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Organised by the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), the emirate’s pavilion features contributions from more than 18 leading cultural institutions. The official delegation is led by Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of SBA, underscoring a purposeful engagement aimed at spotlighting Sharjah’s intellectual achievements and fostering institutional and cultural partnerships with Moroccan, regional, and international stakeholders.
On the significance of the participation, Sheikh Fahim Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Department of Government Relations (DGR) in Sharjah, said: “Sharjah’s presence as Guest of Honour at RIBF 2025 extends beyond a ceremonial role; it is a testament to the longstanding fraternal ties between the UAE and Morocco. It also embodies a shared Arab cultural destiny that Sharjah actively contributes to, through a sustained commitment to knowledge, cultural awareness, and openness.”
He added: “At DGR, we firmly believe that culture serves as the universal language of people, a message conveyed by nations, and a resilient bridge for fostering international understanding. Our participation in this international event reaffirms our dedication to advancing strategic cooperation between Sharjah and cultural institutions throughout the Arab region, thereby enhancing bilateral collaboration and affirming the pivotal role of culture in developing communities.”
His Excellency Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of SBA, said: “Sharjah’s designation as Guest of Honour at RIBF 2025 reflects the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, to establish a unified Arab cultural framework where efforts are harmonised and values are shared. 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.”
He added: “This participation, under the guidance and leadership of Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of SBA, underscores the emirate’s commitment to presenting an integrated model of cultural partnership. It connects institutions, elevates the visibility of Arabic literature on international stages, and broadens the cultural influence that contributes to positioning culture as a unifying force among nations.”
Dr. Sultan Al Ameemi, Chairman of the Emirates Writers Union, said: “Sharjah’s presence as Guest of Honour at RIBF 2025 firmly positions the emirate as a prominent cultural centre, not only at the forefront of international book fairs but also within the wider cultural landscape, as reflected in the breadth and diversity of the institutions it represents.”
He added: “This recognition, alongside the participation of Emirati authors in a vibrant and intellectually rich programme, carries particular significance. It marks a meaningful encounter between the Arab East and West, each characterised by its distinct cultural and intellectual identity, yet bound by numerous shared values. 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.”
His Excellency Dr. Abdulaziz Al Musallam, Chairman of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage, said the Institute’s participation in RIBF 2025, where Sharjah is Guest of Honour, reflects the emirate’s ongoing commitment to Arab culture and enhancing its global cultural presence. He added that the participation offers a unique opportunity to highlight the richness of Emirati and Arab heritage while promoting intercultural exchange.
He noted that the Institute’s presence is a tribute to heritage and a message to the world that culture is a vital force in building bridges between nations and peoples.
He 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.”
Dr Mohamed Safi Al Mosteghanemi, Secretary-General of the Arabic Language Academy in Sharjah, said: “The Academy’s participation in the international event reflects our commitment to a message that views the Arab Maghreb and the Mashreq as two wings that have carried Arab and Islamic civilisation to all corners of the world. As we mark this significant cultural moment in Rabat, we affirm that the Arabic language, which has long united us, remains the strongest bond among the people of our nation. Sharjah’s presence in Morocco expresses a shared mission, a common destiny, and a collective belief that language and culture are our future paths.”
His Excellency Rashid Al Kous, Executive Director of the Emirates Publishers Association, expressed pride in Sharjah's recognition as Guest of Honour at RIBF 2025. He noted that this honour underscores the emirate's leadership as a global cultural hub and reflects the international community’s appreciation of Sharjah’s pivotal role in the book industry and intercultural dialogue.
He added: “Our participation in RIBF 2025 marks a significant milestone in our efforts to support the UAE's publishing sector and enhance its international presence. It reflects our commitment to strengthening cultural cooperation with our counterparts in Morocco and the Arab world and opening new opportunities for Emirati publishers to engage with their peers and expand the reach of Emirati literature. We extend our gratitude to SBA for its leading role in promoting Emirati culture globally.”
