The Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF), a subsidiary of the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) has won the Market Focus Achievement Award as part of the London Book Fair International Excellence Awards in recognition of the role it played in promoting culture, publishing and market focus.

SIBF was pronounced the winner at the Excellence Awards Ceremony, which took place at the Conference Centre at Olympia on the sidelines of the 44th edition of London Book Fair. The SIBF was the only Arab organization shortlisted for the Excellence Award in any category along with China's Institutions Group, and Dorling Kindersley in China.

HE Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, Chairman of Sharjah Book Authority, received the award in the presence of Jacks Thomas, Director of the London Book Fair and a large gathering of professionals and stakeholders in the sectors of culture, publishing and media from all over the world.

Al Ameri said, "We are extremely proud and pleased with this achievement for the UAE and the Emirate of Sharjah. I extend my thanks and appreciation to His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, who made us feel proud and recognized before the world. What the Sharjah International Book Fair has achieved today is the realisation of the vision of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah who believes that progress and development can be achieved through culture and science. We receive this prestigious international achievement award thanks to His Highness's sound guidance and directives as well as to all those who worked with dedication over the past three decades. As we receive this award today, we still look forward to achieving more."

Jacks Thomas, Director of the London Book Fair, said, “In the last few years, we have seen the rise and rise of international publishing. As global ties have grown stronger, it is a pleasure to see these celebrated at The London Book Fair's International Excellence Awards. Each one of our winners brings something special to the industry. And we are proud to give them the recognition they deserve.”

Richard Mollet, Chief Executive of the Publishers Association (UK), said, “It is great to see publishing innovation and excellence receive such international recognition.  The sheer spread of countries whose publishing industries are recognized tonight demonstrates the continuing global relevance of our industry in the digital age.  Many congratulations to all the winners this evening.”

Meanwhile, the Sharjah Book Authority will conclude its participation today (Thursday) in the conference which took place under the theme, Making Words Go Further. Most major publishing organizations and institutions were there, with over 2100 publishers and exhibitors from all over the world taking part. The SBA stand received high profile visitors and stakeholders from all aspects of the publishing industry.

Al Ameri said, “The SIBF stand has received a great deal of interest from leading organizations in the publishing industry and we have held a number of meetings with founders of publishing houses and directors of other international book fairs to discuss possible future opportunities. The interest we received is a testament to how far SIBF has come, in line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, and his outstanding leadership in driving the cultural reputation of the Emirate of Sharjah internationally.”

The London Book Fair is considered to be an important event in the global marketplace for matchmaking deals, copyright negotiations and the sale and distribution of content across print, audio, TV, film and digital channels. During the three-day book event, a number of high profile keynote speakers gave presentations on important issues within the industry such as Digital Sharing and Copyright, New Social Trends in Marketing, and Unlocking the Potential of Mobile.   

The Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) was established in December 2014 through an Emiri decree issued by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah. SBA is tasked with encouraging investment in creative industries and offering a platform for the exchange of knowledge and ideas between people from different countries and cultures. It is also entrusted with emphasizing the significant role of writers and their influence in spreading awareness in society in light of technological advancement and the availability of various sources of knowledge. SBA also aims to attract relevant bodies and figures operating in the cultural sector in general, and the publishing, printing, translation and documentation in particular.