Sharjah Named Guest of Honor at 30th Rabat International Book Fair

Doha – Sharjah has been designated as the Guest of Honor at the 30th Rabat International Book Fair (SIEL), scheduled to take place from April 17 to 27, at OLM Souissi in Morocco.

The agreement was formalized during a signing ceremony between Khoula Al Mujaini, Director of Events and Marketing at the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), and Latifa Moftaqir, General Coordinator of SIEL and Director of the Moroccan Archives Foundation.

More than 15 Emirati publishers will present their latest works, alongside a comprehensive cultural program showcasing the UAE’s contemporary and historical literary achievements.

The event will include panel discussions between Emirati and Moroccan intellectuals, dedicated children’s workshops, and traditional performances displaying UAE’s cultural landscape.

According to the Emirates News Agency WAM, Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of SBA, said that Morocco’s decision to honor Sharjah provides a “valuable opportunity” to strengthen historical ties between the two countries.

“Culture is one of the most powerful channels through which nations and societies connect, fostering meaningful dialogue and mutual understanding. It extends beyond literature, art, and music to encompass the identity and values that define communities,” she stated.

“For centuries, Morocco has been a centre of thought, creativity, and scholarship, which yielded invaluable contributions to intellectual and literary heritage, not only within the Arab world but also globally,” Sheikha Bodour added.

Mohammed Mehdi Bensaid, Morocco’s Minister of Youth, Culture, and Communication, said that the honor reflects the depth of historical and fraternal ties between both countries.

“This will be a valuable opportunity for visitors to the fair to explore the rich culture, history, and literary contributions of the emirate of Sharjah. We experienced Sharjah’s dedication to culture and literature firsthand when Morocco was celebrated as the Guest of Honour at the Sharjah International Book Fair,” he explained.

Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of SBA, pointed out, “Morocco has long been a cultural beacon, seamlessly blending the depth of Arab-Islamic heritage with the influences of global intellectual thought. The honouring of Sharjah as the Guest of Honour at the RIBF [SIEL] 2025 reaffirms the deep-rooted cultural ties that unite us.”

The program will feature collaborative artistic initiatives, including joint projects between Emirati and Moroccan calligraphers.

Special attention will be given to children’s engagement through interactive workshops introducing Emirati heritage.

The cultural program will encompass various forms of literature and creative arts, offering visitors an immersive experience in UAE’s cultural traditions.

The selection builds upon recent cultural exchanges between the two countries. Morocco was celebrated as the Guest of Honor at the 43rd Sharjah International Book Fair in November 2024, where it showcased its rich heritage through the legacy of the historic Al-Qarawiyyin University in Fez.