Rabat: The Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) has signed a partnership agreement with Morocco's Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication - Culture Sector to exchange expertise and knowledge in the book industry and develop mechanisms for institutional and technical cooperation in related public policies, coinciding with UNESCO's designation of Rabat as World Book Capital 2026.
According to Emirates News Agency, the agreement was signed by H.H. Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of SBA, and Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid, Morocco's Minister of Youth, Culture and Communication. The signing took place during an SBA delegation visit to Rabat as part of celebrations marking Rabat's selection as World Book Capital 2026.
The agreement focuses on the exchange of expertise regarding legal and regulatory aspects of the publishing sector, technical consultations on governance models, and the sharing of information on investment incentives and services for publishers. It also includes organizing field visits, workshops, and training, as well as supporting the development of a general framework and feasibility studies for projects to advance Morocco's publishing sector.
Commenting on the partnership, H.H. Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi highlighted the potential for the Arab book industry to expand its global presence through effective partnerships and alignment between cultural institutions. She emphasized that this collaboration is built on the directives of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, emphasizing the central role of books in development and cultural exchange.
Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid expressed that the partnership with SBA reflects a commitment to investing in culture and the knowledge economy as pillars of sustainable development. He acknowledged Sharjah's leading role in supporting the book industry regionally and internationally, providing a reference for developing cultural policies and improving sector performance. He noted the significance of Rabat's selection as World Book Capital in creating opportunities to deepen cooperation and expand the global presence of Arab culture.
The agreement establishes a framework for exchanging institutional and technical expertise to support a more efficient and sustainable publishing sector through specialized training, consultancy, professional visits, and the transfer of best practices. SBA will apply its expertise to support a high-impact cultural project aimed at strengthening the sector's readiness for growth, attracting investment, and increasing its contribution to cultural development and the creative economy.
The partnership demonstrates a shared commitment to long-term institutional cooperation, drawing on Sharjah's experience in building an integrated publishing ecosystem. This includes regulatory frameworks, publisher support services, and expanded cultural investment, adapted to the needs of Morocco's cultural sector.
Under the agreement, the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication - Culture Sector will host SBA experts, provide venues for meetings, workshops, and implementation activities, and coordinate with relevant national stakeholders. SBA will provide technical and institutional consultancy across all stages of project development, alongside training and capacity-building programs covering legal, regulatory, and investment aspects. It will also facilitate field visits for Moroccan professionals and deliver recommendations based on international best practice.
A joint follow-up committee will be formed to develop an annual action plan, set priorities, and monitor implementation and outcomes, ensuring the partnership delivers practical steps to strengthen the publishing sector and its cultural and economic impact.
