Bologna: The Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) has concluded its participation at the 63rd Bologna Children's Book Fair, held from 13th to 16th April, with Norway as Guest of Honour. Among nearly 1,500 exhibitors from 90 countries, it reaffirmed Sharjah's cultural vision, which places books at the centre of development, and expanded its engagement with global publishing markets.
According to Emirates News Agency, SBA's participation focused on expanding the global reach of Arabic literature, building partnerships with publishers and rights specialists, and showcasing Sharjah's initiatives supporting the publishing sector and children's and young adult literature. Commenting on the participation, Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of SBA, emphasized their commitment to expanding the global reach of Arabic literature through publishing rights, translation, and strategic partnerships. This aligns with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah.
He noted that with the support and guidance of H.H. Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of SBA, they continue to strengthen their international presence. Bologna remains a key platform for dialogue with publishers, illustrators, and rights agents, supporting the growth of Arabic children's publishing and its reach to new readers.
Mansour Al Hassani, Director of Publishing Services at SBA, stated that Sharjah's participation in the Bologna Children's Book Fair has built strong professional relationships across the sector, bringing together publishers, authors, illustrators, rights agents, and content developers. This has created opportunities to exchange expertise and better understand market trends while giving UAE publishers a wider scope to present their projects to international partners.
During the four-day event, SBA held meetings with publishers, rights agents, and international partners to present opportunities across its upcoming initiatives and explore collaboration in the publishing sector. Discussions also covered participation in Sharjah's year-round cultural programmes, reflecting the authority's focus on expanding international partnerships and engaging global industry leaders.
At its pavilion, SBA showcased Sharjah's events ecosystem, including the Sharjah International Book Fair, the Sharjah Publishers Conference, the Sharjah Children's Reading Festival, and the Sharjah Animation and Comic Conference. The authority highlighted opportunities in translation, rights exchange, and publishing, as well as collaboration in developing content for children and young adults.
SBA also hosted a networking session for international illustrators to introduce the Sharjah Exhibition for Children's Book Illustrations and invite participation in its 15th edition, to be held during the Sharjah Children's Reading Festival 2026. The fair's programme included BolognaBookPlus, the Bologna Licensing Trade Fair/Kids, and the sixth International Kids Licensing and Media Days, featuring more than 80 speakers across publishing, licensing, audiovisual production, and gaming.