Abu dhabi: The Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Autonomous Non-profit Organisation 'Directorate of International Book Exhibitions and Fairs' to expand cooperation in organising book fairs and literary events, strengthen translation and publishing rights exchange between Arabic and Russian, and support the participation of publishers and cultural institutions in events held in both countries.
According to Emirates News Agency, the MoU was signed during SBA's participation in the Moscow International Book Fair. Khoula Al Mujaini, General Coordinator of Fairs and Festivals at SBA, signed on behalf of Sharjah Book Authority, while Elena Grebeneva, General-Director of the 'Directorate of International Book Exhibitions and Fairs', signed on behalf of the Russian side.
The agreement aims to establish a sustainable framework for cooperation between the two institutions, moving engagement beyond event-based participation into a long-term institutional relationship. It will enable the development of joint initiatives, expand professional networks among book industry professionals on both sides, and create new pathways for content and its creators to reach wider audiences across the Arab and Russian worlds.
Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of the Sharjah Book Authority, emphasized that books transcend the boundaries of language and geography, offering people the opportunity to understand each other's experiences. He stated that Arab and Russian cultures share significant literary and intellectual legacies, which deserve to be read and introduced to new generations. The MoU aims to foster deeper dialogue between the two cultures and builds on existing cultural cooperation, including reciprocal participation in cultural events and projects. In 2019, Sharjah was recognized as the first Arab Guest of Honour at the Moscow International Book Fair.
He added that this reflects the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, who regards books as bridges between peoples. Under the guidance of Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority, the SBA aims to strengthen Sharjah's presence on the global cultural landscape and ensure meaningful outcomes for publishers, authors, and readers.
Al Mujaini stated that the MoU places cooperation between the two sides on a practical and sustainable path, viewing book fairs as starting points for ongoing professional relationships. The MoU facilitates direct engagement between institutions and publishing professionals, translating it into year-round programmes, projects, and cooperation opportunities for publishers, translators, authors, and rights holders from both sides.
Grebeneva affirmed that Sharjah is an important cultural partner for Russia. The presence of Sharjah at the Moscow International Book Fair has broadened the reach of Arab literature and culture to Russian audiences. The MoU aims to develop joint events and initiatives, bringing together institutions, publishers, and book industry professionals while providing audiences in Russia and the Arab world with increased opportunities to explore each other's literary and cultural offerings.
The MoU outlines cooperation in organising book fairs and literary events, enhancing participation in each other's events, and expanding the involvement of Russian institutions in the Sharjah International Book Fair. It also promotes direct translation projects between Arabic and Russian, fostering communication between publishers, authors, translators, and rights holders.
As the first Guest of Honour in the history of the Moscow International Book Fair, Sharjah showcased an extensive cultural programme and presented 59 works by prominent Emirati and Arab authors translated into Russian.