The Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) has chosen Morocco as the Guest of Honour at the 43rd Sharjah International Book Fair, scheduled to be held in November at Expo Centre Sharjah. The move highlights the distinguished cultural relations between the UAE and the Kingdom of Morocco.

Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), has underlined that the Kingdom of Morocco has always been a vital crossroads for regional and global cultures. She highlighted the renowned cities of Fez, Marrakech and Rabat as enduring testaments to magnificent Islamic history and centerpieces of the rich mosaic of Arab civilisation.

The statement was made following the signing of an agreement between SBA and the Books, Libraries, and Archives Authority at the Morocco Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication. The agreement was signed in the presence of Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid, Moroccan Minister of Youth, Culture and Communication; and Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of SBA, to host the Arab country as the Guest of Honour at the 43rd Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF).

It was signed by Khoula Al Mujaini, General Coordinator of the Sharjah Book Fair, and Latifa Moftagir, Director of the Books, libraries and Archives at the Moroccan Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication. 

Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi said: “We are thrilled to welcome the Kingdom of Morocco as the Guest of Honour at SIBF 2024 and to celebrate the country’s rich literary heritage. Morocco has long been a beacon of cultural and intellectual progress, and its prominence at Sharjah International Book Fair will open a new chapter in our shared Arab heritage.”

She added: “As a capital of Arab and Islamic culture and a former World Book Capital, Sharjah has become an international meeting point for global cultures. Under the guidance of His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, the emirate is proud to offer a platform for writers, thinkers, and artists to express their creativity, network, and exchange ideas. The Sharjah Book Fair serves as  the world’s gateway to Arabic literature and culture, enhancing the UAE’s profile as a hub of thought and creativity.”

During the signing ceremony, Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid, Moroccan Minister of Youth, Culture, and Communication, remarked: “Hosting Morocco comes at a crucial time when Moroccan-Emirati relations are undergoing a significant transformation under the wise leadership of both nations’ leaders. This development will enable the cultural sector to progress alongside other fields, prompting both countries to create mechanisms that elevate cultural relations to the same high level as the political and economic ties between the two brotherly nations.”

The  Minister added: “Morocco’s presence as Guest of Honour at Sharjah Book Fair will mark the beginning of an advanced phase of coordination, cooperation, and exchange of expertise, recognising every initiative that helps broaden prospects of joint action.”

Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), stated, “Celebrating Morocco as the Guest of Honour at SIBF 2024 reflects our profound vision to foster cultural dialogue and understanding among peoples. Alongside knowledge, culture serves as a reservoir of values, traditions, and ideas that shape our shared human identity.”

Al Ameri concluded, “Morocco, with its rich history and authentic civilization, exemplifies a leading Arab model of diversity and cultural pluralism, seamlessly merging various influences into a unique cultural identity.”