Latest news with #AhmedbinRakkadAlAmeri
Sharjah 24
19-05-2025
- Business
- Sharjah 24
Bodour Al Qasimi announces Greece as Guest of Honour of 44th SIBF
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. 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 bint Sultan Al Qasimi said: 'Sharjah's cultural journey continues to be guided by the vision of His Highness 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. 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.
Sharjah 24
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Sharjah 24
SBA's Arabic Language Festival in Milan welcomes writers
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 His Excellency 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. A carrier of culture and a bridge between worlds During his keynote speech, His Excellency Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri delivered greetings from His Highness Sheikh Dr. 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, channeling 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. An emerging transformation in cultural ties 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.' The festival's eighth edition seeks to examine the presence of Arabic language and culture within Western contexts, fostering deeper understanding and engagement across new cultural settings. The programme centres on two key themes: the first focuses on teaching Arabic to non-native speakers, with particular emphasis on revising curricula in grammar, morphology, and rhetoric to better align with the needs of learners in Western societies. The second explores contemporary Arabic literature in the diaspora, featuring testimonies and critical readings by Arab writers based in the West, alongside discussions on translation, the reception of Arabic literature in other languages, and the connection between these works and the writers' cultural and social integration. The festival offers a diverse programme of panel discussions led by prominent authors and researchers, showcasing the depth of cultural exchange between East and West. It also presents diverse artistic and cultural events, including visual art exhibitions, musical performances, and poetry sessions. The programme concludes with a concert by the Arabic language student choir at the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, celebrating the vitality of the language and the convergence of cultures.
Zawya
02-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Sharjah Book Authority, Invest Bank partner to bring financial literacy to children
The Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) has signed a partnership with Invest Bank to produce a children's storybook on financial literacy, as part of its efforts to promote cultural and educational awareness among young readers. The initiative is supported by the Sharjah Publishing Sustainability Fund (Onshur), which champions 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 SBA CEO Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri and Invest Bank CEO Edris Al Rafi. Targeting children aged eight and above, the storybook will introduce key financial concepts in a simplified, engaging format. It is set to launch at the upcoming Sharjah International Book Fair and will be published by a UAE-based publisher who graduated from the Onshur programme. Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri said the initiative aligns with the vision of H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, to foster human development through books. 'Financial literacy is just as important as reading and general knowledge. Through this collaboration, we present a model that combines culture and economic awareness in a format that resonates with children and families,' he said. Edris Al Rafi added, 'Investing in financial education from an early age is essential for building a more informed society. This partnership allows us to introduce children to financial principles through storytelling, creativity and imagination.' Onshur, launched by SBA under the directives of Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, supports emerging publishers through development tracks designed to build a resilient, knowledge-driven publishing ecosystem in Sharjah.
Sharjah 24
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Sharjah 24
16th SCRF kicks off with diverse activities
Festival inspired by visionary leadership His Excellency Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of the Sharjah Book Authority, stated that the Sharjah Children's Reading Festival is being implemented in accordance with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and his wife, Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs. It reflects the importance of children's development and instilling a love of reading in them. Activities blend education and entertainment Al Ameri explained in statements to 'Sharjah 24' that the 16th edition of the Sharjah Children's Reading Festival is packed with diverse activities that combine entertainment and education. It includes more than 1,000 events presented by 133 guests from 70 countries. The festival also includes the third edition of the Sharjah Animation Conference. Festival schedule and global participation The festival will be held over 12 days, from April 23 to May 4 at Expo Centre Sharjah, under the theme "Dive into Books." It will feature the participation of experts and specialists, including Arab and international writers and thinkers, who will share their experiences in the field of children's books.
Al Etihad
21-04-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
Sharjah Publishing Sustainability Fund announces participants for 'Scale' track
21 Apr 2025 08:58 SHARJAH (WAM) The Sharjah Publishing Sustainability Fund (Onshur) has announced the participants for its 2025 "Scale" track. Thirteen publishing houses were selected from 62 applicants who met the programme's rigorous criteria, including a proven track record in publishing diverse and culturally impactful works and a clear commitment to expanding their operations through sustainable growth selected publishers will start a four-weeks intensive programme starting in Scale track cohort reflects notable diversity, with women making up 60 percent of participants and men 40 percent. Emiratis form the largest group at 40 percent, followed by 13 percent each from Egypt and Syria. The remaining participants come from Australia at six percent, Eritrea, Jordan, Canada and Lebanon, each representing seven percent of the taking part in the Scale track include: Ajyal, Sidra Publishing and Distribution, Kalaman for Distribution and Publishing, Ghaf Publications, Nabati Publishing, Dar Al Bayan Al Arabi, Dar Al Furat Publishing, Dar Al Fikr Al Jadeed, Shams Publishing, The Dream Work Collective, Shaheen Printing, Publishing and Distribution, Loaloa Publishing and Distribution, and Al Noor upcoming track offers participants an interactive learning journey to equip them with practical tools and effective strategies for scaling up their local and international curriculum covers specialised training sessions focused on business model development, digital marketing strategies, data management, and the use of modern technologies to enhance reader programme also includes networking opportunities with senior international publishers and experts, helping participants strengthen their presence in global markets and build strong publishing brands. The evaluation committee featured a distinguished group of cultural and publishing leaders, including Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of the Sharjah Book Authority.
