributed across main and subcategories covering Arabic and foreign literary and intellectual production. These categories include the "Sharjah Award for Emirati Book," which is divided into "Best Emirati Novel," "Best Emirati Book in Studies," "Best Emirati Book in Literary Creativity," and "Best Emirati First Novel." Other categories comprise the "Sharjah Award for Best Arabic Novel," and "Award for Best Foreign Book," with subcategories such as "Best Foreign Fiction" and "Best Foreign Non-Fiction." There is also the "Sharjah Award for Honoring Publishing Houses," which includes distinctions for the "Best Local Publishing House," "Best Arabic Publishing House," and "Best Foreign Publishing House."
The Korean Pavilion, themed "Unbounded Imagination," displayed more than 80 different Korean books and showcased a diverse array of literary programs. These included dialogues with Korean authors, presentations on Korean literature, and a showcase of Korean content. A variety of Korean authors writing in different genres, including graphic novels, humanities, sciences, webtoons, and web novels, engaged with the audience, providing valuable insights into their work and the literary scene in Korea. Byung-Jun Moon, Consul General of the Republic of South Korea in the UAE, gave a speech in Arabic language in the pre-opening press conference, blending the beauty of Arabic with the warmth and excitement that Korea has for the event.
In addition to literary insights, the Korean Cultural Center in the UAE offered visitors a chance to explore traditional Korean culture. Workshops on decorating traditional Korean fans, pearl crafting, and trying on Hanbok, the traditional Korean attire, provided an immersive cultural experience. Furthermore, two fusion music groups, "Sangjaru" and "Hibari" were set to perform, offering a musical journey through Korean culture. Attendees also looked forward to culinary experiences, where they sampled the rich flavors of Korean cuisine. The inclusion of South Korea as the Special Guest of Honor further reinforced Sharjah's commitment to global cultural exchange and literary exploration.
The SIBF 2023 continued its legacy as one of the most prominent literary events in the Middle East and the world. With South Korea as the Special Guest of Honor, attendees engaged with the diverse and rich literary culture of this East Asian nation. SIBF celebrated the magic of words, the power of storytelling, and the profound impact that literature can have on our lives. SIBF transcends borders and unites people through the common language of books, making it a must-visit event for anyone passionate about the written word.