UAE- Sharjah Book Fair: 'Books guard us against ignorance'

11/5/2015 3:25:33 AM

(MENAFN- Khaleej Times)

His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah on Wednesday inaugurated the 34th edition of the Sharjah International book Fair (SIBF) at the Sharjah Expo Centre. On the occasion Dr Shaikh Sultan honoured Prince Khalid Al Faisal Adviser to Saudi King Salman bin Abdul Aziz and Governor of Makkah Province who was selected the cultural personality of the year. The event was also attended by Shaikhs and Shaikhas top government officials as well as diplomats intellectuals and cultural figures.

Dr Shaikh Sultan praised Prince Khalid who is also known as the Poet Prince for his great deal contribution to furthering cultural artistic and educational understanding. He was honoured in recognition of his cultural charitable and humanitarian contributions and for his constant pursuit of promoting the values of tolerance and moderation by encouraging intercultural dialogue and interaction.

"This SIBF is being graced by big names in the literary world and Prince Khalid" said Dr Shaikh Sultan.

He also praised Shaikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi founder and CEO of Kalimat Group and Honorary President of the Emirates Publishers Association for successfully hosting the two-day 3rd Arab Publishers Association Conference (APAC) which concluded on Tuesday. "Shaikha Bodour had shared her concerns that some of the guests might not attend the APAC due to visa issues but I ordered the officials concerned to allow them entery" he added.

"Today books are the path against ignorance leading us to faith and certainty. But there are some distractions. Thus we cannot reject all the books or accept all the books. That is why the Sharjah Books Authority has been set up to check the contents before releasing the books and to inform publishers if changes need to be made."

He said that a series of seminars will be conducted over the next few days in parallel to the book fair where Arab intellectuals who have accepted the invitation will deliberate on various issues.

SIBF Director Ahmed Al Amiri said that SIBF reflects the vision of Dr Shaikh Sultan and the UAE on the whole. "Books are for peaceful co-existence especially at a time when the mind is burdened by the scores of events taking place across the world."

Prince Khalid Al Faisal praised the initiatives taken by Dr Shaikh Sultan for preserving and promoting Arab culture. He called Dr Shaikh Sultan the 'Sultan of Culture' and said that the city of Sharjah sparks hope.

Afkar Abdullah

Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.