HE Dr. Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid, Moroccan Minister of Youth, Culture, and Communication, visited the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF 2024) where he was received by HE Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of the Sharjah Book Authority, and HE Ahmed Tazi, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco to the UAE, coinciding with the celebration of Morocco as the Guest of Honour of the 43rd edition.
Comprehensive tour
Al Ameri accompanied the minister on a tour of the book fair, including the Moroccan pavilion, where he explored its cultural programme, featuring seminars and panel discussions by prominent Moroccan philosophers, thinkers, and authors. The minister also visited 25 Moroccan publishers, showcasing over 4,000 titles in literature, philosophy, arts, and more.
During the tour, he viewed rare manuscripts reflecting Morocco’s heritage in astronomy and geography, including notable works by Moroccan scholars and the historic Idrisi Map. Additionally, he saw centuries-old copies of the Holy Quran and archaeological artefacts, highlighting the Kingdom’s rich cultural legacy.
Spotlighting Morrocan culture and heritage
Commenting on the visit, Dr. Bensaid emphasised the significance of SIBF as a leading global event in the publishing sector, fostering reading and advancing the knowledge economy. He noted that Morocco’s role as Guest of Honour is an exceptional opportunity to showcase its culture and heritage through unique events and exhibits in the Moroccan pavilion.
The minister described SIBF as a vital platform for Moroccan publishers, allowing them to present their latest works and introduce Moroccan culture to visitors from the UAE and beyond. He also highlighted the Sharjah publishing market’s global prominence, seeing Morocco’s participation as a chance to attract investment in publishing and strengthen cultural and knowledge ties with Sharjah. Expressing a desire for expanded partnerships, particularly in copyright exchange and intellectual property protection, Dr. Bensaid underscored the high demand for Moroccan literature across the Arab world and internationally.
He concluded by expressing eagerness to explore joint projects with Sharjah to further develop the cultural and knowledge sectors.
For his part, HE Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri highlighted that the minister’s visit reflects Morocco’s strong commitment to cultural affairs and its dedication to presenting its heritage on the global stage. He noted that celebrating Morocco as Guest of Honour underscores its status as a cultural bridge between East and West, providing a valuable platform to share Morocco’s rich heritage and diverse achievements with the world.
Al Ameri also remarked on the significant interest in the Moroccan pavilion, with high attendance showing both UAE and international appreciation for Morocco’s intellectual, literary, and cultural contributions. He added that the Guest of Honour agenda creates unique opportunities for cultural exchange and networking with a diverse audience, reinforcing the deep-rooted cultural ties between the UAE and Morocco.