Marwa Al Aqroubi, Executive Director of House of Wisdom (HoW) and President of the UAE Board on Books for Young People (UAEBBY), said HoW’s participation in RIBF 2025 reflects its commitment to building knowledge bridges between cultures and highlighting the role of cultural centres in fostering dialogue and knowledge exchange. She explained that HoW will celebrate the shared travel and literary heritage of Emirati and Moroccan explorers, historians, and geographers, including Ibn Majid, Ibn Battuta, and Al-Idrisi.
She added: “The participation of UAEBBY aligns with Sharjah’s vision to support children’s and young adult literature and to spotlight emerging Arab talent in this field. We proudly present the International Prize for Arabic Children’s Literature, sponsored by e&, which aims to honour children's finest literary works and inspire writers, illustrators, and publishers to create content that resonates with children’s imagination and aspirations. We will also focus on strengthening cultural partnerships and promoting our initiatives that position books as a tool for understanding and connection across generations and societies.”
Majd Al Shehhi, Director of the Emirates Reprographic Rights Management Association, said: “Our participation in RIBF 2025 reflects the Association's commitment to promoting a culture of respect for authors' rights and raising awareness of copyright issues at the Arab and international levels. Through our agenda, we will highlight the UAE's leading experience in protecting and supporting creators' rights, share the Association's efforts in safeguarding creative works, exchange experiences with relevant institutions, and build effective partnerships that contribute to the development of intellectual property rights systems, benefiting creators and fostering innovation.”
She added: “This participation offers an opportunity to bring legal concepts related to copyright closer to the general public and content creators. We believe that protecting rights is a legal responsibility and a societal culture that must be instilled. We are proud to be part of this significant Arab cultural event that combines creativity, knowledge, and cooperation.”
Fahad Ali Al Mamari, President of the Emirates Library and Information Association, affirmed that the Association’s participation in Sharjah’s Guest of Honour pavilion reflects its mission to support the Arab cultural landscape and reinforce libraries as essential hubs for knowledge dissemination and civilisational dialogue. He noted that the Association’s programme includes a series of specialised seminars addressing critical topics within the field of library and information sciences. These include the historical development of Moroccan libraries, the significance of manuscript repositories as national scientific archives, and ongoing efforts to catalogue and facilitate access to Arabic manuscripts.
He added that the Association is committed to promoting cultural dialogue and professional knowledge exchange. The seminars will also explore vital themes such as the role of professional associations in cultural sector development, digital libraries in advancing academic research, and an analytical study of a rare heritage manuscript on pharmacology—illustrating the depth of Arab intellectual heritage. He stressed that adapting libraries to modern developments and embracing technology is essential for supporting researchers and creatives, cultivating inquiry, and reaffirming libraries as guardians of heritage and enablers of societal progress.
For his part, Ali 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. He also noted that the Centre’s contribution includes a lecture titled The historical aspect of the Dr Sultan Al Qasimi Centre.
Saleha Ghabesh, Head of the Cultural Office at the Supreme Council for Family Affairs in Sharjah, affirmed that the office’s participation reflects a strong belief in the fundamental role of culture in shaping family awareness and enhancing familial engagement in both creative and social spheres.
She explained that the seminar delivered by the office, titled Culture and creativity on the family map, showcases the unique experience of a major social institution that positions culture as a core pillar of its community outreach, implemented across the various departments of the Council. She emphasised that culture is not an ancillary pursuit, but a central component of institutional efforts focused on family development.
She added that the office is also hosting an interactive session between Emirati and Moroccan female writers as part of the Sharjah Cultural Salon initiative, under the theme The feminine voice in writing. The session encourages dialogue among Arab women around themes of creative expression, exploring how the issues addressed by Arab women writers resonate with contemporary realities. She highlighted the value of such exchanges in building intellectual bridges between female creatives from the Arab East and West.
