Sharjah inaugurated as World Book Capital
His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, right, receives the banner for the World Book Capital from Markos Bolaris, Greek Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, during an inauguration ceremony of Sharjah World Book Capital 2019 at the Al Majaz Amphitheatre in Sharjah, the United Arab Emirates, Tuesday. Courtesy of Sharjah Govt Media Bureau
By Kwon Mee-yoo
SHARJAH, United Arab Emirates ― Sharjah, the third largest city of the United Arab Emirates, began its term as the World Book Capital (WBC) 2019, designated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Tuesday, coinciding with World Book and Copyright Day.
World Book Capital is a title given to a city to promote books and reading through various year-long activities, started in 2001 with Madrid, Spain. Sharjah is the first city in the Gulf Region and third city in the Arab World to be designated as the WBC.
The Emirate of Sharjah is known as the emirate of culture and knowledge and winning the title reflects Sharjah's relentless efforts in encouraging intercultural dialogue through books and reading. Previously, Sharjah was named as the Cultural Capital of the Arab World in 1998, the Capital of Islamic Culture in 2014 and the Capital of Arab Tourism in 2015.
Ernesto Ottone Ramirez, assistant director-general for culture of UNESCO, attended the opening ceremony at the Al Majaz Amphitheatre in Sharjah, Tuesday, to deliver the title.
"I'd like to congratulate His Highness Sultan bin Muhammad Al-Qasimi and the city of Sharjah for the impressive programs you have developed for this year ― the desire to share ideas and knowledge to inspire understanding, dialogue and tolerance. I see this as a powerful symbol of commitment from the United Arab Emirates to defend cultural heritage and diversity, which is the beating heart of this region," Ramirez said.
Ramirez emphasized Sharjah's unwavering commitment to intercultural dialogues through books and reading and the longtime partnership UNESCO and Sharjah have built over the years.
"Sharjah's 'Open Books Open Minds' program reaches out to the marginalized population, promoting books as a driver of social inclusion, creativity and mutual respect," Ramirez added.
Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, ruler of Sharjah, said the city has worked very hard to achieve the WBC title.
“I stand before you and I am almost certain that I am visualizing our great forefathers, scientists and thinkers, filling libraries of the world with knowledge shining a light on the path of humanity and leaving us a legacy that we are proud of. It is a great honor to follow in their footsteps,“ the ruler said.
“This title will encourage us to continue supporting initiatives aimed at spreading knowledge and building civilizations, making Sharjah the cradle of the Arab and Islamic cultural and intellectual renaissance.
“Our devoted sons and daughters will continue our march to make Sharjah a true beacon of science and knowledge ― a destination for everyone thirsty for culture, for thought and sciences.”
After the inauguration ceremony, Sharjah's Al Majaz Amphitheatre ― in collaboration with Multiple International, 7 Fingers and Artists in Motion ― presented "1001 Nights: The Last Chapter," a new live entertainment show and the sequel to the famous tale of Queen Scheherazade in the original "1001 Nights.”
A variety of events are lined up, including the Sharjah World Book Capital 2019 Monument unveiled Tuesday and "House of Wisdom" project, an iconic public library slated for opening in early 2020.