Italian Cultural Leaders Hail Sharjah International Book Fair 2020 A Suc-cess And Emphasize Their Commitment To Further Developing A Cultural Footprint In The UAE

Italy’s leading institutional representatives in the UAE witnessed a resoundingly successful first-time participation at the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF), which saw Italy’s book industry cement a number of global publishing deals, connections and collaborations.

The Italian Trade Agency hosted for the first time an Italian Pavilion at SIBF2020. The Pavilion, which was-dedicated to Italy’s diverse book industry, was visited by hundreds of visitors and senior UAE and Italian cultural dignitaries during the 11-day celebration of literature, knowledge, and culture.

During the annual book fair, His Excellency Nicola Lener, Ambassador of Italy in the UAE, along with Giuseppe Finocchiaro, Consul General of Italy in Dubai, Mr. Amedeo Scarpa, Italian Trade Commissioner to the UAE, and Prof. Ida Zilio-Grandi, Director of the Italian Cultural Institute Abu Dhabi, toured both the pavilion and the Literary Festival before being personally welcomed by His Excellency Ahmed Al Ameri, Chairman of Sharjah Book Authority (SBA). Both parties then spent time at the Italian Pavilion discussing cultural exchanges between Italy and the UAE.

While cultural events and inspiring talks at SIBF2020 were conducted virtually, the actual book fair was held physically at Expo Centre Sharjah. The Italian Pavilion’s cultural representatives hosted more than 50 one-on-one meetings with local industry players, exploring partnerships virtually via the newly launched SMART365 app, which proved a particular success.

Turnout at SIBF2020 Sharjah International Book Fair exceeded all expectations. His Excellency Lener said that he was delighted to witness such cultural dynamism and that Italy’s presence further cemented the close cultural ties between Italy and the UAE.

His Excellency Nicola Lener, Ambassador of Italy in the UAE, said: “Our attendance at the fair was a special reinforcement of Italy’s commitment to promote knowledge and culture in the UAE and yet another opportunity to confirm the excellent and long-standing cultural relations between our two nations.

“Literature is an extraordinary enabler of dialogue and connectivity between countries and peoples of all ages and, given the constraints of this year, it was enormously uplifting to see halls buzzing with conversation, activity, and to see the exchange of culture between nations from all corners of the globe, with the respect of all precautionary measures. Italy believes SIBF serves as a model of success for public events in the UAE and beyond; we look forward to further participating in events within the UAE next year, including our participation at Expo2020 Dubai, as we continue to grow our special cultural relationship.”

Amedeo Scarpa, Trade Commissioner to the UAE, said that Italy’s participation during the SIBF was so successful that Italy has already confirmed its presence at SIBF 2021 AND SIBF 2022. He added: “During the festival it was heartening to witness such strong industry support from local, regional and global publishing markets, even in these challenging times. The fair really shone a spotlight on the ways that publishers can collaborate to successfully navigate the challenges posed to their businesses and continue operating profitably in the fast-changing market landscape.

“One of the key goals of our dedicated Pavilion at SIBF 2020 was to create more opportunities that strengthen the relationship between Italy and the UAE within the publishing industry, while re-affirming the two nations’ ties in various business ventures ahead of Dubai Expo 2020.

Recently, the region’s first Italian Cultural Institute opened in Abu Dhabi, with the UAE’s first Italian international school set to soon open in the capital too.

In 2021, Italy will feature at the Dubai World Expo, with the country being one of the first countries participating in the Universal Exposition to start building its own pavilion. Under the theme ‘Beauty connects people’, it will showcase its finest minds, talent and expertise and feature an Innovation Hub, a revolutionary designed structure inspired by the most advanced sustainability and circular economy standards.