In the presence of senior officials, diplomats and authors, the emirate of Sharjah received the official Guest of Honour title for the 34th edition of the Guadalajara International Book Fair (FIL 2020), to be held Nov 28 – Dec 6, 2020.

Sharjah is the first city in the Arab region to receive this prestigious honour, and will be seen playing a key role in promoting Arab and Emirati culture in Mexico and Latin America. HE Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, Chairman of Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) received the title from HE Manpreet Vohra, Indian Ambassador to the Republic of Mexico, on the side-lines of FIL 2019, and announced the emirate’s official participation logo for FIL 2020, which says ‘Everyone is welcome’ in Arabic.

India was Guest of Honour at the 2019 edition, and passed on the baton to Sharjah during a handover ceremony held in the presence of Raúl Padilla López; President of FIL; Marisol Schulz Manaut, General Director of FIL; Ricardo Villanueva Lomelí, Rector General of University of Guadalajara (UDG); authors, publishers and media representatives.

Accepting the title, Al Ameri noted: “Our respective languages and cultures are the strongest proof of the vibrant historical relationship between Arabs and Latin America. Culture is a key foundational material used in bridges that connect people around the world. It is a matter of great pride for Sharjah to be receiving the Guest of Honour status at FIL 2020. We look forward to being the cultural focus at the largest-of-its-kind Spanish-language event next year. Needless to mention the pivotal role FIL has been playing in the promoting the global cultural movement for over 40 years now”.

“The recently concluded Sharjah International Book Fair 2019 celebrated a very successful participation by Mexico as guest of honour. We look forward to being in Mexico soon to continue this new cultural thrust that has been initiated by both sides to establish deeper connections between the Emirati and Latin cultures, and continue strongly on the path forged by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah,” he added.

The SBA Chairman reiterated that cultural exchange forms the basis of the emirate’s relationship with nations worldwide, adding that their efforts to promote Sharjah’s cultural project across the world stems from their belief that the way to truly learn about other nations is by studying their history, arts and literature.

As the FIL 2020 guest of honour, Sharjah will present a vibrant cultural programme featuring seminars and discussions, showcase traditional Emirati art and craft, including calligraphy, in addition to folk shows presenting traditional Emirati song and dance.

For his part, Raúl Padilla López; President of FIL has said: “Today, our sight is focused on the Middle East where Sharjah is one of the most important cultural cities. We are celebrating the emirate to further expand global dialogue because we believe that as FIL Guest of Honour in 2020, Sharjah will open new horizons for more communication and cooperation with Arab culture in general”.

“Last July, when we announced Sharjah’s participation as Guest of Honour, Ahmed Al Ameri asked us: ‘Mexico, are you ready?’ Today, we enthusiastically respond: We are ready! Your presence in our city will surely be a majestic surprise,” he added.

For his part, HE Manpreet Vohra, Ambassador of India to the Republic of Mexico, said: “India enjoys ancient and strong bonds with Sharjah, the UAE, and other countries in the Arab world. It is a proud moment for us, passing the Guest of Honour baton to the emirate of Sharjah, with our love.”

Ricardo Villanueva Lomelí, Rector General of the UDG, said: “Dear friends from Sharjah, your presence in Guadalajara next year will represent an opportunity to expand and strengthen the bonds of communication and fraternity between our peoples. From now on, we anticipate great success for the emirate during your presence in FIL 2020, and offer you the assurance that you will be welcomed with open arms to be treated to the authentic hospitality of Jalisco and Mexico.”

The handing over ceremony concluded with a musical performance by Emirati musician Taresh Al Shamsi, where he played a soulful Oud rendition of the UAE’s national anthem, as well as Mexican and Indian pieces to express the ability of art to unite people and reveal cultural commonalities.

During its participation, Sharjah will intensify efforts for active cultural cooperation with Mexico by holding dialogues with local authors, publishers and intellectuals. SBA will showcase the emirate’s cultural achievements spanning over 40 years and turn the spotlight on Sharjah’s emphasis on placing cultural exchange and understanding at the heart of their efforts of establishing and furthering their relations with other nations.