Sharjah Ruler Allocates AED2.5 Million to Expand Library Collections

SHARJAH — His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, has allocated AED2.5 million (USD 680,000) to enrich public and government libraries across the emirate.

The funds will be used to purchase the latest publications from Arabic and international publishers participating in the 16th Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival, part of an ongoing drive to strengthen Sharjah’s position as a global hub for knowledge and learning.

The initiative reflects Sheikh Sultan’s long-standing commitment to transforming libraries into vibrant centres for research, skill development, and cultural exchange. It also reinforces the emirate’s support for the publishing sector and its efforts to broaden educational opportunities for young generations.

Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority, hailed the move as an investment in human development and a boost for the publishing industry.

“By enriching libraries with thousands of new titles each year, Sharjah is nurturing a new generation of readers, innovators, and thinkers,” she said.

The latest grant is expected to significantly expand library collections in fields spanning science, literature, and the arts, further strengthening Sharjah’s reputation as a city dedicated to the advancement of knowledge and cultural production.