Unveiled: Sharjah’s Guest of Honour Schedule at Thessaloniki International Book Fair 2024 in Greece

Sharjah, a city known for its rich history and vibrant culture, is set to take center stage as the Guest of Honour at the Thessaloniki International Book Fair 2024 in Greece. This prestigious honor marks the first time an Arab city has been bestowed with this recognition, highlighting Sharjah’s growing influence in the literary world.

From May 16 to 19, Sharjah will showcase the history and culture of the UAE and the wider region, providing a platform for publishers, translation, and publishing houses to collaborate and exchange ideas. With over 25 events planned, Emirati authors and cultural entities will come together to celebrate the beauty and diversity of Arab literature.

Over the past decade, Sharjah has been recognized as the Guest of Honour at several international book fairs across Latin America, Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, solidifying its reputation as a hub for literary excellence. This latest accolade at the Thessaloniki International Book Fair further cements Sharjah’s position as a global cultural leader.

The emirate’s participation at the fair will include a diverse range of activities, including workshops, book signings, panel discussions, and artistic performances that showcase the authentic heritage, values, and arts of the UAE. One of the highlights of the event is an exhibition titled ‘Philosophies: Visual Simulation’, which pays tribute to the philosophical traditions of both Greek and Arab cultures through expressive paintings.

In addition to the exhibition, Sharjah’s program at the book fair will feature panel discussions on emerging literature, cultural connections between Arabs and Greeks, and the impact of Greek philosophy on literature. Poets from the UAE and Arab world will come together for a ‘Poetic Meeting’, while cultural sessions will explore the challenges and opportunities in the literary landscape.

Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi, Chairperson of Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), expressed her pride in Sharjah’s role as a cultural bridge between nations, fostering dialogue and understanding across borders. The SBA CEO, Ahmed Al Ameri, highlighted Sharjah’s commitment to excellence in organizing book fairs and promoting the growth of the publishing industry through innovative initiatives and international collaborations.

As Sharjah prepares to take the spotlight at the Thessaloniki International Book Fair, the city’s rich heritage and literary traditions are set to captivate audiences from around the world. This prestigious honor not only recognizes Sharjah’s cultural significance but also underscores the emirate’s commitment to promoting cross-cultural dialogue and collaboration in the global literary community.