SBA takes creative Emirati literature

Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) organised two special events at the 48th edition of Cairo International Book Fair (CIBF) in Cairo, to enhance Arab cultural dialogue.

A seminar titled ‘The Emirati Novel in the Past and the Present’, and a poetry reading session, ‘Voices from the UAE’, were organised on the side-lines of the Book Fair to share authentic experiences reflecting the UAE’s remarkable cultural and literary scene.

SBA’s stand attracted several officials, representatives of cultural authorities, intellectuals, and Egyptian literati, including poets and novelists. Helmy Al Namnam, Egypt’s Minister of Culture, Dr. Mohammed Mokhtar Gumaa, Egypt’s Minister of Endowments, Awqaf, as well as Adviser Khalifa Saif Al Tunaiji, Charge d'Affaires of the UAE Embassy to Cairo, also paid visits to the stand.

"The participation of Sharjah Book Authority at CIBF reinforces its vision to develop stronger ties with Arab and international cultural institutions, exhibitions and fairs. These participations are tangible outcomes of our keen focus on knowledge-based communications and strong cultural collaborations, both regionally and internationally," said Ahmed Al Ameri, Chairman of SBA.

"Key platforms such as the CIBF are vital to furthering SBA’s efforts in showcasing Sharjah’s prolific on-going and rapidly expanding cultural project." Al Ameri added.

Moderated by journalist Dina Qandeel, the seminar saw Emirati author, Eman Al Yousuf, explore the history of the Emirati novel. She took the audience on a journey of the Emirati novel’s great feats in quality and creative exploration, its variety in prose construction, and the development of marketing tools over the years.

The poetry session also witnessed a huge turnout. In a vibrant, interactive atmosphere created by the participants, audiences were seen soaking up the goodness of poetry recitation by Ali Al Shaali and Sheikha Al Mutairi who read original, free verse poems.