Morocco has been selected as the Guest of Honor at the 43rd Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) in the United Arab Emirates, under an agreement signed by Morocco’s Minister of Youth, Culture, and Communication, Mohammed Mehdi Bensaid, and the Executive Chairman of the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), Ahmed bin Rakkad Al-Ameri.
“The participation of Morocco as the Guest of Honor at the Sharjah Book Fair represents a new phase of coordination and cooperation, fostering the exchange of experiences and initiatives,” Minister Bensaid said.
He underscored that the invitation comes with a period of significant growth in Moroccan-Emirati relations, with cultural cooperation closely aligned with political and economic ties.
“The decision to select Morocco as the Guest of Honor for 2024 reflects our vision to enhance cooperation and cultural dialogue between the peoples and to reinforce the foundations of cultural understanding,” Al-Ameri underlined. “Culture is not merely an accumulation of knowledge, but an ecosystem of values, traditions, and ideas that shape our common identity.”
Commenting on Morocco’s engagement with culture in comparison to other Arab countries, SBA’s Chairman said: “Morocco, with its rich history and ancestral civilization, is a pioneer in the Arab world in positively interacting with diversity and cultural pluralism. The country has demonstrated an ability to combine different influences to forge a singular cultural identity.”
The SIBF, scheduled for November 6-17, 2024, will feature Moroccan cultural displays such as musical performances, workshops, and literature exhibitions.
The Moroccan pavilion will feature books, historical records, and various cultural programs. Visitors will gain insight into Morocco’s history, culture and arts, as several Moroccan authors will offer their experiences and knowledge.