In celebration of the longstanding cultural and historical ties, Morocco, the Guest of Honour of the 43rd Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF 2024), the Kingdom’s vibrant cultural presence will be showcased through a diverse programme of 107 events, led by 100 writers, intellectuals, and publishers. Highlights include 17 cultural discussions, 36 artistic performances, 44 children’s activities, ten culinary events, and a series of theatrical and artistic showcases, all reflecting the rich essence of Moroccan heritage.

SIBF 2024, set to take place at the Expo Centre Sharjah from November 6-17, offers a unique opportunity to delve into Morocco’s cultural and artistic legacy. Visitors can engage with Moroccan authors, participate in thought-provoking panel discussions, and explore a collection of 4,000 titles from 22 publishers, highlighting the breadth and diversity of Moroccan literature.

SIBF 2024 will also serve as a platform for exchanging knowledge and expertise between Moroccan philosophers, writers, and intellectuals with their regional and international counterparts. It will contribute to the development of the global literary scene, encourage authors to pursue their creative ambitions and create new opportunities for cultural collaboration. Additionally, the fair will support Morocco’s publishing industry by showcasing and promoting distinguished Moroccan titles in both Arab and international markets.

 

GoH Pavillion

Morocco’s presence at the fair will be highlighted by an 189-square-metre pavilion filled with cultural treasures, including rare manuscripts, museum artefacts, and digital exhibits featuring the Kingdom’s iconic landmarks. Visitors can also immerse themselves in the traditional Moroccan experience by enjoying authentic green tea served in a dedicated corner of the pavilion.

The GoH programme will feature 100 influential Moroccan personalities, including renowned figures such as Dr. Ahmed Shawki Benbin, Curator of the Hassania Library at the Royal Palace; Dr. Jamaa Baida, Historian and Director of the Moroccan Archives Foundation; Dr. Ahmed Boukous, Dean of the Royal Institute of Amazigh Culture; Idris Ilizmi, Chairman of the Council of the Moroccan Community Abroad; Aicha Belarbi, Sociologist and former Minister; Mohammed Noureddine Affaya , Academic and Intellectual; and Dr. Rahma Bourqia , Sociologist and Academic. In addition, celebrated writers, poets, and critics such as Abdul Fattah Al-Hajmari, Mohammed Achaari, recipient of the 2011 Arabic Booker Prize, Ahmed Al Mdaini, Said Yaktine, Mubarak Rabi, Ahmed Shahlan, Abdelilah Benarafa, Abdulwahed Akmer, Hassan Najmi, and Rashida Benmasoud, Abdulrahman Tankool, Abdelilah Belkeziz , and Abd AlSalam Bin Abd AlAli, will also be participating.

 

Cultural programme: 17 events led by 40 experts

The cultural program, led by 40 participants across 17 events, will cover topics spanning Morocco’s history, culture and heritage and key discussions in academic, creative, and literary research. Highlights include sessions like ‘Moroccan Identity in History, Civilisation, and Heritage,’ ‘Moroccans Abroad and the Influence of Moroccan Literature Across Languages and Cultures,’ ‘Managing Cultural and Linguistic Diversity: The Moroccan Model,’ ‘The Moroccan School of Philosophy and Contemporary Arab Thought,’ ‘Moorish Andalusia,’ ‘The Book Industry in Morocco,’ and ‘Storytelling Experiences from Morocco.’

 

Artistic programme: 30 participants leading 36 events

The artistic program will present 36 events, highlighting Moroccan music, theatre, and film. The music lineup includes performances from three different groups, each representing unique artistic traditions from various regions of Morocco. Audiences can look forward to the spiritual chants of the Aissawa band, the rhythm and depth of Gnawa music, and the traditional Taskiwin dance—both recognised by UNESCO as part of the intangible cultural heritage. The ‘Kawalis Art and Culture’ troupe will stage theatrical performances that bring Moroccan culture to life through storytelling, music, and poetry. Additionally, Moroccan films will be screened, providing an in-depth look into the nation’s cinematic storytelling.

 

Children’s programme: 6 participants helming 44 events

The children’s program, consisting of 44 events led by six Moroccan artists and educators, will focus on two main themes. The first theme, ‘A Journey into Moroccan Heritage,’ includes three interactive workshops covering traditional Moroccan arts and crafts such as pottery, mosaic art, and weaving. In the ‘Moroccan Clay’ workshop, children will learn and practise traditional techniques of shaping and decorating clay. The ‘Moroccan Zellij’ workshop will introduce participants to the mosaic art with geometric patterns and vivid colours, while the ‘Moroccan Weaving’ workshop will explore traditional weaving methods, highlighting the unique patterns and materials used in Moroccan textiles.

The second theme, ‘A Narrative and Creative Journey into Moroccan Heritage,’ will feature storytelling sessions focused on Moroccan folk tales and history. These workshops will encourage children to develop their stories or adapt them into theatrical performances, fostering creativity and cultural appreciation.

 

Theatrical performance
The programme will feature two performance shows. The first, ‘Dreams of Morocco,’ is a comedic narrative show that engages young audiences through an interactive experience that sparks the imagination. The second, ‘Areej’s Journey in Joyful Morocco,’ offers a glimpse into Morocco’s cities, landmarks, and unique characteristics. The Moroccan play ‘Safar’ will also be performed on November 10 and 11.

 

Culinary programme: 10 Events
Moroccan cuisine will also be significant at the fair, with ten culinary sessions where visitors can savour Morocco’s most famous dishes. The Cookery Corner will feature tasting sessions led by skilled chefs, offering a taste of the vibrant and diverse flavours that define traditional Moroccan cuisine.

 

Literary sessions and poetry evenings
Rounding the programme, Morocco will host literary sessions with prominent cultural figures like Aicha Belarbi, Mohammed Achaari, Abd AlSalam Bin Abd AlAli, Abdelilah Belkeziz, and Mubarak Rabi. Three poetry nights will celebrate Moroccan verse, featuring acclaimed poets such as Mohammed Achaari, Wafa’a Al-Omrani, Hassan Najmi, Mourad Al-Qadri,Abdelhaq Mifrani, and Amina Al-Marini, Mukhlis Al-Saghir, Amal Al Akhdar, Samira Farji, Taleb Bouya Al Atiq offering attendees an intimate experience of Moroccan literary artistry.