Watch: Sharjah reaffirms cultural leadership as Guest of Honour at Rabat International Publishing and Book Fair
Rabat, Morocco: In a vibrant celebration of Arab culture and cross-cultural solidarity, Sharjah marked its Guest of Honour participation at the 30th Rabat International Publishing and Book Fair in Morocco.
The event, graced by Prince Moulay Rachid and Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), highlights Sharjah's ongoing commitment to enriching Arab cultural heritage and strengthening ties with Morocco.
The fair, being held at the OLM Souissi venue in Rabat until April 27, was inaugurated by Sheikha Bodour and Prince Moulay Rachid, alongside Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid, Moroccan Minister of Youth, Culture and Communication.
The opening ceremony featured a ribbon-cutting followed by a tour of the Sharjah Guest of Honour pavilion, where Sheikha Bodour, accompanied by Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of the SBA, showcased exhibitions and educational programmes that embody Sharjah's cultural initiatives.
During the tour, notable figures including Sheikh Fahim Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Department of Government Relations in Sharjah, and Latifa Mouftakir, Director of Rabat International Publishing and Book Fair, were present, celebrating the spirit of collaboration and cultural exchange.
18 institutions
Sharjah's pavilion, managed by the SBA, brings together 18 cultural and academic institutions from the emirate, showcasing a breadth of cultural, heritage, and educational initiatives. This participation not only reflects the depth of Sharjah's investment in culture and education but also its role in fostering dialogue and understanding across cultures.
A special gala dinner was hosted at the historic Chellah, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Morocco, to honour the Sharjah delegation. This event underscored the shared historical ties and future unity between the UAE and Morocco, bringing together leading cultural figures from both nations.
Historical ties
In her keynote address, Sheikha Bodour conveyed greetings from His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah to King Mohammed VI, King of Morocco, and the participants of the fair. She said: 'Our relationship with Morocco is founded upon a long and meaningful history of cultural and intellectual exchange. When Ibn Battuta journeyed eastward, he recorded the shared values and rich heritage that bound the people of the Mashreq and Maghreb together. These values bind us together still.'
Sheikh Bodour added: 'Today, we are inspired by the legacy of Ibn Battuta, the heritage of Al-Qarawiyyin University, and the work of Al-Sharif Al-Idrisi as we build cultural bridges between our two countries. Our collaboration helps strengthen the deep bonds we share, bonds that were once tested during a time when global powers tried to divide our people. As a new generation of nations and leaders who believe in the power of culture to bring people closer together, we understand the value of heritage and appreciate one another with greater awareness and a deeper sense of responsibility.
Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid remarked on the significance of Sharjah's participation as Guest of Honour, reflecting the strong bilateral relations nurtured under the leadership of both nations. He also expressed his honour in having Prince Moulay Rachid inaugurate this milestone edition of the book fair.
50 events
The fair's rich programme includes over 50 events such as thought leadership panels, poetry evenings, and children's workshops, with a special focus on engaging young readers. Initiatives like the UAE Board on Books for Young People and the 'Kan Yama Kan' initiative are crucial in promoting reading habits and introducing Emirati heritage through storytelling.
Sharjah's comprehensive delegation includes leading cultural and educational entities, reinforcing its role as a hub of Arab cultural and intellectual activity. This robust participation not only highlights Sharjah's commitment to cultural leadership but also its dedication to nurturing the literary scene and opening doors for new collaborative opportunities in translation and publishing.
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