The Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) Chairman, Ahmed Bin Rakkad Al Ameri, has described in detail the highlights of Sharjah's cultural program, which would be exhibited at the Bologna Children's Book Fair (BCBF) from March 21-24, 2022.

This happened at a virtual session named “Sharjah Guest of Honour 2022,” which has been presented as part of the continuing online edition of BCBF 2021.

The SBA Chairman revealed to BCBF Director Elena Pasoli that more than 30 writers, illustrators, artists, and storytellers from UAE and the Arab world will also keep panel discussions, workshops, readings, and matchmaking discussions to highlight the UAE and the Arab region's major experiences in promoting and encouraging children and young adult's books.

At BCBF, SBA will also showcase 17 Arabic-Italian translations of children's books written by Emirati authors.

SBA would also make four school visits and organize many hands-on children's workshops and interactive storytelling activities, and also two film screenings at the Testoni Theatre, to advertise Arab children's literature.

According to the SBA Chairman, an excellent guest list of authors and writers from the UAE and the region would also be participating at BCBF to encourage cross-cultural discussion and highlight Arab literary production.

"10 award-winning authors from diverse genres will join pioneers of arts and culture from all over the world in Bologna to highlight the exceptional content and diversity of Emirati children's literature."

Among those on the list are science fiction writer Noura Al Noman, Emirati illustrator, and author Abdulla Al Sharhan, Marwa Obaid Al Aqroubi, Dubai Abulhoul, and professor and academic researcher Dr. Reem Al Gurg.

According to Al Ameri, "The vision of H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, who believed in the strength of books and literature to enhance societies and nurture the capability of the young generation, was the main inspiration that fueled Sharjah's attention on reading and knowledge. This idea inspired the founding of the Sharjah International Book Fair 40 years ago, fueling the emergence of a well-established reading culture all through the UAE and the Arab world." Bologna is the capital and largest city in northern Italy's Emilia-Romagna region.