Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, a member of the United Arab Emirates Supreme Council and Ruler of the Emirate of Sharjah, met with Morocco’s Minister of Youth, Culture, and Communication, Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid, on Sunday. Bensaid is currently in Sharjah leading a delegation at the 43rd Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF), that is currently taking place from November 6-17, at which Morocco is the guest of honor.
During the meeting, both officials commended the long-standing and strong relationship between Morocco and the UAE, led by Morocco’s King Mohammed VI and the UAE’s President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Bensaid applauded Sharjah for hosting the event, recognizing the book fair’s growing appeal and international status. He acknowledged Morocco’s participation as the guest of honor, saying it would create a lasting impact, elevating Moroccan culture through literature.
The minister also acknowledged Sharjah’s long-standing cultural development, which has transformed the Emirate into a global cultural hub.
Sheikh Sultan hosted a dinner in honor of the Moroccan delegation attended by Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Bin Mohamed Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority, and Morocco’s Ambassador to the UAE, Ahmed Tazi.
The Moroccan program at the fair features discussions on cultural cooperation between Morocco and the UAE and the Moroccan book industry and exchanges with prominent Moroccan intellectuals, including scholars in the areas of philosophy, literature, criticism, and poetry.
The Moroccan pavilion at the Sharjah Expo Center showcases Moroccan heritage through lectures, theatrical performances, art exhibitions, roundtable discussions, and children’s workshops on decoration and weaving. The exhibition also has on display approximately 4,000 books from 25 Moroccan publishers.