Consul General of Republic of Lebanon in Dubai and Northern Emirates Sami Alnimeer Sharjah - Arab Today The Organising Committee of the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) has announced the selection of Lebanon as the Guest of Honour at its 32nd round, with preparations underway to launch its activities from 6th to 16th November at Sharjah Expo Centre. SIBF 2013 is expected to see an impressive participation from local, Arab and International publishers, and prominent cultural, intellectual and media personalities as well as an elite group of experts in the publishing and book industry. Lebanon has been selected as the Guest of Honour in recognition of its significant and influential role in contributing to Arab Thought and Culture throughout its history, which is filled with celebrities known for their rich contribution to poetry, novel writing, translation and many other forms of literature. Lebanon has also gained outstanding reputation in enriching the book and publishing sector with plenty of distinguished works in the areas of printing, design and publishing, and supporting it with new and distinguished world class works that can compete internationally with creative works of knowledge and encyclopedias that meets the interest and taste of different readers. A number of  Lebanese celebrities and renowned media personalities will be participating in the Sharjah International Book Fair this year, such as; Dr. Omar Halablab Director General of the Ministry of Culture, Poet and media Zahi Wahbi, Media Zafin Kiyomijian, Tony Khalifa, Mai Chediac, Sonia Bieruty, Suad Karoot, Gaby Latif, Hoda Barakat, Jana Fawaz Alhassan, Alwiya Sibh, Rdwan Alsaed, Dr, Yomna Aleid, Najwa Barakat, Mohammed Ali Shams Alden  and Talal Suleiman, publisher of Assafir newspaper, Rafiq Khouri, Editor-in-Chief of Al Anwar newspaper, Jumana Haddad, Issa Baidoun, Matter Al Ahmadi, Maya Al Haj, Ghassan Hajjar, Pierre Abu Saab, Ghassan Sherbel and others. Lebanon and a number of creative figures will be honoured during the opening ceremony of SIBF 2013 with the Sharjah Cultural Awards, among them are; the Sharjah Cultural Personality of the Year Award, an Award for the best Local, Arab & Foreign publisher, an Award for the best Emirati book by an Emirati author in the field of creativity, an Award for best Emirati translated book about UAE, an Award for best printed Emirati book about UAE, an Award for the best Emirati book in the field of research/studies, an Award for the best Arab novel besides many other awards. Speaking on the occasion, Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, Director of the Sharjah International Book Fair, said; “Lebanon’s role is very well known to those who are interested in culture, literature and knowledge besides its impressive role in the area of printing and publishing.  Therefore, SIBF-2013 selected Lebanon for its contribution and role in enriching Arab culture and the Arabic library with new, unique and distinguished references.  We wish Lebanon further creativity and progress in serving the hopes and aspiration of Arabs.\" Having a special presence at SIBF-2013 as the Guest of Honour, Lebanon  will participate with a diverse range of activities, including a daily workshop for children, a seminar titled \"the Book and Exhibition Industry\", Lebanese folkloric displays and a symposium titled \"The Impact of Cultural Movement in Sustainable Development\". Other activities will also include a seminar on \"Arab Culture and the Challenges of Globalisation\", a play titled \"My Goldfish\" for children and youngsters, a scientific play for children aged 5-15 years, musical performances, and a daily painting show, all will take place at the Lebanese Stand, with many Lebanese titles and publications on display.