Sharjah, Apr 29 (IANS/WAM): Nearly 20,000 books are to be purchased as part of the Knowledge without Borders (KWB) initiative in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), in an effort to enhance the role of cultural institutions across the Gulf region.

The books will be distributed to various beneficiaries in a bid to strengthen the reputation of the UAE's publishing industry. A variety of books will be distributed to government and private departments and aims to enhance the role of various cultural institutions across the Emirates.

"It is important to help shape the Arab cultural identity, based on solid cultural and intellectual foundations. This initiative forms part of KWB's keenness to develop the roles of other cultural institutions in the Emirates," Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi, head of the KWB organising committee, said Wednesday.

The genre of books would vary from literary to religious, health, historical, children's stories and global tales, among other collections of useful books to suit all ages.