SHARJAH, (Pakistan Point News - 31st Oct, 2018) H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, motivated thousands present at the opening ceremony of the 37th Sharjah International Book Fair, SIBF 2018, with an emotional message of heartfelt appreciation and gratitude in recognition of the towering contributions of his wife, H.H. Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Supreme Council of Family Affairs, SCFA.
In a specially written poem entitled ‘Sharjah Coronet’, His Highness, the Ruler of Sharjah, expressed his deep reverence for Sheikha Jawaher's tireless efforts and dedication to serve members of the community both locally and abroad.
Following the poem recital, His Highness went on to welcome SIBF 2018 attendees, saying that the book fair is "an event that gathers us every year to celebrate the true word."
"I extend a special welcome to Japan, our guest of honour. In 1979, I launched an appeal to stop building concrete structures and build knowledge and culture. In 2019, it’ll be 40 years since the appeal. When we look back, we can see that we have built a 40-year legacy of giving and exceptional cultural achievements. I can never take the sole credit for this; I say ‘we’ have achieved everything together, and I would like to once again thank you all for your contribution to the fair’s 40-year journey and success in enlightening the human mind.
"We have utilised all our resources and efforts to develop our emirate, our culture and our people – the building blocks of our society. Cherishing humanity is the way we develop ourselves here in Sharjah," His Highness noted.
The Ruler of Sharjah concluded with an impactful remark about mindful reading, saying, "People do not always seek the truth, but side with what they like to believe in, which may not be the truth always. This way, the truth is often neglected. I say to such people – look carefully and the truth is right there. The books I write are always a quest for the truth. We have taught our sons and daughters to always love reading and search for the truth."
The opening ceremony was attended by top Emirati officials, Arab and international literati, intellectuals, writers and professionals in the field of knowledge, culture and creative industries.
In his speech, Ahmed Al Ameri, Chairman of the Sharjah Book Authority, SBA, highlighted the international acclaim the Sharjah International Book Fair has earned since its establishment. He emphasised that SIBF would have not earned global respect without the vision and wisdom of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah.
"SIBF has become an intellectual and cultural extravaganza that draws international interest. It is a celebration of the Emirati and Arab cultures and a message from Sharjah and the UAE to the world about the beauty of the language of the mind, intellectual thought, art and beauty, and how it brings us all together on one stage.
"SIBF is sending a message whose letters are made of gold. A message written in different languages by people of diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds who share the love of words that can unite humanity in one place where there is no room except for the good. This message illustrates that knowledge is not a coincidence a product of constant accumulation of efforts throughout human history and a result of people’s wisdom and farsightedness."
Al Ameri concluded his remarks with a glowing tribute to His Highness The Ruler of Sharjah, the UAE’s greatest patron of thought and culture. He said: "His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan Al Qasimi has always regarded knowledge as a foundation of development and sustainability, and a nation’s strength and prestige. He is a leader of the strongest intellect and great compassion who views the book as a window to our past, present and future."
His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan Al Qasimi also honoured Azzeldine Mihoubi, Algeria’s Minister of Culture, as the ‘Cultural Personality of the Year’ in recognition of his outstanding efforts and achievements in the development of cultural fields in Algeria.
Mihoubi thanked His Highness and the organisers for selecting him as the Cultural Personality of the Year. "I will never forget this defining moment. On behalf of all Algerian cultural entities, I would like to express my appreciation for this great honour recognizing Algerian culture, which prospered under the leadership of Abdelaziz Bouteflika, President of Algeria."
Addressing the Ruler of Sharjah, he added, "You have always supported culture, art and creativity across the Arab world. Apart from serving the cultural world and launching an array of regional and international cultural events, you have written many books, which have finally rectified many historical inaccuracy and helped people around the world see our culture and history more accurately."
