In May this year, in a significant move aimed at promoting literature and the written word, His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, the Ruler of Sharjah, announced the establishment of a dedicated Board of Directors for the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA). This decision reaffirmed Sharjah’s commitment to fostering a culture of reading and enhancing the emirate’s position as a global hub for the publishing industry.

The Sharjah Book Authority had been instrumental in advancing the literary landscape in the United Arab Emirates and the wider Arab world. With this new development, the SBA is poised to further expand its reach and impact on the global literary stage.

The newly formed Board of Directors is expected to play a crucial role in guiding the SBA’s strategic vision, initiatives, and objectives. Comprising prominent figures from various sectors, the board brings together a wealth of experience and expertise in literature, culture, and education.

Key appointments to the Board of Directors include several prominent local personalities:

  • Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi: A renowned advocate for literature, Sheikha Bodour is the founder of the Emirates Publishers Association (EPA), former president of the International Publishers Association, President of the American University of Sharjah and CEO of Kalimat Group, among other roles. She is serving as Chairperson.
  • Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri: Ahmed Al Ameri is the Chairman of the National Media Council, director of the Sharjah International Book Fair and CEO of SBA.
  • Dr. Hessa Al Ghazal: A highly regarded academic and scholar, Dr. Hessa Al Ghazal is the Dean of the College of Fine Arts and Design at the University of Sharjah.
  • Dr. Tariq bin Khadim: An expert in education and literature, Dr. Tariq bin Khadim serves as the Director-General of the Sharjah Education Council.
  • Khaled Al Jasmi: A prominent Emirati writer and intellectual, Khaled Al Jasmi had written numerous books and contributed significantly to the U.A.E.’s literary scene.
  • Sheikh Majid Al Mualla: Emirates Airlines divisional senior vice-president (DSVP) for international affairs.
  • Abdulaziz Taryam: CEO, advisor and general manager of Etisalat for the Northern Emirates.
  • Abdulla Al Owais: Chair of the Sharjah Department of Culture.
  • Rashid Al Kous: Executive Director of the Emirates PA.
  • Marwa Al Aqroubi: Executive Director of the House of Wisdom and president of the U.A.E. Board on Books for Young People (UAEBBY).
  • Abdulaziz Al Musallam: Chairman of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage.

Among the international board members are:

  • John Ingram: Chairman of Ingram Content Group, the dominant book distributor in the United States, with a broad international footprint. It includes a print-on-demand facility that opened in Sharjah Publishing City last year.
  • Youngsuk ‘YS’ Chi: Chairman of Elsevier and a past president of the International Publishers Association.
  • Markus Dohle: Executive vice-president of the PEN America board of trustees and former global CEO of Penguin Random House.
  • Gaurav Shrinagesh: CEO of the India and South East Asia divisions of Penguin Random House, and a member of PRH’s global executive committee. He recently struck a deal to work with Kalimat Group on a joint venture to expand translations between Arabic and English.