Sharjah Ruler Attends Dinner Honoring SIBF 2024 Guest of Honour

Photo : Sharjah Govt Media Bureau

His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, attended a special dinner on Sunday, celebrating Morocco as the guest of honour at the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) 2024. The dinner, which took place at Al Nabooda House in the Heart of Sharjah, was a momentous occasion attended by prominent figures, including Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), and His Excellency Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid, Minister of Youth, Culture, and Communication of Morocco, along with various senior officials from Sharjah and Morocco.

During the event, Sheikh Dr. Sultan delivered an insightful speech in which he expressed his deep gratitude to Morocco for its significant cultural and intellectual contributions. He particularly praised the country for its rich heritage and the invaluable documents and knowledge it brought to Sharjah, which have illuminated new perspectives for the region. In his speech, Sheikh Dr. Sultan reflected on the historical and cultural relationship between Morocco and the Mashriq, highlighting how Morocco, despite its distance from the Mashriq, has always been a vital part of Arab and Islamic heritage. He noted that while many from the Mashriq may be unfamiliar with Morocco’s deep-rooted history, Morocco itself is a treasure trove of history and culture that has preserved the Andalusian legacy. “Even if Al-Andalus has disappeared, God has compensated us with Morocco, which has preserved the Andalusian heritage,” he said.

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The Ruler of Sharjah also acknowledged the efforts of those who fought for Morocco's independence from colonial rule, emphasizing the importance of embracing and celebrating Morocco’s historical and cultural wealth. He expressed a desire for greater collaboration with Moroccan universities, particularly in the field of heritage research, and stressed the significance of preserving and promoting Moroccan heritage for future generations. "If you walk on Moroccan soil, every stone would speak, saying, 'I am here,' with stories from its east, west, cities, and plains," Sheikh Dr. Sultan remarked.

For his part, His Excellency Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid, the Minister of Youth, Culture, and Communication of Morocco, spoke warmly of the strong cultural ties between the UAE and Morocco. He expressed his appreciation for the welcoming reception and the success of the Sharjah International Book Fair, which he described as a testament to Sharjah’s leadership in the cultural world. The Minister acknowledged the significant role that Sharjah has played in nurturing a cultural revolution, not just for the UAE but for the entire Arab world. He praised the continuous cultural and intellectual exchanges between Morocco and Sharjah and expressed gratitude for Morocco’s participation as the guest of honour.

Bensaid also noted the importance of the Sharjah International Book Fair as a hub for cultural diplomacy, offering a platform for enriching cultural dialogue and celebrating the literary and intellectual heritage of both countries. He expressed heartfelt thanks to the Ruler of Sharjah and Sheikha Bodour for their ongoing support and encouragement in strengthening the cultural relationship between Morocco and the UAE.

The evening concluded with the exchange of commemorative gifts and plaques between His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan and Minister Bensaid. The event also saw group photos being taken to mark the occasion.

The Moroccan pavilion at the Sharjah International Book Fair stands as a testament to Morocco’s rich cultural and intellectual heritage. With over 25 Moroccan publishers showcasing more than 4,000 titles, the pavilion offers visitors a chance to explore the diverse aspects of Moroccan culture. The pavilion also features a series of seminars and discussions with prominent Moroccan intellectuals, covering a range of topics including the role of artificial intelligence in literature, knowledge, and poetry. This cultural initiative underscores Morocco’s place as a crossroads of cultures, a beacon of Islamic heritage, and a hub of literary and intellectual traditions.

Through its celebration of Morocco as the guest of honour, the Sharjah International Book Fair continues to promote cultural exchange and reinforce its status as a global cultural leader. The event has undoubtedly enhanced Sharjah’s role in the promotion of intellectual dialogue and has contributed significantly to strengthening the bond between the UAE and Morocco.