From April 27 to May 3, 2021, the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) will host a one-of-a-kind display of early written content, including novels, pamphlets, and manuscripts, and a selection of rare objects, at its Sharjah headquarters. The show, Tales from the East, will be open daily from 8 p.m. to midnight and will enable the public to interact with scholarly experts and obtain expertise and exceptional knowledge of the region's rich cultural history.

During the weeklong show, eminent history and archaeology experts will lead cultural workshops and panel discussions to explore the role of journals in revealing humankind's science and cultural milestones, and the importance of protecting them for future generations.

Dr. Ali Bin Ibrahim Al Namlah, former Saudi minister of labor and social affairs, and Dr. Ahmed Mohamed Obaid, a UAE writer, and researcher, will address the difficulties and relevance of saving ancient manuscripts for future generations at a session named, ‘The Future of Manuscripts,' that will take place on Wednesday, April 28, at 10 p.m.

On Friday, April 30, at 10 p.m., Dr. Abdulwahid Al Nabawi, former Egyptian minister of culture and professor of History at Al Azhar University in Cairo, and Dr. Mohammed Kamel, general manager of the Juma Al Majid Centre for Culture and Heritage in Dubai, will head the discussion titled ‘Manuscripts in the Age of Digital Transformation.' They will talk about the various stages of saving old texts and manuscripts, and also how to use technological tools to digitize ancient written books, which can then be exchanged with study centers, universities, museums, and other related institutions.

Hugo Wetscherek, creator of Antiquariat Inlibris, and Dr. Bassam Daghistani, head of care, treatment, and conservation of the manuscript department at Juma Al Majid Centre for Culture and Heritage, will discuss their unique perspectives at the ‘The Existence of Manuscripts' discussion on Sunday, May 2 at 10 p.m. They will showcase the initiatives of museums and specialist centers to preserve and recover manuscripts for display or study, showcasing Arab and foreign expertise in saving priceless ancient texts spanning various centuries.

“By presenting Tales from the East, SBA seeks to discuss and interact with crucial facets of our common human heritage and knowledge,” said Ahmed Bin Rakkad Al Ameri, chairman of SBA. This is consistent with Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, who intends to “build a knowledge-based economy and accelerate social change by fostering cross-cultural contact between people and countries.”

“The core message of the exhibition is to demonstrate to new generations how the foundational work of scientists, innovators, and opinion leaders over hundreds of years has informed and inspired recent technical feats, and why our goal today is to pursue this quest and work even harder to promote greater historic benchmarks,” Al Ameri said.

SBA will arrange the show following the UAE's strict COVID-19 precautious protocols. Halls and panel discussion areas will be sanitized regularly, and thermal detectors will be installed at all exits and entrances. Throughout the seven-day case, safety precautions such as face masks and social distancing would be necessary.