Sharjah unveils Morocco as guest of honour international book fair

The 43rd Sharjah International Book Fair plans to present Morocco as this year’s guest of honour, having welcomed South Korea as its guest of honour at last year’s fair, which logged a revised total of more than 2.17 million visitors in its 12-day run. 

“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,” Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairwoman of the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) said. 

Sheikha Bodour also underscored 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 centrepieces 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 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), which takes place this November in Expo Centre Sharjah. 

The event will showcase an exceptional array of writers, thinkers and cultural figures from around the globe. The agreement was formally signed by Khoula Al Mujaini, General Coordinator of the SIBF, and Latifa Muftaqir, Director of the Books, Libraries, and Archives Authority. 

“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 H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member 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. SIBF is the world’s gateway to Arabic literature and culture, enhancing the UAE’s profile as a centre of thought and creativity,” Sheikha Bodour said. 

On his part, Moroccan Minister of Youth, Culture, and Communication Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid said during the signing ceremony that “hosting Morocco comes at a crucial time when Moroccan-Emirati relations, under the leadership of both nations’ leaders, are undergoing a significant transformation. “ 

He added, “this development will allow the cultural sector to progress alongside other fields, prompting both parties to create mechanisms that elevate cultural relations to the same high level as the political and economic ties between the two brotherly nations. In this context, the Minister emphasised that the Kingdom’s presence as SIBF 2024 Guest of Honour will mark the beginning of an advanced phase of coordination, cooperation, and exchange of expertise, recognising every initiative that advances joint efforts.”

CEO of SBA Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri said, “Celebrating Morocco as the Guest of Honour at SIBF 2024 embodies our commitment to fostering cultural dialogue and understanding. 

“This role as Guest of Honour reflects the vision of H.H. the Ruler of Sharjah, and Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi in promoting global cultural exchange. By hosting Morocco, we aim to transcend boundaries and embrace new experiences,” he added. 

During SIBF 2024, the Moroccan pavilion will showcase Moroccan publications and historical documents, in addition to a rich cultural programme featuring events and activities through panel discussions, workshops, and artistic performances. 

It will introduce visitors to the history, civilisation, and arts of the Kingdom. The pavilion will highlight its culture, knowledge, and thinkers and host several Moroccan authors who will share their experiences and expertise with the fair’s visitors.