The Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) has taken a monumental leap onto the global literary stage. It proudly serves as the Guest of Honour at the prestigious 2025 International Publishing and Book Fair in Rabat, Morocco. The milestone moment was marked by a grand ribbon-cutting ceremony, led by Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi, Chairperson of Sharjah Book Authority, who expressed heartfelt gratitude for the warm hospitality extended by His Royal Highness Prince Moulay Rachid.
“It was an immense pleasure to be part of the ribbon-cutting ceremony inaugurating the 2025 International Publishing and Book Fair,” said Sheikha Bodour. “Sharjah is thrilled to be serving as the Guest of Honour. It was also a sincere honour to be so warmly and graciously welcomed by His Royal Highness Prince Moulay Rachid.”
The event, held under the theme of cultural exchange and intellectual collaboration, was a celebration of literary diplomacy and shared heritage between the UAE and Morocco. The presence of high-ranking dignitaries — including ministers, ambassadors, royal advisors, and top officials — underlined the fair’s growing global significance.
A New Chapter in Arab Cultural Solidarity
The collaboration between Sharjah and Morocco at this year’s fair marks a new chapter in Arab cultural unity, strengthening ties through the power of books and storytelling.
“Joined by our distinguished Moroccan partners, the inauguration signified the opening of a new chapter in the friendship between our nations, built on dialogue, learning, and mutual veneration of culture,” Sheikha Bodour noted.
As she toured the fair alongside Latifa Mouftakir, Director of the Rabat International Publishing and Book Fair, Sheikha Bodour praised the event’s magnetic energy and the intellectual curiosity it ignited among visitors, publishers, and authors.
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Rabat: A World Book Capital in the Making
With Rabat set to become the UNESCO World Book Capital in 2026, Sheikha Bodour lauded the city’s vibrant literary spirit and readiness for global recognition.
“Without question, Rabat will be a dazzling World Book Capital in 2026,” she said. “Books have always brought people closer, and it’s wonderful to see this spirit reflected so powerfully in Rabat in a festival of the values of knowledge, language, and imagination that unite us.”
Sharjah’s Expanding Cultural Footprint
This prestigious invitation is the latest in a series of international cultural milestones for Sharjah, which continues to cement its role as a global hub for literature, publishing, and cross-cultural exchange. Under the guidance of Sheikha Bodour and the vision of His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Sharjah’s cultural diplomacy is opening new avenues for dialogue between East and West.
As the Rabat fair continues, Sharjah’s participation stands as a testament to the enduring power of books to bridge borders — and the UAE’s growing leadership in the global literary landscape.
