Shaker Hassan, Fathi Bilal, Rosita Akl and Aida El Housseni represent a team that has been ensuring for over four decades – since the start of SIBF – that no story goes unheard, no voice goes unnoticed

Sharjah, Nov 12 – Not many are aware, but at the heart of the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF), an event brimming with ideas, stories, and cultural exchanges every year, lies a hidden force that plays a vital role in bringing people closer — the interpreters. These language maestros don’t just translate words, prose, or poetry; they create bridges, connecting minds, and breaking down cultural barriers. In fact, as they often say, they don’t simply translate words — they translate worlds, opening up languages to hundreds of thousands of people over the years, allowing them to experience cultures they might never encounter otherwise.

As always, the 43rd edition of SIBF had an impressive line-up of top interpreters whose individual stories highlight the intricacies, challenges, and rewards of their craft. Take Shaker Hassan, for example, who is currently celebrating his 22nd consecutive year at the region’s largest book fair. For Shaker, the SIBF has become more than just a professional commitment; it’s a yearly pilgrimage where language is not just a tool, but a bridge to deeper understanding and connection.

A Journey from the frontlines to literary halls

Shaker Hassan’s journey to the stage of the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) is nothing short of extraordinary — a story of resilience, passion, and unwavering dedication. A former literature professor from Baghdad, Shaker’s life took a profound and unexpected turn during the Iraq War. Instead of being on the frontlines as a soldier, he found himself in a far more delicate role as a translator for the Iraqi army, navigating the tense, chaotic world of wartime communication. Reflecting on those years, he shared, “That’s when I learned that interpretation is not just about language — it’s about survival.”

After the war, Shaker moved to London, where he studied Irish poetry, eventually making his way to the UAE. For the past 22 years, he’s been a mainstay at SIBF, where his unique blend of experience and meticulous methodology has made him stand out among his peers.

For Shaker, interpretation is far more than just a skill — it’s an intricate, almost choreographed process. He likens it to a complex dance with nine distinct steps: listening, processing, translating, speaking, while simultaneously absorbing new information for future translations, and then looping through the cycle, all within fractions of a second. “Every word is a thread in a tapestry,” he says. “My job is to weave them seamlessly so that nothing is lost.”

It’s this attention to detail, this deep understanding of language as a living, breathing entity, that has made Shaker not just an interpreter, but a true architect of communication — connecting cultures and bridging divides year after year at the heart of one of the world’s largest book fairs.

Fathi Bilal: The Keeper of Languages

You could be forgiven for mistaking Fathi Bilal for Steve Harvey — the 62-year-old Sudanese interpreter has a charismatic presence and a certain charm that makes him unforgettable. But within his professional circle, he’s affectionately known as FBI — Fathi Bilal Interpreter, a nickname that reflects his reputation as a master of his craft.

With over four decades of linguistic expertise spanning continents, Fathi’s career has taken him from London to Africa, Indonesia to the Gulf. He holds a certificate in Classical Arabic from London University and is fluent in English, Arabic, and Nubian — a rare language spoken by only around 167,000 people, according to a 1956 Sudanese census.

For the past six years, Fathi has been a staple at the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF), where he lends his talents to facilitate communication for the fair’s diverse, multilingual audience. “SIBF fills you with cultural exchanges,” he says, reflecting on the fair’s unique energy. But as anyone who’s ever tried interpreting knows, the job is far from simple. “Sometimes speakers talk so quickly that you have to grasp their message instantly and deliver it concisely. It’s like catching a moving train,” he chuckles.

But for Fathi, every challenge is an opportunity to bridge gaps between cultures and facilitate deeper understanding. And he does all this with a wry smile that never seems to leave his face — a reminder that, even in the fast-paced world of interpretation, there’s always room for a little joy.

Rosita Akl: The Power of Empathy

When it comes to woman power at the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF), Rosita Akl is a force to be reckoned with. A seasoned interpreter from Lebanon, Rosita has built a stellar reputation for her ability to not only convey words but to deeply connect with her audience. For her, interpretation is about much more than just translating speech — it’s about fostering a deeper human connection.

Rosita’s journey into the world of interpretation was shaped by her belief in the transformative power of language to heal, unite, and build bridges. “Language is not just a tool,” she says, “it’s a bridge that brings people closer, helps them understand each other, and even heal divides.” This passion for connection has made her a trusted voice at SIBF, where she sees the event as a yearly pilgrimage, a place where languages converge in a beautiful symphony of cultural exchange.

For Rosita, empathy is the most important tool an interpreter can have. “To truly convey a message, you need to understand not just the words, but the emotions behind them,” she explains. Whether she’s translating literary discussions or cultural debates, Rosita has honed the art of being a chameleon — adjusting her tone, style, and delivery to align with the speaker’s intent.

“As an interpreter, I truly enjoy the vibrant, dynamic environment at SIBF, where I have the privilege of connecting with such a diverse array of authors, writers, publishers, and philosophers,” she says. “This annual gathering has become a cherished rendezvous, not just with the experts, but also with the incredible individuals working behind the scenes to bring it all to life. Over time, it has felt less like work and more like being part of a family.”

For Rosita, SIBF is more than just a career highlight — it’s a celebration of language, culture, and the shared humanity that binds us all together.

Aida El Housseni: The Art of the Untranslatable

Aida El Housseni stands at the crossroads of cultures. Born to a Palestinian father and a Czech mother, she speaks four languages fluently: Arabic, French, Czech, and English. Her unique heritage is reflected in her diverse professional experience, spanning across medical, marketing, economic, and political domains. Aida’s ability to navigate such a broad spectrum of topics has made her an invaluable asset to the world of interpretation.

For Aida, interpretation is far more than just a linguistic skill; it’s an art form. “Our role is to facilitate communication, but the job is much more nuanced depending on the topic,” she explains. When it comes to interpreting literary works or poetry, she faces the delicate challenge of translating metaphors and idioms that often defy direct translation. “Books and literature are filled with hidden meanings,” Aida notes. “As interpreters, we need to be creative to capture the essence of these expressions. Machines might be efficient, but they lack the creative critical thinking needed to interpret poetry or cultural nuances. That’s what makes us a special breed.”

For Aida, interpretation is not just about converting words — it’s about preserving the soul of the message. “There are things that get lost in translation, especially when cultural differences are involved,” she says. “Our job is to minimize those losses, to preserve the intent and emotions of the speaker.” It’s this deep understanding of language as a vessel for emotion and culture that sets Aida apart as an interpreter who doesn’t just translate, but feels the words.

And for all the interpreters at the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF), the event is not just a gathering of books and readers. It’s a testament to the power of words — and the unsung heroes behind the scenes who ensure that no story goes unheard, and no voice goes unnoticed. Whether it’s Aida, Rosita, Shaker, or Fathi, they play a pivotal role in making sure that the stories and ideas shared at SIBF cross borders, transcend languages, and resonate deeply with audiences.