His Highness Message:
“Those of us who enjoy reading in the emirate of Sharjah are very keen to create a reading community and promote the benefits of reading among children. For that reason we provide the best, most suitable books for all the family. We believe that books must be available to all and from this concept we turn book fairs into an oasis of knowledge and enlightenment.”
– H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi (Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah)
The Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) was established in 1982 by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, a member of the Supreme Council and the ruler of Sharjah. He founded it to realize his vision of fostering a nation of readers.
Over four decades, SIBF has built a rich legacy, promoting cultural and intellectual growth and facilitating global exchanges. This 12-day cultural and literary event attracts book lovers who can browse millions of books and purchase them at competitive prices. SIBF also connects authors and publishers worldwide, hosting meetings to discuss industry trends and collaborative opportunities.
The 2024 edition of SIBF achieved $50 million in sales and welcomed 1.82 million visitors from over 200 countries. Hosted from November 6 to 17 under the theme “It Starts with a Book,” the event brought together over 2,500 publishers and exhibitors from 108 countries. It maintained its status as the world’s leading book fair for publishing rights transactions for the fourth consecutive year, registering 3,000 meetings in just 48 hours.
SIBF’s impact transcends Sharjah’s borders, creating a platform for international authors and speakers to engage with diverse audiences. Its global presence enables it to explore and celebrate various literary traditions and perspectives.
Today, SIBF stands as the third-largest book fair in the world and the most prestigious literary event in the Arab world. It serves as a hub for exciting literary events, attracting top talent in publishing and related industries to the Middle East. SIBF has been recognized internationally, earning membership in organizations such as the Afro-Asian Publishers’ Association and the GCC Book Committee and being honored by the International Publishers’ Association.
In a dynamic environment that brings together diverse voices, SIBF offers numerous opportunities, including captivating events, author signings, panel discussions, workshops, and exhibitions. Its initiatives inspire readers and drive innovation in publishing. These include the Publishers Conference, Emirati Book Awards (Emirati Novel Award, Best Emirati Creative Literature Book, Best Emirati Academic Book, and Best Emirati First Novel Award), Best Arabic Novel Award, and Best International Book Awards (Best International Non-Fiction Book and Best International Fiction Book).
ARPress, in partnership with professional authors, participated in the Sharjah International Book Fair 2024. Dedicated to fostering literary connections between authors and readers, ARPress showcased remarkable works at the event, reinforcing its commitment to promoting literature worldwide.
One of the featured works was “Miss Manhattan” by Biman Roy, a poetry collection praised by the US Review of Books. The review notes:
“Roy’s collection of poems serves as a love letter to New York City in all its glorious splendor and gritty grime. The poet dedicates this book to fellow New Yorkers, and throughout the range of poetic offerings, a heady and celebratory undercurrent runs throughout, tying the forty-six poems together, all grounded in the Big Apple.”
About Biman Roy
Biman Roy has been composing poetry for over three decades, earning recognition through numerous publications and accolades. His work has been nominated for both the Pushcart Prize and the Best of the Net. He has authored three chapbooks: two poetry collections, “Dinosaur Hour” and “Navigating the Quartz Forest,” and one prose poetry collection, “Of Moon and Washing Machine.”
In addition to his literary accomplishments, Biman is a psychiatrist who serves as a consultant at a hospital in New York. He currently resides in Ridgewood, New Jersey.
To learn more about Biman Roy and his works, visit his website: https://roybiman.com/.
About “Miss Manhattan”
“Miss Manhattan” beautifully captures the vibrant diversity and dynamic simultaneity of life in New York City. Roy’s poetry is rich, layered, and evocative, yet never chaotic. Through cascading sensations of people, cars, birds, flowers, and other facets of city life, the reader is immersed in the energy and spirit of the Big Apple.
This celebrated collection is also available in French and Spanish, making its appeal accessible to a global audience.
Watch the full book trailer here:
