Latest news with #AhmedBinRakkadAlAmeri
Gulf Today
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf Today
Greece is Guest of Honour at 44th edition of Sharjah International Book Fair, says Sheikha Bodour
Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), emphasised that Greece, with its rich historical legacy and global cultural influence, stands as a vital pillar in the ongoing story of human creativity. She highlighted that the nation, which inspired Homer's epic works, shaped Socratic ideals of virtue, and erected theatres that continue to ignite artistic imagination, embodies a timeless source of knowledge and enlightenment for scholars, thinkers, and writers across centuries. Her remarks came during the signing ceremony announcing Greece as the Guest of Honour for the 44th edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF). The agreement was formalised by Ahmed Bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of SBA; and Yasonas Varthalitis, Deputy Minister of Culture of the Hellenic Republic. Dignitaries at the event. The signing took place at the Thessaloniki International Exhibition & Congress Centre in Greece. A place where the world's languages and cultures come together in dialogue Sheikha Bodour said: 'Sharjah's cultural journey continues to be guided by the vision of H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah. Today, the emirate carries this vision forward by embracing Greek culture. We believe flourishing civilisations are built on dialogue and exchange across geographical boundaries and Sharjah remains committed to this approach'. She added: 'Greece's participation at the upcoming Sharjah International Book Fair is an exciting opportunity for us all to discover the shared origins of our myths and tales, and other common influences that have shaped human consciousness'. She explained that SBA is working to ensure the 44th edition of SIBF becomes a milestone event, spotlighting a nation that, together with the Arab world, has helped shape the course of civilisation. The Chairperson concluded: 'Sharjah is reinterpreting the past as a tool for self-understanding and engagement with the broader world, and hosting Greece as our Guest of Honour is a call to heed the voices of Athens, just as we have done with those of Marrakech, Cordoba, Seoul, Rome, and other distinguished capitals at SIBF. Crowds at a previous edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair. Hosting Greece as our Guest of Honour is a call to heed the voices of Athens, says Bodour. File With this, we continue to reinforce the book fair's role as a global platform where collective memory intersects, and the world's languages and cultures come together in dialogue.' An evolving intellectual dialogue at every edition of SIBF Commenting on the agreement, Ahmed Bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of SBA, said: 'In line with His Highness's vision to champion global cultural exchange, hosting Greece as Guest of Honour at SIBF 2025 adds to the fair's distinguished record of international partnerships. It presents a unique opportunity to engage with one of the world's most influential civilisations, whose legacy continues to shape human thought. Each edition of the fair seeks to open new cultural horizons and foster meaningful intellectual exchange rooted in diversity.' Al Ameri added: 'SIBF has grown from a cultural event into a global hub for publishing and literary innovation, attracting publishers and thought leaders worldwide. "Guided by Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi's leadership, it has become a versatile knowledge platform that connects readers with authors, enriches the publishing industry, and reaffirms Sharjah's status among the world's leading international book fairs.' The cultural pathway between Greece and the UAE further enriched Yasonas Varthalitis, Deputy Minister of Culture of Greece, noted during the signing ceremony: 'We meet today in a spirit of friendship and collaboration that has long defined the relationship between Greece and the UAE. Our presence in Sharjah stems from the dedicated efforts of the Minister of Culture, who has worked to forge a strong foundation for cooperation and a vibrant cultural exchange linking Greece and the UAE. This path is enriched through language, literature, poetry, publications, events, exhibitions and a wide range of cultural initiatives.' He added: 'Our cultural cooperation with SIBF deepens the bond between our nations and peoples. We are curating a rich and engaging programme that showcases the depth of Greek literary and publishing talent, in line with Greece's broader vision of openness, development and expanding global engagement. We deeply thank SBA for its productive collaboration and look forward to building on this dynamic and inspiring partnership.' The best of Greek culture, literature, art and gastronomy at SIBF 2025 As Guest of Honour at the 44th SIBF, Greece will present a diverse programme of cultural and literary events highlighting its heritage's depth and richness. The line-up will span classical philosophy, theatre, poetry, contemporary literature, and visual arts. It will also host leading Greek authors, intellectuals, and publishers, as well as music and art performances inspired by Greek traditions. Educational segments will also spotlight major milestones in Greek cultural history and its enduring contributions to human civilisation.
Gulf Today
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf Today
Italy's Milan hosts festival of Arabic Language and Culture
Milan is serving as a crossroads for Arabic language and culture as the Italian city hosts the 8th edition of the International Festival of Arabic Language and Culture, sponsored by the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA). Held under the theme 'The migrating tongue: Arabic without borders,' the four-day event showcases the language's worldwide influence, uniting 30 scholars, authors, and intellectuals from 18 nations to celebrate its role as a cultural bridge and a medium fostering cross-border dialogue. Organised by the Arabic Cultural Institute at the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, in collaboration with the Arabic Language Research Center, the 2025 edition of the festival launched with key figures including Ahmed Bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of the SBA; Professor Giovanni Gobber, Dean of Linguistic Sciences and Foreign Literatures; and Professor Wael Farouq, the Institute's Director and the event's academic coordinator. Bringing together a distinguished group of literary and cultural figures from the Arab diaspora, the guests include Libyan author Ibrahim Al-Koni; Iraqi writers Sinan Antoon and Inaam Kachachi; Egyptian authors Ezzat El Kamhawi and May Telmissany; and Yemeni novelist Ali Al-Muqri. It also features leading experts in Arabic linguistics and language education, including Dr Mohamed Safi Al Mosteghanemi, Secretary-General of the Arabic Language Academy in Sharjah; and Zeinab Taha, Professor and Chairperson of the Arabic Language and Linguistics at the American University in Cairo. Adding further depth to the programme are acclaimed theatre directors and playwrights, including Ahmed Fawzi Saleh and Saleh Zamanan, as well as prominent literary critics and academics, including Francesca Corrao, Professor of Arabic Culture and Language at Luiss University Rome, and renowned literary critic, Subhi Hadidi. During his keynote speech, Al Ameri delivered greetings from His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, to the attendees. He noted that the festival's theme underscores Arabic's timeless journey as a language anchored in its origins yet fundamental in shaping global civilisation, channelling knowledge and scientific thought from East to West, and from the Arabian Peninsula across Europe. 'As we gather today, we are reminded of a journey that began more than a thousand years ago, when the physician Constantine the African travelled to Italy carrying Arabic medical texts. This marked the beginning of a new chapter, where Arabic became a gateway to previously unknown sciences. That legacy continues to this day, embodied in the vision of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, who consistently affirms that language is not just a means of communication, but a vessel of culture and a bridge to mutual understanding,' Al Ameri stated. 'His Highness's commitment to Arabic is a firmly held belief, reflected in ongoing cultural projects that promote both the language and global engagement. SBA's festival sponsorship continues that vision, which sees cultural exchange as essential to progress. In Sharjah, we believe that civilisation is not the product of one language or one place, but a collective human achievement, shaped and sustained by diverse peoples, languages, and ideas,' the SBA CEO noted. For his part, Dr. Wael Farouq said: 'We are witnessing a new phase in the journey of the Arabic language as it moves beyond its traditional geographic and cultural boundaries. This development merits thoughtful examination, which is why the Institute of Arabic Culture has dedicated this year's conference to bringing together a distinguished group of Arab and Western intellectuals and academics to explore the phenomenon.' He continued by saying, 'Over the past two decades, rising migration from the Arab world to the West has reshaped the relationship between the two cultures. Arabic language and literature occupy a more central role, with millions of migrants becoming bilingual and many Arab writers in the diaspora producing works in European languages. This has given rise to a new wave of diaspora literature, reminiscent of the early 20th century. At the same time, we are seeing significant growth in teaching modern Arabic and studying its contemporary literature at universities across the West.'
Sharjah 24
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Sharjah 24
SAC 2025 draws its final frame after 4 days of insight
SAC 2025 also celebrated creative excellence with a $20,000 awards program, where Ahmed Bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of SBA; and Pietro Pinetti, the Artistic Director of SAC; presented the 'Book Trailer Award', honoring outstanding efforts in literary visual storytelling; and the 'Pitch the Project Award', for culturally inspired children's animation concepts. The ceremony also recognised leading figures and influencers in animation, including a special lifetime achievement award to the late Masami Suda, with his wife, Chuda Suda, accepting the award on his behalf. As the renowned creator and character designer behind iconic works like 'Dragon Ball'; the award honoured his artistic legacy that inspired generations of fans worldwide. Additionally, the Sharjah Animation Conference Ambassador award was presented to the international animator Sandro Cleuzo, who has advanced the conference's vision and expanded its regional and global impact. The conference's success was enhanced with collaboration from key partners, including Du as official Telecommunication Partner; SAE Institute as Educational Partner; and Technical Partners, Toon Boom, Wacom, and HP; all providing expertise and technology to elevate the 4-day event. Together as one creative community Khoula Al Mujaini, Executive Director of SAC, underscored the conference's expansive impact, crediting its success to the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah; and the guidance of Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of SBA. 'SAC has become a true growing platform; a space where publishers, artists, industry leaders, and broadcasters meet, collaborate, and convert ideas into reality,' Al Mujaini remarked. 'We'll continue to connect through online and offline meetups throughout the year because we believe in building bridges, not just events. In learning, in sharing knowledge, in staying together as one creative community.' Al Mujaini also emphasised that the rapid pace of technological innovation in animation requires content creators to remain continuously responsive to new developments. She described the conference as a vital platform that connects aspiring animators with industry leaders, fostering an environment of learning, experimentation and meaningful international collaboration. The future of animation SAC 2025's agenda offered a forward-looking lens into the digital future of animation and hosted more than 35 specialised workshops and 29 roundtables and panel discussions covering illustration, animation, scripting, as well as digital technologies and AI. Key figures in character design and production unveiled the secrets behind iconic scenes and shared advanced techniques for character animation. The programme also explored global examples of adapting literary works into animated television and cinema productions, providing unparalleled learning opportunities. Connecting the global industry, the 4-day conference created a dynamic platform for content creators to exchange insights and build professional connections, with the conversations addressing key institutional challenges, including the need for stronger local production infrastructure and strategies to enhance global collaboration in content distribution and broadcasting. Notably, women played a prominent role in the discourse, with leading female creators and industry leaders sharing powerful reflections on the projects that have made a mark on the global stage. SAC Awards 2025 amplifies creative voices The closing ceremony celebrated creativity and cultural heritage with its Book Trailer Award and Pitch the Project Award, distributing a $20,000 prize pool to honor outstanding talent. The Book Trailer Award, recognising visionary adaptations of literature into promotional videos, crowned Ahmed Arnaouty as its first-place winner, followed by Aishwarya Carriappa and Zainab Jebur for their visual interpretation of the book 'Dooq Dooq' by Shereen Sabbagh. Meanwhile, the Pitch the Project Award, which challenged creators to design animated series rooted in regional traditions for young audiences, awarded top honors to Mohammed Jandali, Abdalla Almunajad received second place, and Eslam Aboshady secured third place for their culturally rich storytelling proposals. The awards underscores SAC's commitment to nurturing talent that bridges global animation trends with the Middle East's vibrant heritage, amplifying voices poised to shape the industry's future. Concerts, networking event, and screenings Elevating SAC 2025's cultural and collaborative offerings, attendees reveled in live performances from Italy's Florence Pops Orchestra with the closing ceremony concluding with a concert that blended various memorable soundtracks from animated films. The evenings of Day 1 & 3, also witnessed the orchestra deliver renditions of Disney classics like The Lion King and Frozen; and a nostalgic Studio Ghibli tribute featuring Joe Hisaishi's iconic scores from Spirited Away and My Neighbor Totoro. On the evening of Day 2, the historic Bait Alowal hosted an exclusive networking evening, uniting industry leaders and creators to forge partnerships, and across the four days, curated film screenings celebrated animation's legacy and future, spotlighting indie gems and emerging regional talent alongside beloved Oscar-winning classics.
