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The emirate is the first city in the Middle East and the entire Arab world to be selected as the guest of honor at the exhibition
The UAE flag flew high in the Mexican city of Guadalajara, known as the “City of Roses”, yesterday to celebrate Sharjah being the guest of honor at the 36th Guadalajara International Book Fair (FIL), which will Runs until December 4, 2022.
Over the course of 9 days, Mexico Cultural Center Guadalajara will showcase the richness of Emirati and Arabic literature and bridge the gap between Arab and Latin cultures through a diverse program of events.
The opening celebrations were attended by Sheikh Fahim Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Department of Government Relations (DGR) and Head of the Sharjah Delegation; Bodour Al Qasimi, Chairman of the International Publishers Association; Ahmed bin Rakkad Al, Chairman of the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) Ameri; Ahmed Al Menhali, UAE Ambassador to Mexico; Raúl Padilla López, President of FIL; and representatives of UAE and Mexican cultural institutions.
“The Values of Curiosity and Intercultural Exchange”
In a keynote address delivered on behalf of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, Sheikh Fahim Al Qasimi noted the deep cultural ties between the emirate and Guadalajara.
He thanked the book fair for “celebrating the power of books and the importance of publishing through Sharjah and stimulating curiosity about this wonderful part of the world.”
Sheikh Fahim Al Qasimi said: “This curiosity is what we celebrate at the book fair. It’s what we celebrate in all our panel discussions, our translation work between Arabic and Spanish that focuses on illustrations and children’s books .
He added: “No other industry demonstrates these values of curiosity and cultural exchange better than publishing. The world of books has a special responsibility for cultural diplomacy and understanding. Authors, publishers and illustrators are the voices of cultural dialogue , it is through your words, your books, that a vibrant, truly global cultural understanding is written.”
In closing, Sheikh Fahim Al Qasimi expressed his gratitude to Bodour Al Qasimi and said: “Today, on behalf of all my colleagues in the Government of Sharjah, I thank you for your inspiration and dedication to publishing and elevating Sharjah’s role in it. When you conclude this Chapter and open the next, I believe I speak for everyone in this room. We will continue to pay attention to your every word, every page and every book – God bless you Bodour and thank you for everything !”
“A love of culture and books brings us closer”
Bodour Al Qasimi, President of the International Publishers Association, said in her keynote speech: “Inviting and welcoming Sharjah as a guest of honor to your fair reflects your willingness to build cultural bridges between yourself and other cultures. Despite our distance, But our love of culture and books brings us closer and helps us create a dialogue that leads to more understanding, empathy and harmony.”
The IPA chair added: “At the IPA, we encourage and support such cultural partnerships because we believe we are stronger together and that our strength lies in our diversity and difference.”
Bodour Al Qasimi continued: “Despite the ongoing challenges facing the publishing industry, publishers are thinking outside the box and innovating to move the industry forward. People can read and create strong connections between cultures, which is what the world needs most.”
“Sharjah represents the essence of UAE culture and values”
Welcoming the Sharjah delegation, FIL President Raúl Padilla López said: “It is a great honor to host the World Book Capital Sharjah 2019 as the Guest of Honor at the 36th Guadalajara International Book Fair. The first city in the Arab world to be honored as the Guest of Honor in Guadalajara.”
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He added: “We are delighted and proud of this, as Sharjah not only represents the essence of UAE culture and values, but also reflects the overall image of Arab and Islamic culture, in line with the vision and efforts of His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. During the Book Fair, we will celebrate our commonality with the Arab world, especially our beautiful language, of which some 4,000 words have their linguistic roots in Arabic.”
Ricardo Villanueva Lomeli, Rector of the University of Guadalajara, said: “Today, we are delighted to celebrate this very beautiful city. As we celebrate Sharjah today and for the next 9 days, our city will La Hala transformed into Sharjah! We look forward to celebrating and strengthening the history and close relationship between Arab and Latin cultures.”
A showcase for the Emirati and Arab cultural and creative sectors
Following the opening ceremony, the Sharjah Grand Hotel was unveiled in the presence of diplomats and officials from Emirati and Mexican cultural institutions, who toured the pavilion and were briefed on Sharjah’s major projects in support of the Emirati and Arab cultural and creative sectors.
The dignitaries also learned about Sharjah’s progress in the publishing industry, positioning itself as a key player at the regional and international level. Guests were also briefed on participating entities and had the opportunity to review their offerings in various fields including arts, heritage, creative industries and translation.
They also reviewed the extensive collection of books displayed in the pavilion, including selected Spanish translations of the works of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah.
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