During the 39th Moscow International Book Fair (MIBF), the Directorate of International Book Exhibitions and Fairs and the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at developing long-term cooperation in publishing, literature, and cultural exchange.

The MoU was signed by Elena Grebeneva, Director General of the Directorate of International Book Exhibitions and Fairs, and Khoula Al Mujaini, General Coordinator of Fairs and Festivals at the Sharjah Book Authority.

The agreement provides for cooperation in organising book fairs and literary events, developing publishing rights exchange between Russia and the Arab world, supporting direct translations from Russian into Arabic and from Arabic into Russian, and expanding professional contacts between publishers, authors, translators, and rights holders.

One of the key areas of cooperation will be the expansion of reciprocal participation by publishers and cultural institutions in major book events in both countries. The agreement aims to increase the involvement of Russian institutions and publishing houses in the Sharjah International Book Fair, while expanding the presence of the Sharjah Book Authority, Emirati and other Arab publishers at Russian book fairs and festivals.

The MoU is designed to move cooperation between the two organisations beyond participation in individual events towards a sustainable, long-term partnership. The two sides intend to develop joint initiatives throughout the year, expand professional networks within the publishing industry, and create new opportunities to promote Russian and Arab literature to wider audiences.

“Sharjah is an important cultural partner for Russia, and its longstanding presence at the Moscow International Book Fair has helped Russian audiences discover Arab literature and culture. This Memorandum allows us to take our cooperation further by developing joint events and projects and strengthening direct links between publishers, translators, authors, and other publishing professionals. It is particularly important to us that cooperation which begins at book fairs continues throughout the year and leads to concrete results — new translations, publications, and professional partnerships,” said Elena Grebeneva, Director of the Moscow International Book Fair.

H.E. Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of the Sharjah Book Authority, emphasised that books transcend the boundaries of language and geography, allowing people to see the world through one another’s experiences. He noted that Arab and Russian cultures share rich literary and intellectual legacies, and that the new agreement opens further opportunities for deeper dialogue and long-term institutional cooperation.

Khoula Al Mujaini, General Coordinator of Fairs and Festivals at the Sharjah Book Authority, noted that book fairs should serve as starting points for professional relationships that continue well beyond the days of the event. The MoU will enable direct engagement between institutions and publishing professionals to develop into year-round programmes, projects, and opportunities for cooperation, bringing together publishers, translators, authors, and rights holders from Russia and the Arab world.

Cooperation between the Moscow International Book Fair and Sharjah has a long history. A major milestone came in 2019, when Sharjah became the first Guest of Honour in the history of MIBF. As part of an extensive cultural programme, Russian audiences were introduced to the literature and culture of the emirate, including 59 works by prominent Emirati and Arab authors translated into Russian.

The new Memorandum builds on this longstanding relationship and provides a foundation for more systematic cooperation between Russia and the Arab world — from participation in major book events to joint projects, direct translations, publishing rights exchange, and the international promotion of Russian and Arab literature.