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ROME: Italian Ambassador to the UAE Lorenzo Fanara told Arab News that his country’s participation as the guest of honor at the 41st edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair is “a confirmation of the great interest by the Emirati audience in Italian culture.”  

The SIBF will take place from Nov. 2-13, and aims to highlight Emirati culture and the power of the written word in constructing a bright, sustainable future.  

Fanara said he is “delighted” to begin his mandate as ambassador to the UAE by inaugurating Italy’s participation as the guest of honor at the fair.  

 “Culture lies at the heart of the deep relationship between our two countries, building on mutual respect and dialogue,” he added. 

“Italy is a cultural superpower. We’re aware of the strength of our soft power, and of the great demand for Italian culture in the UAE. That’s why cultural dialogue will be at the top of my agenda in the UAE.” 

The program of events organized by the Italian Cultural Institute of Abu Dhabi includes workshops for kids, dance and musical performances, culinary experiences with Italian chefs, conversations with Italian authors, and one-on-one interactions with Italian cultural icons and influencers. 

Ida Zilio-Grandi, director of the Italian Cultural Institute of Abu Dhabi, said her country’s participation at the SIBF “is a great opportunity to promote Italian culture in all its forms, but first of all to reaffirm the closeness of Italy and Sharjah in their common love of literature.

“Literature doesn’t simply serve to communicate, but to make us live different lives and give us the opportunity to broaden and deepen our existential experiences. It provides us with new tools to cope with the challenges of real life.

“Literature is a spiritual multiplication of ourselves and an irreplaceable means of living the world.”