The Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) has formalized a strategic partnership with the Autonomous Non-profit Organisation “Directorate of International Book Exhibitions and Fairs” to deepen cultural and literary cooperation. This memorandum of understanding (MoU) establishes a framework for organizing joint book fairs, promoting literary events, and accelerating the exchange of translation and publishing rights between the Arabic and Russian literary markets. By providing a structured pathway for professional engagement, the agreement aims to transition from temporary event-based participation to a sustained, long-term institutional relationship.
During the official signing ceremony at the Moscow International Book Fair, the agreement was executed by Khoula Al Mujaini, SBA’s General Coordinator of Fairs and Festivals, and Elena Grebeneva, General Director of the Directorate of International Book Exhibitions and Fairs. This collaboration seeks to bridge the cultural gap between the two nations, fostering stronger networks among industry professionals, publishers, and authors while creating new pathways for literary content to reach broader international audiences.
Ahmed Bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of the Sharjah Book Authority, highlighted the importance of literature in building mutual understanding, stating: “Books transcend the boundaries of language and geography, giving people the opportunity to see the world through one another’s experiences.” He noted that the initiative builds upon a foundation of existing cultural ties, such as Sharjah’s landmark achievement in 2019 as the first Arab Guest of Honour at the Moscow International Book Fair. During that event, Sharjah showcased an expansive cultural program that featured 59 translated works by notable Emirati and Arab writers.
The partnership aligns with the vision of the Ruler of Sharjah, His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, who has long championed books as a vital link between different civilizations. Guided by the vision of Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the SBA, the authority continues to work toward enhancing the visibility of Sharjah’s cultural sector on the global stage. These efforts are designed to ensure that international collaborations yield tangible benefits for the entire publishing ecosystem, including authors, translators, and rights holders.
Khoula Al Mujaini emphasized that the MoU is intended to move beyond traditional event participation by creating a sustainable schedule of year-round programming. “We view book fairs as starting points for professional relationships that continue well beyond the days of the event,” Al Mujaini stated. She explained that the partnership will focus on increasing the participation of Russian institutions at the Sharjah International Book Fair, while simultaneously boosting the presence of Emirati and Arab publishers at various Russian literary festivals and industry forums.
Echoing these sentiments, Elena Grebeneva identified Sharjah as a crucial cultural partner for Russia. She noted that the ongoing presence of the emirate at Moscow’s fairs has been instrumental in introducing Arab literature to a wider Russian readership. Through this formalized agreement, both institutions plan to develop specialized initiatives that bring together stakeholders from both nations, ultimately opening doors for increased translation projects and the promotion of diverse cultural outputs across the Arab and Russian-speaking worlds. The report also notes that with much that deserves to be read, rediscovered and introduced to new generations of readers, arab and Russian cultures share rich literary and intellectual legacies.