The Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) has released the English version of the book “Ebdaat Emiratiyah” (Emirati Creative Works) by Emirati writer HE Mohammed Ahmed Al Murr, Former speaker of the Federal National Council (FNC). The release of the English version of Ebdaat Emiratiyah comes as part of SBA’s efforts to enrich the global library with the UAE’s outstanding literary works.

The book, whose first edition was released in 2011, is now available in three languages, Arabic, Thai and English.

HE Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, Chairman of SBA, said: “The release of the Emirati Creative Works follows the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, who always seeks to promote UAE’s culture and literature. It also stems from our strong belief in the important role of books in bringing people together, enhancing dialogue among people of different countries, and promoting the values of tolerance and understanding.”
Al Ameri added: “By publishing the English version of this book, we are able to bring this excellent example of Emirati culture to new audience. It represents the level of literature and culture in our country and introduces influential Emirati poets and writers to the wider world. We are now working on the release of the German version of the book before the end of this year.”

HE Mohammed Ahmed Al Murr, said, “I extend my profound thanks and appreciation to His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, for his support for literary people and his investment in the cultural movement in the Arab world. He said the release of the Emirati Creative Works in two foreign languages was just a small part of this support. Al Murr also thanked SBA for their major role in promoting the culture of reading in the UAE and strengthen UAE’s presence in cultural and literary forums in various parts of the world.

Habib Al Sayegh, Chairman of the Emirfates Writers Union and Secretary General of the Arab Writers Union, praised His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, for his immeasurable support to enrich the cultural and literary scene on both the local and international levels, and his keenness to launch many initiatives that enriched the cultural movement in the Arab world.

Al Sayegh also applauded SBA’s initiative, saying it contributes to encouraging Emirati authors and literary figures to give their best and make continuous effort to reach the highest standards and increase the popularity of Emirati literature around the word.

The book features poetry and stories by 50 Emiratis, both male and female, who have contributed literary works across four decades. Their works reflect the richness and diversity of their outstanding literary experience and their influence by the Arab and international national and human dimensions.

Among the most prominent Emirati writers whose works are included in the book are Ibrahim Al Hashimi, Ahmed Rashid Thani, Jamal Khalfan Al Muhairi, Habib Al Sayegh, Hamad bin Khalifa Abu Shehab, Sultan Al Owais, Saif Al Merri, Dr. Mana’ Saeed Al Otaiba, Dhabiya Khamis, Arif

Al Khaja, Mohamed Obaid Ghobash, Nasser Al Dhaheri, Sara Al Jarwan, Kholoud Al Mualla, Ali Abu El Reesh, Salim Al Zumar, Ibrahim Mubarak, Abdul Redha Al Sajwani, Dha’en Şahin, Talal Salim, Ali Al Shaali, Karim Matouq, Mayson Saqr, Nojoum Al Ghanim, and Fatima Al Mazroui.

SBA released the Thai version of the ‘Ebdaat Emiratiyah’ book during the Bangkok International Book Fair in March 2015, at which the UAE was selected as guest of honour.

Established in 2014, Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) is dedicated to encouraging investment in creative industries and offering a platform for the exchange of knowledge and ideas between people from different countries and cultures. It is also entrusted with emphasizing the significant role of writers and their influence in spreading awareness of technological advancement and the availability of various sources of knowledge. SBA also aims to attract relevant bodies and figures operating in the cultural sector in general, and the publishing, printing, translation, documentation and children’s books in particular.