Sharjah: Sharjah’s participation in the Rabat International Book Fair 2025 marks a strategic milestone in reinforcing the UAE’s cultural influence across the Arab world and on the global stage, according to senior officials.Leading cultural figures and institutional heads noted that the emirate’s presence as Guest of Honour is opening new pathways for cultural integration and collaboration between the UAE and Morocco.Organised by the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), the emirate’s pavilion showcases contributions from more than 18 prominent cultural institutions. The official delegation, led by Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of SBA, reflects a purposeful effort to spotlight Sharjah’s intellectual legacy and to strengthen cultural and institutional partnerships with Moroccan, regional, and international stakeholders.Sheikh Fahim Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Department of Government Relations (DGR) in Sharjah, termed the emirate as Guest of Honour is a testament to the longstanding ties between the UAE and Morocco.“It embodies a shared Arab cultural destiny that Sharjah actively contributes to, through a sustained commitment to knowledge, cultural awareness, and openness.”.Abu Dhabi International Book Fair dates announced until 2030.Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of SBA, said the participation reflects the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, to build a unified Arab cultural framework rooted in harmony and shared values.“Rabat and Sharjah, each with its historical significance in nurturing cultural and intellectual awareness, now join forces to reinforce the cohesion of Arab cultural discourse and to open new avenues for creative exchange between the eastern and western Arab worlds.” Meeting point of Arab East and WestDr Sultan Al Ameemi, Chairman of the Emirates Writers Union, said the participation of Emirati authors in an intellectually rich programme marks a meaningful encounter between the Arab East and West.“Furthermore, the translation of Emirati literary works into the Amazigh language establishes a new channel for cultural dialogue, amplifying the voices of Emirati writers and connecting them with an ancient and esteemed linguistic heritage.”Dr Abdulaziz Al Musallam, Chairman of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage, said: “We hope this participation will serve as an exceptional platform for dialogue, helping to reinforce Sharjah’s status as a capital of Arab and global culture, and marking a new milestone in the journey of knowledge and creative exchange between the Arab world and globally.”Preserving history through mapsAli Ibrahim Al Marri, Chairman of the Dr Sultan Al Qasimi Centre, stated that the Centre is participating with a collection of historical maps documenting the history of the Arabian Gulf region. Sourced from the personal collection of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, these maps illustrate the evolution of cartographic science across various historical periods.Empowering women in publishingPublisHer, the global initiative founded by Sheikha Bodour to support and empower women in publishing, will deliver two engaging panels at the Sharjah stand. Titled ‘Navigating the Challenges: Women Editors, Authors, and Publishers in the Mena Region’ and ‘Women in Translation: Ensuring Diverse Literary Access’, the sessions will explore the challenges faced by female professionals in the region’s publishing industry and outline practical strategies for overcoming barriers, accessing opportunities, and promoting diverse literary voices internationally.