His Excellency Mohammed Hassan Khalaf, Director General of Sharjah Broadcasting Authority, said: "Sharjah’s participation as Guest of Honour at RIBF 2025 represents a milestone in the emirate’s record of international recognition. It is a tribute to the cultural project founded by His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah. As part of the delegation, the Authority plays a key role in covering the event through its media teams, who will follow the fair’s activities and highlight Sharjah’s exceptional and comprehensive view of the cultural landscape from Rabat to local and international audiences, underscoring the deep cultural ties between the two nations."
Mohammed Ibrahim Al Qaseer, Director of Cultural Affairs at the Department of Culture in Sharjah, said: “Sharjah’s selection as Guest of Honour at RIBF 2025 reflects the depth of cultural relations between the UAE and the Kingdom of Morocco. It also highlights the significance of Sharjah’s cultural project, which is guided and supported by the Ruler of Sharjah, whose cultural and artistic vision continues to resonate locally, regionally and internationally.”
He added: “Our participation reaffirms Sharjah’s leading cultural role and its active engagement with cultural platforms across the Arab world, including book fairs. Inspired by the vision of the Ruler of Sharjah, the emirate’s cultural project has presented a bright image, growing steadily over four decades and resonating with audiences across the Arab region and the globe.”
Muhannad Bou Saida, Director of Al Qasimi Publications, said Sharjah’s designation as Guest of Honour at RIBF 2025—one of the most prominent book fairs and a key cultural reference in Africa and the Arab world—is a clear recognition of the emirate’s global cultural standing. He noted it reflects the high regard for Sharjah’s intellectual contributions, influence in academic and cultural circles, and the celebration of its cultural project as a distinguished achievement.
Abusaidah said: “This comes as no surprise. Thanks to the Ruler of Sharjah’s vision, the emirate has become a distinguished beacon of knowledge, a hub for learning and culture, and a recognised centre of academic excellence. This participation further strengthens cultural ties and promotes intellectual cooperation between Sharjah and countries across the Arab world. It also offers a platform for dialogue between the Maghreb and the Mashreq in all their cultural and civilisational diversity. It deepens the longstanding ties between the UAE and Morocco. With its deep-rooted Arab-Islamic heritage and global intellectual influences, the Kingdom brings added richness to the cultural exchange between the two nations.”
Dr. Tod Laursen, Chancellor of American University of Sharjah, said: “American University of Sharjah is honoured to join the Sharjah delegation at RIBF 2025, presenting more than 30 faculty-authored publications that reflect the university’s intellectual vitality and research excellence. This participation underscores our role as a hub for critical inquiry and cultural exchange and affirms our commitment to contributing meaningfully to Sharjah’s global cultural vision.”
Tamer Said, Director of the Sharjah Literary Agency, said: “Our participation in RIBF 2025 embodies our vision and mission to strengthen literature regionally and to promote prominent Arab literary works on the global stage. Through partnerships and agreements with leading international cultural institutions, we aim to introduce global audiences to the richness and beauty of our literature, reaffirming Sharjah and the UAE's role in this endeavour.”
He added: “Our presence at this fair aligns with our strategy to participate in major international book fairs that celebrate culture and literature and mutual understanding, which yielded us significant milestones, receiving numerous requests for translation, publishing, and distribution rights from around the world.”
Saif Al Suwaidi, Director of the Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone, stated that their participation highlights the emirate's advanced and integrated infrastructure and services for international publishers, enabling stronger regional market presence and new expansion opportunities. He noted that Morocco plays a central role in the Arab publishing industry, with Moroccan literature’s distinctive intellectual and literary character making it a favourite among readers in both the Arab world and the West. The Kingdom serves as a cultural bridge linking the Arab-Islamic world with the West, reflecting the deep civilisational ties that have shaped Morocco throughout its history.
PublisHer, the global initiative founded by Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi 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.
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