Established
A cultural authority
The Founder
Vision & Origin
A lifelong love of learning
At twelve, he traded a treasured heirloom simply to buy more books.
The Authority’s vision is defined by His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah — a scholar, author and lifelong reader whose devotion to books shaped a nation’s cultural mission.
It is that same hunger for knowledge that drives us today, and his ambition to build a nation of readers is the force behind everything we do.
It is that same hunger for knowledge that drives us today, and his ambition to build a nation of readers is the force behind everything we do.
About SBA at a glance
Based in
Sharjah, UAE
Focus
Reading & Publishing
Reach
100+ Countries
The Chairperson
A Message
A message from the Chairperson
Reading builds a society that thrives on knowledge.
The Sharjah Book Authority is woven into the Emirate’s cultural and educational mission. Through global and local initiatives, we help publishing grow across the UAE and the wider Arab region.
Our work is a cultural bridge to the world, and a way to raise generations of readers who think critically — empowering people of every age and background through the power of reading.
Our work is a cultural bridge to the world, and a way to raise generations of readers who think critically — empowering people of every age and background through the power of reading.
03
Purpose
What Drives Us
We build the infrastructure that carries the written word to the world.
From the Sharjah International Book Fair to year-round professional programmes, the Authority convenes writers, publishers, translators and readers — carrying Arabic and world literature to new audiences.
Purpose pillars
01 / Mission
Nurture reading
To nurture a love of reading and empower the publishing community through world-class fairs, libraries and cultural programmes.
02 / Vision
Connect cultures
A world connected by knowledge, where the written word transforms societies and connects cultures across borders.
03 / Our Role
Convene & support
As Sharjah’s cultural authority, we convene, support and represent the people who bring books to life.
04
History
1982 — Today
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1982
First Book Fair
The first Sharjah International Book Fair opens, planting the seed for a lifelong cultural mission. -
1998
Libraries Expand
Public libraries and reading programmes reach communities and schools across the Emirate. -
2014
Publishing City
Sharjah Publishing City is announced — the world’s first free zone dedicated to publishing. -
2019
World Book Capital
Sharjah is named UNESCO World Book Capital, recognising decades of investment in reading. -
Today
A Global Platform
Fairs, festivals, libraries and publishing infrastructure serving readers worldwide.
Leadership & Board
11 Members
H.E. Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri
Leading the Authority’s mission across fairs, publishing and libraries — advancing Sharjah’s standing as a global capital for the book and a bridge between Arabic and world literature.
Board members
01
H.E. Abdulaziz Taryam
Board Member
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Alia
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02
Sheikh Majid Al Mualla
Board Member
03
Mr. Youngsuk ‘YS’ Chi
Board Member
04
Mr. John R. Ingram
Board Member
05
Mr. Gaurav Shrinagesh
Board Member
06
H.E. Abdullah Mohammed Al Owais
Board Member
07
Mr. Rashid Al Kous
Board Member
08
Ms. Marwa Obaid Rashid Al Aqroubi
Board Member
09
Dr. Abdulaziz Al Musallam
Board Member
10
Mr. Markus Dohle
Board Member
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