sharjah ruler opens book fair
His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan bin mohammed Al Qasimi, member of the Supreme Council and ruler of Sharjah, inaugurated the 37th edition of the Sharjah international book Fair at the expo Centre on Wednesday. He also honoured the winners of the 10th etisalat Award for Arabic Children’s literature at the fair. —
The 37th edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) was inaugurated on Wednesday by His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme council and Ruler of Sharjah.
The 11-day cultural extravaganza, organised by the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) at the Expo Centre, Sharjah, will conclude on November 10.
The opening ceremony was attended by Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, wife of the Ruler of Sharjah, chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs, and chairperson of The Big Heart Foundation; and Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, as well as top officials of the Sharjah Government.
Dr Sheikh Sultan said Sharjah has achieved the objectives of its cultural movement that started in 1979, when the emirate decided to focus on culture rather than start constructing concrete buildings. This festival of culture will complete 40 years in 2019.
He welcomed Japan as the guest of honour of this year’s book fair. “We extend our hand to those distant countries from which we draw some of their heritage. Perhaps, it will take our hand to progress and development.”
Ahmed Al Ameri, chairman of the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), highlighted the international acclaim the SIBF has earned since its establishment.
“The SIBF has become an intellectual and cultural extravaganza that draws international interest. It is a celebration of the Emirati and Arab cultures and a message from Sharjah and the UAE to the world about the beauty of the language of the mind, intellectual thought, art and aesthetics, and how it brings all of us together on one stage.
“The SIBF is sending a message in golden letters. A message written in different languages by people of diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds, who share the love of words that can unite humanity in one place where there is no room except for the good.”
Al Ameri concluded his remarks with a glowing tribute to the Sharjah Ruler. He said: “His Highness Sheikh Sultan has always regarded knowledge as a foundation of development and sustainability, and a nation’s strength and prestige. He is a leader of the strongest intellect and great compassion who views the book as a window to our past, present and future.”
During the opening ceremony, Dr Sheikh Sultan also honoured Azzeldine Mihoubi, Algeria’s Minister of Culture, as the Cultural Personality of the year. Mihoubi is selected for his contribution to enriching the Arab and Islamic culture and for his remarkable efforts in journalism.
We extend our hand to those distant countries from which we draw some of their heritage. Perhaps, it will take our hand to progress and development.” Dr Sheikh Sultan, Member of the Supreme council and Ruler of Sharjah
It is a celebration of the Emirati and Arab cultures and a message from Sharjah and the UAE to the world about the beauty of the language of the mind.” Ahmed Al Ameri, chairman of the Sharjah Book Authority