Sharjah Unveils 52 Cultural Events As Guest Of Honour At Rabat Book Fair 2025

The Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) has outlined its plans as the Guest of Honour at the 30th Rabat International Book Fair, scheduled from 18th to 27th April. The programme will feature 52 cultural events, including panel discussions and workshops, in collaboration with 17 prominent institutions from the Emirate. This announcement was made during a press conference hosted by the Moroccan Ministry of Culture.

Moroccan Minister of Youth, Culture and Communication Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid and SBA CEO Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri were present at the event, along with other officials and media representatives. Al Ameri highlighted that Sharjah's participation follows Morocco's honorary role at the previous Sharjah International Book Fair. He emphasised that this reflects the cultural vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah.

The event aims to promote cultural unity by connecting the Arab Gulf with North Africa. The agenda includes various sessions focusing on literature, language, heritage, and publishing. Notable topics include the historical dimension of the Dr Sultan Al Qasimi Centre by Ali Ibrahim Al Marri and shared features in Arabic dialects from East to West with Sultan Al Ameemi and Yahya Amara.

Other sessions will explore themes like traditional architecture aesthetics in both regions with Dr Hamad bin Sarai and Dr Zhour Karam. Literary panels will delve into evolving themes in Arabic literature, such as Moroccan literature's impact on reclaiming Arabic poetry through new technology and feminism's role in knowledge production strategies.

The event will also cover contemporary Arabic literature's portrayal of deserts. Poetry events titled "Under one sky," "Echoes," and "Mirrors of speech" will feature renowned poets from both nations. Children's literature is another focus area, with sessions on Emirati and Moroccan children's books' aesthetics led by the UAE Board on Books for Young People.

Additionally, folk tales across cultures will be discussed. The Arab Children’s Literature Award and Kan Yama Kan initiative will be highlighted during these sessions. Library-related discussions will address knowledge preservation and access, covering topics like Morocco's library history and manuscript collections.

Library Sessions and Visual Arts

Sessions will also explore cataloguing Arabic manuscripts and libraries as spaces for creativity and cultural exchange. Translation as a cultural bridge is another key topic. In visual arts, there will be a session titled "Andalusia: A futuristic visual simulation" alongside children's workshops on Arabic ornamentation.

Sharjah’s participation will highlight the PublishHer initiative launched by Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi to empower Arab women in publishing and creative industries. Participating entities include Emirates Writers Union, Emirates Publishers Association, Emirates Libraries and Information Association, Sharjah Department of Culture, Arabic Language Academy in Sharjah, Sharjah Institute for Heritage, House of Wisdom among others.

This comprehensive programme underscores Sharjah's commitment to fostering cultural exchange between regions while celebrating literary achievements across diverse fields.

With inputs from WAM