Minister all praise for Sharjah book fair
Al Gergawi says event is a vibrant reflection of UAE’s rapidly growing cultural landscape
The Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) is one of many achievements that put the country on the forefront of cultural movements internationally, a UAE minister has said.
Mohammad Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and the Future, praised the UAE’s cultural achievements during a visit to the 37th SIBF, held at the Expo Centre.
During his tour of the book fair on November 7, Al Gergawi said the UAE’s cultural strides wouldn’t have been possible without its people’s contributions and the leadership’s efforts in investing in its human capital.
Al Gergawi stopped by Sharjah World Book Capital 2019 booth and congratulated the emirate on the prestigious recognition by Unesco.
He said that the achievement strengthens the image of Arab culture around the world, and is a reflection of the accumulation of four decades worth of cultural progress made by Sharjah under the vision of His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah.
The minister was accompanied by Ahmad Al Ameri, Chairman of the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), who took him on a tour highlighting the new programmes, activities and accomplishments of this edition, which is hosting over 1,874 publishing houses from 77 countries.
The minister visited several publishers and sifted through the literary and academic materials they have brought to the fair. He also commended individual efforts and contributions including authors, intellectuals, translators, librarians and teachers and university professors who have dedicated themselves to strengthening the status of Arabic language and literature.