The Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) has officially entered into a comprehensive cooperation agreement with the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication of Morocco, marking a pivotal advancement in fostering institutional collaboration within the Arab publishing sector. This agreement is particularly significant as Rabat gears up to host UNESCO’s prestigious World Book Capital 2026 program, which is anticipated to bring international attention to the city and its literary culture.
The signing ceremony took place in Morocco's capital, where Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, the Chairwoman of the Sharjah Book Authority, and Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid, Morocco's Minister of Youth, Culture and Communication, came together during an official delegation visit from the SBA. This visit coincided with celebratory events commemorating Rabat’s esteemed designation as World Book Capital.
This groundbreaking agreement lays out a detailed framework for cooperation across fundamental aspects of the publishing ecosystem. It encompasses the exchange of knowledge related to legal and regulatory frameworks, governance models in publishing, and investment incentives aimed at bolstering publishers and cultural enterprises within both regions. Additionally, the agreement includes provisions for technical consultations, the implementation of joint training programs, workshops, professional field visits, and the preparation of feasibility studies designed to elevate Morocco’s publishing sector significantly.
Sheikha Bodour articulated that this agreement epitomizes a broader vision for the Arab book industry, underscoring that its potential for global expansion hinges upon the establishment of coordinated institutional partnerships. She stated, “The Arab book industry has strong potential to expand its global presence, but realizing it depends on effective partnerships built on shared expertise and closer alignment between cultural institutions.” This initiative is a continuation of Sharjah’s longstanding cultural strategy, championed by Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, which prioritizes books and knowledge as central to cultural development and international engagement.
On the Moroccan side, Minister Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid expressed that this partnership embodies a mutual belief in the significance of culture and knowledge as catalysts for sustainable development. He noted that Sharjah’s proven experience in cultivating a structured publishing ecosystem serves as a valuable reference for Morocco’s own cultural policy formulation. With Rabat’s recent designation as World Book Capital, he emphasized that this is an opportune moment to deepen bilateral cooperation. “This partnership reflects a shared commitment to investing in culture and the knowledge economy as pillars of sustainable development,” he remarked, adding that Sharjah’s model provides “an important reference for strengthening the efficiency of the sector.”
Under the terms of the agreement, the Sharjah Book Authority will extend its technical and institutional expertise throughout all phases of project development, alongside structured training initiatives that cover legal, regulatory, and investment frameworks. Moroccan officials are set to host Sharjah experts to facilitate workshops and meetings, while also coordinating with national stakeholders. Furthermore, they will benefit from field visits aimed at exposing professionals to best practices in publishing management and cultural policy.
A joint follow-up committee will be established to oversee the execution of this agreement, define annual priorities, and assess outcomes, ensuring that the partnership translates into tangible initiatives rather than mere symbolic gestures. The overarching goal is to enhance the broader cultural economy by improving investment readiness within the publishing sector and expanding opportunities for publishers in both markets.
This agreement is integral to Sharjah’s wider international cultural strategy, which seeks to position books as a medium for dialogue and economic growth while reinforcing Arab participation in global publishing networks. The signing of this agreement occurs against the backdrop of an extensive cultural program in Rabat, linked to its designation as World Book Capital 2026 by UNESCO, a recognition expected to draw international institutions, publishers, and cultural organizations throughout the year.
As reported by thearabweekly.com.
