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 “The Journey to Hangtown Haven” by Arthur A. Edwards. Acclaimed by Kellie Haulotte of the US Review of Books, the book was praised for its compelling narrative:
“The narrative makes it clear that there are people out there who have good ideas for social issues, but they get crushed because of money, the higher-ups, and other adversaries.”
Additionally, the book has been recommended and advertised on the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) platform. AARP empowers people to choose how they live as they age, serving over 38 million members while focusing on improving the quality of life for older Americans. At its core, AARP’s mission is summed up in 12 words:
“We fight for and equip each individual to live their best life.”
“The Journey to Hangtown Haven” was also featured in The New York Times Book Review (NYTBR) Summer Issue of 2024. The NYTBR, a supplement to The New York Times Sunday edition, is one of the most well-known and influential platforms for book reviews, with a readership of millions worldwide.
In addition, the book was displayed at the 2024 American Library Association (ALA) Annual Conference in San Diego, CA. Known as the largest library event in the world, the conference attracted over 13,500 attendees, including librarians, exhibitors, authors, and illustrators. The ALA continues to inspire library and information professionals to transform their communities and provide access to essential programs and services.
About Arthur A. Edwards
Arthur A. Edwards is a naval officer and veteran of the Korean conflict who grew up in Northern California during the Great Depression and World War II. He studied warfare at the University of California, Berkeley, and is an avid history enthusiast with an extensive library.
Arthur’s family has a strong military lineage, with ancestors who served in the Civil War, World War I, and World War II. He graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering from UC Berkeley and worked in the aerospace industry, contributing to the construction of weather and communication satellites.
Arthur’s other books include “The War We Almost Lost: How We Came Close to Losing World War II” and “War is Hell: A Tale of War and One Man’s Search for Meaning”. To learn more about the author and his work, visit Arthur A. Edwards’ website.
Author Events and Recognition
Arthur A. Edwards held a successful book signing event in partnership with Author Reputation Press during the 2024 Los Angeles Festival of Books (LATFOB) at the University of Southern California. The LATFOB, one of the world’s most significant literary gatherings, has been held annually since 1996, bringing together book creators and readers. The 2024 festival was attended by more than 550 authors, celebrities, storytellers, and hundreds of exhibitors.
Arthur was also featured in an interview on People of Distinction, hosted by Benji Cole of CBS Radio. This platform connects readers with newly published books, often authored by passionate independent writers. Benji Cole, a world-class interviewer and filmmaker, has shared the stage with notable names such as Tom Hanks.
In addition, Arthur participated in the Author Spotlight Interview, a platform that allows authors to share their personal stories and inspire readers to take on leadership roles. Watch the full interview here:
