From 23 April 2019, until 22 April 2020, the city of Sharjah will be World Book Capital for an entire year.

Sharjah was named World Book Capital for the year 2019 by UNESCO under the recommendation of the Advisory Committee which includes the three major stakeholders of the international book industry: The International Publishers Associations (IPA) and The International Federation of Library Association and Institutions (IFLA).

Sharjah has been selected by these esteemed pillars as recognition of the city’s continuous efforts in promoting books and literacy. Known as the City of Books, it has fast established itself as the source for the region’s growing publishing sector, and has become the hub for most book related events and organizations in the UAE. 

The nomination for 2019 was also due to the city’s innovative, comprehensive and inclusive proposal to the World Book Capital initiative. The yearlong program focuses on the inclusivity of all members of the community. It contains creative proposals to engage the very large expatriate population, the book industry, the young, the marginalized population, and much more. The goal is to empower the community and strengthen the nation and region through literature.

SOURCE: Sharjah World Book Capital 2019