Sharjah to host 52 Emirati-Moroccan cultural events at Rabat Book Fair

The Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) has unveiled its agenda as Guest of Honour at the 30th Rabat International Book Fair (RIBF 2025), from April 18 to 27.

Sharjah is set to present a comprehensive cultural programme featuring 52 joint Emirati-Moroccan events, including panel discussions, workshops and heritage activities, organised by the Authority in collaboration with the Emirate’s leading cultural institutions.

The announcement was made during a press conference held by the Moroccan Ministry of Culture, attended by Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid, Moroccan Minister of Youth, Culture and Communication; Ahmed Bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of SBA; alongside several cultural officials and media representatives from both sides.

During the press conference, Ahmed Bin Rakkad Al Ameri said: “In the previous edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF), we had the honour of welcoming the Kingdom of Morocco as the Guest of Honour. Their participation enriched our cultural programme with significant intellectual contributions, adding a unique element to the event. Today, we are proud that Sharjah has been named Guest of Honour of RIBF 2025. This opportunity reflects the enduring fraternal bonds between the two countries.”

Al Ameri continued: “This honour aligns with the vision of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, to foster meaningful dialogue and sustained cultural engagement with Arab nations. Under the guidance of Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of SBA, our participation will include contributions from 17 cultural institutions. As part of this extensive programme, eleven Emirati authors will be present, further enriching the fair as an inclusive platform for artistic and cultural exchange between creators from the UAE and Morocco.”

He concluded: “With our participation, we carry to Morocco a message from the UAE that embraces culture as a universal language, connecting people through books. We hope that our cultural presence at the international event will serve as a bridge between the Arab Gulf and North Africa, strengthening creative and intellectual ties between our nations.”

As Guest of Honour, Sharjah’s participation will bring together a distinguished group of Emirati and Moroccan writers and intellectuals to explore the deep-rooted cultural connections between the eastern and western regions of the Arab world.

The discussions will delve into a wide range of topics, including literature, linguistic heritage, traditional practices, children’s literature, and contemporary publishing challenges, all aimed at fostering greater cultural cohesion across the Arab region.

The programme will feature panel discussions with prominent cultural figures from both nations.

Among the key sessions are: “The historical dimension of the Dr Sheikh Sultan Al Qasimi Centre” presented by Ali Ibrahim Al Marri; “Shared and divergent features in Arabic dialects from East to West” featuring Sultan Al Ameemi and Yahya Amara; and “A bridge between two shores: Creative intersections in the Arab world” with Emirati author Sheikha Al Jaberi and Moroccan critic Said Yaktine.

The programme will feature panel discussions with prominent cultural figures from both nations.

Among the key sessions are: “The historical dimension of the Dr Sultan Al Qasimi Centre” presented by Ali Ibrahim Al Marri; “Shared and divergent features in Arabic dialects from East to West” led by Sultan Al Ameemi and Yahya Amara; and “A bridge between two shores: Creative intersections in the Arab world” with Emirati author Sheikha Al Jaberi and Moroccan critic Said Yaktine.

Sharjah’s pavilion will also host a session titled “The aesthetics of traditional Emirati and Moroccan architecture,” in which Emirati researcher Dr Hamad Bin Sarai and Dr Zhour Karam will explore both the commonalities and distinctive characteristics of architectural heritage in the two cultures.

The emirate’s literary agenda programme brings together acclaimed writers, critics, and poets from the UAE and Morocco to explore evolving literary landscapes, thematic intersections, and contemporary issues shaping Arabic literature today.

Recently, the 4th International Booksellers Conference in Sharjah concluded on a high note, leaving attendees inspired and equipped with innovative strategies to navigate the evolving industry of bookselling. Over two days, the event brought together over 750 participants from 92 countries, including booksellers, publishers, and industry experts, underscoring its growing prominence as a global platform for collaboration and knowledge exchange.

The annual conference, organised by Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), has successfully reinforced its mission proving the indispensable role of booksellers as cultural custodians and intermediaries between authors and readers while addressing the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of the industry.

Commenting on the success of the 4th edition of the conference, Mansour Al Hassani, General Coordinator of Professional Conferences at SBA, stated, “Guided by the leadership and patronage of our Chairperson, Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi, SBA is deeply committed to building a globally connected and skill-driven bookselling industry. Our annual conference provides a valuable forum for sharing best practices and innovative strategies, and has facilitated the forging of connections which are integral to the future of the sector...”