The 30th Rabat International Publishing and Book Fair kicked off with much fanfare as Sharjah proudly donned its Guest of Honour title. The air buzzed with excitement at the OLM Souissi venue in Morocco, where Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi along with Prince Moulay Rachid brought a cultural spotlight to the occasion, showcasing the strong ties between Sharjah and Morocco.
Diamond-shaped banners celebrated Arab heritage, while the opening ceremony’s ribbon-cutting was a bright start to what promises to be an enriching week. Sheikha Bodour, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), joined notable dignitaries including Moroccan Minister of Youth, Culture, and Communication, Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid, in touring the vibrant Sharjah pavilion designed to embody cultural initiatives and educational endeavours.
With 18 institutions on display, Sharjah’s pavilion presented a diverse portfolio of cultural projects, highlighting the emirate’s ongoing investments in education and the arts. Folks like Sheikh Fahim Al Qasimi and Latifa Mouftakir were in attendance, relishing in this cross-cultural celebration of knowledge and exchange, deeply rooting the event in collaboration.
Notably, a gala dinner held at Morocco’s UNESCO-listed Chellah illuminated the historic ties shared between the UAE and Morocco—culminating in a moving integration of the two nations’ cultures. “Our relationship with Morocco is founded upon a long and meaningful history of cultural and intellectual exchange,” Sheikha Bodour declared, recalling storied connections from Ibn Battuta’s travels that still unite their peoples today.
As the fair unfolds, Emirati initiatives designed to nurture reading habits and celebrate heritage, particularly amongst youths, take centre stage. The event features upwards of 50 diverse activities, from insightful panel discussions to engaging children’s workshops. Designed to inspire the next generation of readers, initiatives like the UAE Board on Books for Young People and ‘Kan Yama Kan’ highlight the importance of storytelling.
Sharjah’s participation is a robust affirmation of its cultural role in the Arab world, striving to remain a leading intellectual hub. By championing literature and cultural cooperation, Sharjah not only strengthens its own literary scene but also paves the way for fruitful future collaborations in translation and publishing—keeping an eye on a united cultural future for the region.
Sharjah celebrated its role as the Guest of Honour at the 30th Rabat International Publishing and Book Fair, which runs until April 27. The opening saw dignitaries like Sheikha Bodour and Prince Moulay Rachid, highlighting the profound cultural ties between Sharjah and Morocco. With 18 institutions represented and over 50 events planned, the fair emphasises the importance of cultural exchange and engaging young readers, setting a foundation for future collaborations.
The 30th Rabat International Publishing and Book Fair was a remarkable demonstration of cultural solidarity, with Sharjah shining as the Guest of Honour. Key figures celebrated the historical ties and collaborative spirit between Sharjah and Morocco, further reinforcing commitments to cultural exchange. With over 50 exciting events lined up, the fair aims to inspire young readers and showcase the depth of Arabic literature. This moment signifies not just cultural celebration but a forward-looking vision for future partnerships in the literary world.
Original Source: gulfnews.com
