Sharjah Book Authority sets Guinness world record

The Sharjah International Book Fair has set a Guinness World Record for the largest book signing ceremony in one venue.

As many as 1,502 authors from the UAE and beyond signed their books at the Expo Centre Sharjah on Thursday.

A Guinness World Records Official present at the event endorsed the record in the category of ‘Most authors signing their own book simultaneously in one location’.

They beat the previous record set by 1,423 authors in Turkey.

The signing ceremony commenced with a message from His Highness Shaikh Dr Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, delivered by SBA chairman Ahmad Bin Rakkad Al Ameri. 

"I am honoured to convey the greetings and best wishes of Shaikh Sultan, to all participating authors. This event is another step forward for Sharjah in the Arab and global cultural arena – an outstanding intellectual and creative achievement to be remembered as a fruit of Sharjah’s efforts for more than 40 years promoting a love of books and reading."