Award winning books apply for SIBF translation funding

Received applications to fund the translation of 630 books

Sharjah, 11 March, 2015,

The Translation Grant Fund of the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) a subsidiary of the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) has announced that it received applications from 84 publishers to fund the translation of 630 books in 2014, a significant rise on previous years.  Among these publishers, 36 were from the Arab world with applications to translate 105 books from Arabic into other languages.

Some of the books looking for funding for translation included winners of prestigious international awards, high-level literary works, and books on history, politics, economy, science, and education, in addition to leading children's books that will appeal to young readers in the Arab world.

HE Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, Chairman of the SBA, said, "The year 2014 saw a big rise in the number of books submitted by publishers to obtain SIBF's translation grants. We also witnessed an impressive development in the quality of publications and books nominated to be awarded the grant, thereby affirming the keen interest showed by Arab and foreign publishers to benefit from the grant in providing readers with the best books and enriching intercultural understanding and sharing knowledge between people of the world."

He added, "We are pleased with the growing demand for the grant, especially by publishers of books written in minority languages, which gives us a precious opportunity to preserve minority languages and introduce their literature and ideas to the world, while promoting networking, religious understanding and cross-cultural education."

The SIBF Translation Grant received applications for translation of 233 books from English into other languages, 80 books from Turkish and 24 books from French into other languages. A total of 129 books were applied for by foreign publishers to be translated into Arabic. These include books in English, French, German, Italian, Turkish, Bosnian, and Hungarian, and many other languages, thereby reflecting foreign publishers' interest in giving Arab readers access to their books.

The Sharjah Government-supported Translation Grant Fund was launched by SIBF in line with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, during the 30th edition of SIBF, to promote the translation movement in the Arab region and the entire world through cash grants awarded to publishers to help them translate their publications into other languages. The grant is valued at $1,500 for children's books and up to $4,000 for all other titles, helping publishers cover the translation costs of the book fully or partially.

SIBF awards annual grants to publishers participating in the Professional Programme, which runs annually prior to the SIBF in November. The grant is only available to books protected by the intellectual property protection law, with the exception of literary works subjected to public property, in order to protect publishers' rights and promote the sale of legal rights, a move in line with SIBF's commitment to international law.

Al Ameri said, "The translation of books helps enrich the Arab and global culture with new books in knowledge and science, and allows people across the world to understand each other's culture and common concerns, in order to further promote dialogue based on tolerance, love and acceptance. The translation of these books will contribute to the achievement of greater convergence between countries and enriches the exchange of knowledge and literature throughout the world."

-Ends-

About The Sharjah Book Authority
The Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) was established in December 2014 through an Emiri decree issued by His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah.

It is tasked with encouraging investment in creative industries and providing a platform for knowledge and intellectual exchange among people from different countries and cultures.

The SBA also aims to develop the printing and publishing sector and support the significant role of writers and their influence in spreading awareness of technological advancements and the availability of various sources of information. The authority assumes the responsibility of enhancing the Emirate's status on the regional and international level to attract relevant bodies and figures operating in the cultural sector in general, and the publishing, printing, translation, documentation and children's book sector in particular.

For any inquiry or for more information please do not hesitate to contact us on the below.
Yousef Al Taweel
National Network Communications (NNC)
Mob: +971 55 50 66 111

Fadia Daouk
National Network Communications (NNC)
Mob: +971 50 53 83 973

© Press Release 2015