Gulf Today
02-05-2025
- Business
- Gulf Today
Sharjah Book Authority, Invest bank tie up on children's storybook
As part of its continued efforts to promote cultural awareness among young people, the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) has signed a partnership with Invest bank to develop a children's storybook focused on financial literacy. The initiative is a collaboration with the Sharjah Publishing Sustainability Fund (Onshur), a key SBA programme that supports sustainable publishing in the UAE. The agreement was signed on the sidelines of the 16th Sharjah Children's Reading Festival by Iman Ben Chaibah, Director of Strategic Initiatives at SBA, and Humaida Al Khalsan, Head of Corporate Affairs and Marketing at Invest bank, in the presence of Ahmed Bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of SBA, and Edris Al Rafi, CEO of Invest bank. Through this partnership, Invest bank will sponsor the production of a storybook for children aged eight and above, introducing key financial concepts in a simple and engaging way. The book will be launched at the upcoming Sharjah International Book Fair, in collaboration with a UAE-based publisher who graduated from the Onshur programme. Commenting on the partnership, Ahmed Bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of SBA, said: 'This partnership reflects the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, to bolster the role of books in human development and to cultivate content that fosters awareness from an early age. The authority remains committed to developing initiatives that embed books into the fabric of children's daily lives. By providing young readers with the tools to ignite their curiosity, expand their imagination, and deepen their understanding, we shape a future generation that is informed, inspired and imaginative. Through this collaboration, we offer an enriching reading experience that speaks to the realities of children's lives while seamlessly blending fun with meaning, and language with creativity." Ahmed Bin Rakkad Al Ameri added: 'We believe that human development begins in childhood, and that financial literacy is an essential part of that foundation, no less important than reading or general knowledge. This partnership reflects SBA's commitment to realising the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, to empower future generations through books and knowledge. Our collaboration with Invest bank aims to offer a creative model that combines culture and economic awareness in a format that resonates with both children and the wider community.' On his part, Edris Al Rafi, CEO of Invest bank, said: 'We are proud to partner with SBA on an initiative that introduces children to the fundamentals of financial literacy in an innovative and engaging way. Equipping young people with financial skills from an early age is not a luxury, but a necessity for building a more informed and sustainable society. At Invest bank, we believe that real investment begins with the child, and that combining financial knowledge with creativity and imagination lays the foundation for a generation capable of making smart, responsible financial decisions.' Onshur, established under the directives of Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi, is a flagship initiative that reflects Sharjah's commitment to building a knowledge-based economy and supporting the growth of emerging publishers. Launched by SBA in collaboration with the Emirates Publishers Association and the Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone, the fund is designed to strengthen the resilience and sustainability of the publishing sector. It offers three development tracks — Launch, Scale, and Disrupt — tailored to support publishers at different stages of their professional journey.
Gulf Today
21-04-2025
- Business
- Gulf Today
Al Ameri hails Sharjah-Rabat cultural ties
Building on the massive turnout and vibrant engagement with the emirate's guest of honour pavilion at the 30th Rabat International Publishing and Book Fair, Ahmed Bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), affirmed that Sharjah's growing presence on the international cultural stage reflects its status as a leading beacon in the Arab world and internationally. He noted that this unique status is rooted in the visionary leadership of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, who believes that true investment begins with people and that culture is the cornerstone of building sustainable societies. The CEO highlighted that the broad interest in Sharjah's participation, from both the general public and cultural leaders, stems from the consistent support and strategic guidance of Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of SBA, noting that her commitment has ensured the emirate's presence reflects its intellectual diversity and reinforces the depth of its mission to promote cultural dialogue at both the Arab and global levels. Al Ameri said: 'Culture is not a luxury, but a long-term investment in building conscious individuals who are capable of shaping their future and engaging confidently with global experiences while remaining firmly rooted in their identity. 'It also forms a vital bridge for strengthening ties between societies, with the enduring Arab dialogue, from the Levant to the Maghreb, continuing to thrive as a unifying force with the potential to shape a common future.' He concluded by affirming: 'The cultural partnership between the UAE and Morocco, and between Sharjah and Rabat in particular, stands as a model for advancing Arab cultural action. From Rabat today, we continue the narrative and remain convinced that culture will always be our most powerful foundation for achieving a sustainable Arab renaissance.'
