صورة خلال المؤتمر الصحفي. صورة مرفقة مع البيان الصحفي
Celebrating UAE Culture at the 39th Bogotá International Book Fair
In a significant cultural milestone, the Bogotá International Book Fair (FILBo) has announced that Sharjah will be the first Arab guest of honour in the history of the event. Scheduled to take place from April 20 to May 3, 2027, at the Corferias convention centre in Colombia’s capital, this participation highlights the richness of Emirati and Arab culture within one of Latin America’s most prominent literary gatherings.
The announcement was made during a press conference held at the San Carlos Palace in Bogotá, attended by distinguished figures, including Colombian Minister of Cultures, Arts, and Knowledge, Paula Andrea Holguín Moreno; Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of the Sharjah Book Authority; and Mohamed Abdullah Al Shamsi, UAE Ambassador to Colombia. The event was also graced by representatives from diplomatic circles, cultural partners, and the media.
The selection of Sharjah as a guest of honour is celebrated as a new chapter for the UAE’s presence in Latin America, following previous participations as a guest of honour at international book fairs in São Paulo, Brazil, and Guadalajara, Mexico. This opportunity is expected to further the exchange of literary and publishing experiences between Arab and Colombian authors and publishers.
Building Cultural Bridges
Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority, expressed that this selection represents a chance to strengthen cultural exchanges between the Arab world and Latin America. She remarked, “Although both regions boast a rich literary heritage, there remain vast opportunities to introduce readers to each other’s literature, ideas, and contemporary voices. Through our participation in Bogotá, we look forward to transforming this opportunity into sustainable connections among authors, publishers, translators, and cultural institutions, which will contribute to expanding the presence of Arabic literature in Spanish and bringing Latin American literature closer to Arab readers.”
Colombia’s Minister Paula Andrea Holguín Moreno also reinforced the importance of this collaboration, stating, “After years of fruitful cultural cooperation with the UAE, we are delighted to host Sharjah, the emirate of culture, literature, and books, as a guest of honour at FILBo. We view this invitation as an extension of our established cultural relationship and a new opportunity to deepen dialogue and exchange between Colombia and the Arab world.”
New Pathways for Publishing and Translation
Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri emphasised that Sharjah’s selection as the first Arab guest of honour is a testament to the UAE’s cultural stature on the international stage. He noted that this collaboration highlights a long-standing cultural and human bond between the Arab world and Colombia, mentioning how Arab influences resonate in the literary works such as Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s “One Hundred Years of Solitude.”
“When we say today that Sharjah meets Bogotá, we are building on mutual knowledge and human and cultural roots that literature has witnessed and facilitated,” Al Ameri added, reaffirming Sharjah’s commitment to expanding its cultural outreach through partnerships in translation and publishing.
Expanding Professional Networks
Dr Emiro Aristizabal Alvarez, CEO of the Colombian Book Chamber, remarked that Sharjah’s participation in the fair presents a vital opportunity to enhance communication within the Colombian publishing sector and establish new international connections. He asserted that such encounters will empower authors and publishers to explore collaboration opportunities and broaden the reach of their works.
Adriana Cecilia Angel Fuero, Director of the Bogotá International Book Fair, stated, “We want Sharjah’s participation to transcend the boundaries of books and turn into a chance to expose our visitors to new voices and varied traditions. International openness is a key pathway for FILBo, reflecting our commitment to linking Colombia with other cultures while introducing our authors and their work to new platforms.” In 2027, Sharjah is expected to become a meeting point for dialogue between Colombia, Latin America, and the Arab world.
A Comprehensive Cultural and Professional Programme
The Sharjah Book Authority is preparing a special programme for both the Colombian audience and those in the regional publishing sector. This will showcase the diversity of Sharjah’s cultural experience through literature, publishing, arts, and heritage, alongside professional meetings focused on translation, rights exchange, and distribution, with further details to be announced later.
Since its inception in 1988, the Bogotá International Book Fair has evolved into one of the most significant cultural events in Colombia and a leading book fair in the Spanish-speaking world. This annual event gathers stakeholders from the publishing industry, including authors, publishers, editors, translators, distributors, literary agents, and book sellers, alongside a diverse audience of readers.