From the (R) to the  (L), Ahmed al Ameri with Jo Henry and Piers Russell Cobb Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) has welcomed the participation of British publishers in the upcoming 32nd edition of the SIBF – one of the largest book fairs in the world – which will take place from 6-16 November 2013, with wide local, regional and international participation.
These remarks were made during a reception hosted by the Sharjah International Book Fair for British publishers in the British capital of London in the presence of Ahmed Al Amri, SIBF Director, and a number of publishers and representatives of leading British publishing houses.
The British publishers included Ana Alexander from Hodder Publishing, Alison Baverstock from Kingston University, Richard Byrd from the National Writing Academy, Michael Baskar from Profile Box, Emma Bravo from Macmillan Publishers, Susan Curtis from Astro Books, and Andreas Campomar from Constable & Robinson Publishing, as well as journalist Peter Cartage, Andrew Heyward Freelance Consultant, and Jo Henry, Book marketing.   
Also attending the reception were Emma House from the UK Publishers Association, Eric Huang from Made in Me, Georgina Le Grice from Marsh Agency, Loathe Rogan from Hot Key Books, Bridget Mcleod from Brunch Book, Pierce Russell of Arcadia Books, and Alan Samson of Orion Books, as well as journalists Roger Tagholm and Liz Thompson, in addition to representatives from various publishing-related magazines, such as Book Brunch.
Speaking on the occasion, SIBF Director Ahmed Al Amri said, \"Hosting this reception is in line with the SIBF’s strategy to maintain contact with prestigious cultural institutions, and also in implementation of the directives of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, to build solid relations with book industry leaders around the world. It also comes out of keen desire to extend bridges of communication with publishers and professionals in the book industry, and therefore we arranged this gathering with British publishers because of their role in developing the publishing sector at both the European and international levels.\"
The Saharjah International Book Fair made use of this opportunity to invite British publishers to participate in SIBF’s Professional Programme – one of the main events held alongside the Sharjah Book fair.
The Programme offers an excellent opportunity to meet publishers participating in the book fair, forge collaborative agreements and memorandums of understanding and achieve the goals of the Book Fair, an important cultural and intellectual platform, which aims to develop the book and publishing industry and and act as a forum for the views of publishers and influential figures.  
The $300,000 Translation Grant project, which was launched in 2011 by His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, was also in focus during the reception. Under the grant, dozens of books that would contribute to enriching and disseminating different cultures have been translated so far.
Meanwhile, the British publishers have welcomed the SIBF’s invitation and expressed their readiness to participate in the Professional Programme. They hailed the great role played by His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, in supporting culture and honouring cultural institutions, literary figures, authors, and publishers. The British publishers praised Sharjah\'s role and support for culture and intellectuals around the world, saying it truly reflects the growth and prosperity seen by the UAE\'s publishing sector as well as its ability to increasingly compete and gain international interest.
The Professional Programme, which offers its participants an unparalleled opportunity to gain ground-roots industry insight into the publishing sector in the region, feature a series of discussion sessions, lectures, workshops, and symposiums, among other activities related to publishing. SIBF’s Management is always eager to provide all the necessary means to help boost the expertise of professionals in the book and publishing industry in the UAE and region.