Sharjah celebrates Emirati heritage at Rabat book fair

Sharjah, as the Guest of Honour at the 30th Rabat International Publishing and Book Fair, launched its dynamic cultural programme on Friday, drawing significant public interest and enthusiastic engagement from visitors.

Through a series of interactive workshops and insightful discussions, Sharjah bridged Emirati and Arab heritage with contemporary creative expression, bringing a unique cultural perspective to Morocco.

The panel discussion, titled Andalusia: A Futuristic Visual Simulation, featured six leading artists commissioned by the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA).

The panel explored a collective experiment in memory and imagination, reinterpreting the legacy of Andalusia through digital art, collage, and visual projections.

Artists Ahmed Jarid, Alia Al Hammadi, Bashir Amal, Rafia Al Nassar, Noor Al Khamiri, and Moulay Youssef Al Kahfai offered diverse perspectives on how contemporary media can breathe new life into historical narratives, balancing tradition with innovation.

The artists’ works are now featured in both a publication and a compelling exhibition at Sharjah’s pavilion.

In the From East to West workshop, children and young visitors were invited to reimagine the cultural icons of the Arab world through crayons and watercolours. Led by artists Alia Al Hammadi and Noor Al Khamiri, this session traced the architectural and artistic heritage of the Levant and Maghreb, encouraging participants to bring minarets, motifs, and landmarks to life on paper.

The Arabesque Designs workshop allowed children, guided by artists Rafia Al Nassar and Noor Al Khamiri, to explore the elegance of Islamic design. Participants delved into intricate patterns and bold lines, recreating motifs from the Arab world’s architectural and artistic traditions, blending playful creativity with a deepened appreciation for their cultural heritage.

EPA committed to supporting Emirati publishers:

The Emirates Publishers Association (EPA) continues to highlight the UAE's cultural presence on the international stage through its active participation in the 30th edition of the Rabat International Publishing and Book Fair (SIEL), which kicked off in the Moroccan capital on 17th April.

The annual book fair, organised by the Moroccan Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication, is one of the region's most prominent literary events.

The Emirati publishing delegation participating in the book fair includes Emirati publisher Amira BuKadra, Co-Founder of Ghaf Publishing and Dr. Abdullah Al Sharhan, Co-Founder and Creative Director of Ajyal for Publishing & Distribution.

Rashid Alkous, Executive Director of EPA, expressed his pride in participating in the book fair, extending his deep gratitude to Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi, founder and honorary president of the Emirates Publishers Association, for her continuous support of the Emirati publishing industry and her pioneering role in enhancing the status of Emirati books on the international stage.

He commented, "Our participation in the Rabat International Publishing and Book Fair affirms our commitment to supporting Emirati publishers and opening new doors for cultural dialogue and exchange of expertise with our partners in Morocco and the Arab world, especially with Sharjah being chosen as this year's guest of honour; a tribute that reflects the emirate's pioneering role as a global cultural centre."

He said, "At the Emirates Publishers Association, we work to ensure that our participation in international forums serves as an authentic outlet for cultural communication and showcases the richness of the UAE's creative scene.

"Our presence today at the Rabat International Publishing and Book Fair is a celebration of Emirati culture and the spirit of Arab cooperation, which contributes to building a prosperous future for the publishing industry in the region."

The Emirati publishing delegation will participate in a discussion session at the book fair, moderated by Rashid Al Kous, with the participation of Amira BuKadra, Dr. Abdullah Al Sharhan, Tarek Saliki, President of the Moroccan Publishers Association, and Safaa Wali Publisher at Fennec Publishing House in Casablanca.

The session will address three main topics namely, "Ways to enhance book distribution in the region”, "Book pricing mechanisms and the sustainability of independent publishers”, and "The role of government initiatives in supporting local writers and developing the industry.”

With this unique participation, the Emirates Publishers Association renews its unwavering commitment to empowering Emirati publishers, enhancing the UAE's position on the global publishing map, and strengthening bridges of cultural cooperation, thereby enriching the Arab and international literary scene.