Emirati culture shines in Spain as LIBER book fair kicks off

Sharjah - Being held at the Feria de Madrid on October 9-11, the fair saw the Sharjah National Band perform traditional Emirati dances.

Emirati culture took over the LIBER International Book Fair (LIBER 2019) in Madrid, which is hosting Sharjah as the guest of honour. Organisers praised the cultural vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, who witnessed the launch ceremony of the fair on Tuesday evening.
Being held at the Feria de Madrid on October 9-11, the fair saw the Sharjah National Band perform traditional Emirati dances.
In his opening speech, Edward López Portez, director-general of Feria de Madrid, said: "It is a great honour to host Sheikh Dr Sultan at the inauguration of LIBER 2019. The Sharjah Ruler is a role model when it comes to supporting and promoting culture, and we hope that having the emirate as our guest of honour will be the perfect opportunity to boost cultural cooperation and advance the Arab and Spanish publishing sectors."
Miguel Barrero, president of the Spanish Publishers Association, said Sharjah is a "point of reference for Emirati and Arab cultures, and for the promoting of books and reading". "These noble customs are vital enablers of growth and coexistence, and have positioned the emirate as a global book industry hub. The emirate's leading cultural project has received the recognition by Unesco as the World Book Capital 2019.
"We are honoured to be the guest of honour at the Sharjah International Book Fair 2020 - one of the most important cultural events in the world, which attracts 2.2 million visitors and hosts 1,900 exhibitors annually. We hope that LIBER 2019 will provide ample opportunities for knowledge exchange between Sharjah and Spain."
José Guero, Spanish Minister of Culture and Sports, noted Sharjah's leading role to promote publishing in the Arab and Islamic world.
Abdullah Mohammed Al Owais, chairman of the Sharjah Department of Culture, said Sharjah carries its message of the importance of constructive and humanitarian intercultural dialogue as a means to build knowledge-based societies, "which enjoy continued peace and stability".
Sultan briefed about plans
His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, visited Sharjah's pavilion at the LIBER International Book Fair. He was briefed about the various activities it will organise during the fair. He toured the emirate's cultural and historical exhibitions on display.
The Sharjah Ruler was also briefed about the events itinerary put together by Sharjah's participating cultural institutions, in which several Emirati authors and intellectuals will talk about their works and discuss important topics like cultural exchange and ways to support the publishing industry.
During his tour, His Highness watched a performance by the Sharjah National Band, affiliated to the Sharjah Heritage Institute, in addition to live workshops in Arabic calligraphy and sewing traditional costumes, which attracted huge crowds.
reporters@khaleejtimes.com

• Sharjah