The 35th edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF), taking place from November 2-12, 2016, has announced that 2016 is set to be another record-breaking year. The organisers of the third largest book fair in the world have revealed that its total exhibition area for publishers has been already sold out, with two more months to go before the inauguration at Expo Centre Sharjah.
This year has seen an unprecedented demand for exhibition space by local, regional and international publishing houses wishing to participate in SIBF, widely regarded as the Arab world’s most prestigious cultural and literary event. Due to the overwhelming demand, registration for SIBF 2016 was opened in October 2015 before the start of the previous edition – the first time this has been done since the fair’s inception in 1982.
“After 35 years of dedication and hard work that is in-line with the directives and vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, SIBF has succeeded in highlighting the role of books and promoting understanding and dialogue between individuals. This has helped to create a more stable and secure world where the values of peace and respect for others prevail,” said HE Ahmed Bin Rakkad Al Ameri, Chairman of Sharjah Book Authority (SBA).
Al Ameri revealed that the total exhibition area designated for publishers at SIBF 2016 will cover 25,000 square metres, with the space extending across five halls at Expo Centre Sharjah. He said that the demand was such that it was imperative to start planning for this year’s fair before last year’s edition had started.
“We received applications from local, Arab and foreign publishers for the 35th edition of SIBF that exceeded double the designated area. We are truly delighted with the overwhelming demand for participation at this year’s SIBF, which will be exceptional in every sense of word. We started preparing for SIBF 2016 before the launch of the previous edition as this year is particularly significant for will be celebrating its 35th anniversary,” HE added.
Salim Omar Salim, Director of Sales and Marketing at SBA, underlined that the growing demand by publishers, professionals, stakeholders and visitors to participate in SIBF reflects Sharjah’s prestigious cultural stature on the global stage.
“Preparations for SIBF 2016 started before the 2015 edition when the work team embarked on laying down the event programme for 2016. Their immediate priorities centred on selecting prominent figures to invite and developing the designs of stands. We are now putting the final touches on the marketing and advertising campaign for SIBF 2016, with the theme for this year in keeping with the 35th anniversary of the SIBF launch” he said.
Participation at SIBF 2016 is open to government and semi-governmental organisations, publishers, book distributors, book sellers, e-publishers, rights agents, cultural organisations, public libraries, research centres, publishers’ societies, educational institutions, university libraries, media, producers of literary and educational aids (including maps, audios and videos) and book fairs from around the world.
Each year SIBF introduces a rich programme of events and activities that are designed to cater to all community segments, including residents and visitors. The Fair will open daily from early morning until late at night during its 11-day run, bringing together authors, publishers, readers, literary stakeholders, celebrities and cultural ambassadors all under one roof.
