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 “Rainbows Over Ruins” by Susan Sherayko, a masterpiece gaining recognition among readers and making its way into the literary world. Most recently, the book was highlighted in The New York Times Book Review’s (NYTBR) July publication.
Additionally, “Rainbows Over Ruins” was displayed by Author Reputation Press at the 2023 Frankfurt Book Fair (Frankfurter Buchmesse)—Book Gallery. Known as the world’s largest trade fair for books, the Frankfurter Buchmesse welcomed participants from around the globe, celebrating authors and their stories. The event served as an exceptional platform for publishers and authors to engage with international audiences, featuring over 2,600 activities covered by more than 7,000 media professionals during the five-day exhibition.
About Susan Sherayko
Susan Sherayko is a life coach and Emmy-nominated producer dedicated to helping authors build their brand or business. Through coaching, courses, and author interview podcasts, she provides tools and resources to guide her clients toward greater success.
Susan’s journey of transformation began when a landslide destroyed her family’s home. Using her experience as inspiration, she now helps others overcome setbacks and rebuild their lives, empowering them to create a new vision for the future and thrive.
In her spare time, Susan enjoys writing and spending time with her family, horses, and dogs on her five-acre ranch. Her home is in a small frontier town that she and her family rebuilt after the landslide.
About “Rainbows Over Ruins”
“Rainbows Over Ruins” is an inspiring inner travelogue that chronicles the author’s journey while offering tools for readers to embrace the creative process. No matter the challenges you face, this book provides a powerful framework to transition from your current circumstances to your desired future.
Readers are encouraged to engage in focused dreaming, hold their vision lightly in their minds, and imagine their desired outcomes. As the book demonstrates, this process helps manifest a better reality by envisioning what doesn’t yet exist.
Noah St. John, a renowned author, praises the book:
“Rainbows Over Ruins tells the extraordinary true story of how Susan took circumstances that would have derailed the average person and turned them into stepping stones to triumph.”
To explore more about Susan Sherayko and her aspirations, visit her website: https://susansherayko.com/.
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