The Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) is set to become a hub for Korean culture this November, as South Korea takes center stage as the guest of honor. The 42nd edition of the SIBF will run from November 1 to 12 at the Expo Centre Sharjah.
Organizers of the fair have revealed that the South Korean pavilion will feature a rich cultural program showcasing the aesthetics and diversity of Korean culture, which has gained popularity among the youth. Visitors can expect panel discussions, workshops, culinary demonstrations, artistic performances, and opportunities to learn about Korean history, civilization, and arts. The pavilion will also host South Korean authors and cultural figures who will share their experiences and perspectives.
South Korea’s role as the guest of honor at the SIBF highlights the country’s rich cultural heritage and its ability to modernize while maintaining strong connections to its past. South Korean culture has gained significant attention and popularity in the Arab region and around the world.
This cultural exchange is part of a reciprocal arrangement, as Sharjah was celebrated as the guest of honor at the 65th edition of the Seoul International Book Fair in June.
Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), emphasized Sharjah’s growing status as a global cultural hub. She highlighted how prestigious cultural platforms like the SIBF contribute to strengthening international cultural connections and making the global cultural landscape more diverse and vibrant.
The SIBF has already established itself as a significant cultural event in the Arab world, providing a platform for publishers, industry professionals, and libraries to connect with their target audience and promote cultural exchange.
Ahmed bin Rakad Al Ameri, CEO of the SBA, noted that the SIBF’s guest of honor program provides an opportunity for the public, publishers, libraries, and book institutions to engage directly with South Korean culture, which will intersect with the UAE’s Arab values, history, and heritage.
In 2022, the SIBF brought together more than 2,213 publishers from 95 countries, along with 150 writers and thinkers from 57 countries. It earned the title of the world’s largest book fair in terms of the sale and purchase of publishing rights for the second consecutive year. This year’s focus on South Korean culture is expected to enhance the fair’s reputation for cultural diversity and global engagement.
