Sharjah and Morocco Forge Alliance to Elevate Arab Book Industry
The Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) has embarked on a pivotal partnership with Morocco’s Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication, aiming to significantly bolster the Arab book industry’s global footprint. This strategic alliance coincides with UNESCO’s designation of Rabat as the World Book Capital 2026, marking a substantial step towards enhancing institutional and technical cooperation in the publishing sector.
Partnership Details: A Shared Vision for Growth
The agreement was formalized with signatures from Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of SBA, and Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid, Morocco’s Minister of Youth, Culture and Communication. The partnership aims to foster an exchange of expertise on legal and regulatory frameworks, governance models, and investment incentives. Through field visits, workshops, and training sessions, both entities are committed to developing a robust framework to advance Morocco’s publishing industry.
Sheikha Bodour’s Insight: Building on Cultural Foundations
Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi emphasized the immense potential of the Arab book industry on a global scale, contingent upon effective partnerships and shared expertise. “This collaboration is rooted in our longstanding commitment to cultural development and exchange,” she stated, underscoring the role of books as central to societal advancement.
Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid Recognizes Sharjah’s Leadership
Morocco’s Minister of Youth, Culture and Communication, Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid, acknowledged Sharjah’s pivotal role in the regional and international book industry. He highlighted the significance of Rabat being named the World Book Capital as a catalyst for further cooperation and the global promotion of Arab culture.
Strategic Framework for Sustainable Publishing
The agreement lays the groundwork for a sustainable and efficient publishing ecosystem through specialized training and consultancy. SBA will leverage its expertise to support high-impact cultural projects that aim to attract investment and enhance the sector’s contribution to the creative economy. This initiative reflects a shared commitment to long-term cooperation, drawing from Sharjah’s successful model of integrated publishing infrastructure.
Operational Support and Capacity Building
Under the terms of the agreement, Morocco’s Ministry will facilitate logistical support, including venues for workshops and coordination with national stakeholders. Conversely, SBA will offer comprehensive consultancy covering all stages of project development, focusing on legal, regulatory, and investment aspects. Additionally, Moroccan professionals will engage in field visits facilitated by SBA, gaining insights from international best practices.
Joint Follow-up Committee to Ensure Success
A joint follow-up committee will be established to oversee the implementation of the partnership, ensuring practical steps are taken to strengthen the publishing sector. This committee will develop an annual action plan, prioritize initiatives, and monitor outcomes to maximize cultural and economic impacts.
Global Initiatives Launched by Sheikha Bodour
In conjunction with UNESCO, Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi recently launched the global ‘Reading for the Future’ campaign, which seeks to boost youth literacy and reinforce reading as a cornerstone of knowledge societies. Additionally, the ‘Young Voices of World Book Capitals’ initiative aims to empower emerging writers, enabling them to contribute to the future through literature.
