Sharjah: Dr. Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid, the Moroccan Minister of Youth, Culture, and Communication, visited the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF 2024), where he was warmly received by Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of the Sharjah Book Authority, and Ahmed Tazi, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco to the UAE. This visit coincides with the celebration of Morocco as the Guest of Honour at the 43rd edition of the book fair.
According to Emirates News Agency, Al Ameri guided the minister on a comprehensive tour of the fair, which included a visit to the Moroccan pavilion. Here, Dr. Bensaid explored a cultural program featuring seminars and panel discussions led by prominent Moroccan philosophers, thinkers, and authors. The minister also engaged with 25 Moroccan publishers who were showcasing over 4,000 titles spanning literature, philosophy, arts, and more.
During his visit, Dr. Bensaid had the opportunity to view rare manuscripts that reflect Morocco’s rich heritage in fields like astronomy and geography.
Among the notable works were pieces by renowned Moroccan scholars and the historic Idrisi Map. He also admired centuries-old copies of the Holy Quran and archaeological artifacts, underscoring the Kingdom’s profound cultural legacy.
Dr. Bensaid commented on the visit, highlighting SIBF’s significance as a leading global event in the publishing sector. He praised the fair for fostering reading and advancing the knowledge economy, and noted that Morocco’s role as Guest of Honour presents a unique platform to showcase its culture and heritage through special events and exhibits in the Moroccan pavilion.
The minister emphasized the importance of SIBF as a vital platform for Moroccan publishers to present their latest works and introduce Moroccan culture to visitors from the UAE and beyond. He recognized the global prominence of the Sharjah publishing market and viewed Morocco’s participation as an opportunity to attract investment in publishing and strengthen cultural and knowledge ties with Sharjah. Dr. Bensai
d expressed a desire for expanded partnerships, particularly in copyright exchange and intellectual property protection, and underscored the high demand for Moroccan literature both within the Arab world and internationally.
In conclusion, Dr. Bensaid expressed eagerness to explore joint projects with Sharjah to further develop the cultural and knowledge sectors. On his part, 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.
Al Ameri also noted the high level of interest in the Moroccan pavilion, with significant attendance indicating a broad appreciation for Morocco’s intellectual, literary, and cultural contributions. He added that the Guest of Honour agenda at SIBF creates unique opportunities for cultural exchange and networking with a diverse audience, reinforcing the deep-rooted cultural ties between the UAE and Morocco.
