emirates7 - The Sharjah Public Libraries (SPL) kicked off their centennial celebrations on Thursday with a seminar titled ‘Literary Roots,’ featuring Ameera BuKadra, Chairperson of the Emirates Publishers Association and Co-founder of Ghaf Publishing. BuKadra focused on Sharjah's significant efforts to integrate literature and knowledge into the community’s fabric.
The event also included a workshop on “Creative Writing Techniques” led by author Abdelhadi Taqi. It was attended by Khamis Salem Al Suwaidi, Advisor at the Office of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah; Eman Bushlaibi, Director of Sharjah Public Libraries; Dr. Amina Almarzouqi, Vice Chancellor for Student and Branch Affairs at the University of Sharjah; along with other government officials, academics, and students.
During the seminar, moderated by media figure Abdul Raouf Amira, BuKadra emphasized the need to reconnect younger generations with their literary heritage. She shared how her father’s library played a crucial role in shaping her intellectual journey, encouraging her exploration of pre-Islamic literature and historical texts. He believed such works were vital to understanding the cultural and intellectual identity of Arabs and Muslims.
BuKadra praised the contributions of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, the Ruler of Sharjah, for promoting knowledge and creating a culture of reading in the emirate. She also highlighted the work of Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority, for supporting Emirati publishers and strengthening the local and global publishing industry.
She applauded the efforts of Sharjah’s cultural initiatives, such as the Sharjah International Book Fair, Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival, and Sharjah Literature Festival, which have positioned the emirate as a hub for writers, publishers, readers, and families, while enhancing Emirati culture worldwide.
BuKadra also discussed the UAE's publishing sector, emphasizing its adherence to international standards in quality and design, which has helped Emirati books gain international recognition. She credited Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi’s PublisHer project for supporting emerging publishers and expanding their global presence.
She stressed the importance of selecting books that resonate with readers’ interests, making reading a personal and enjoyable experience. BuKadra advocated for allowing children to choose books that intrigue them, fostering a lasting love for reading.
In closing, she underscored the crucial role of academic institutions in nurturing young literary talent. BuKadra encouraged universities and school libraries to promote Emirati literature, creating events that inspire students to engage with local creativity and contribute to the cultural landscape's growth.
The event also included a workshop on “Creative Writing Techniques” led by author Abdelhadi Taqi. It was attended by Khamis Salem Al Suwaidi, Advisor at the Office of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah; Eman Bushlaibi, Director of Sharjah Public Libraries; Dr. Amina Almarzouqi, Vice Chancellor for Student and Branch Affairs at the University of Sharjah; along with other government officials, academics, and students.
During the seminar, moderated by media figure Abdul Raouf Amira, BuKadra emphasized the need to reconnect younger generations with their literary heritage. She shared how her father’s library played a crucial role in shaping her intellectual journey, encouraging her exploration of pre-Islamic literature and historical texts. He believed such works were vital to understanding the cultural and intellectual identity of Arabs and Muslims.
BuKadra praised the contributions of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, the Ruler of Sharjah, for promoting knowledge and creating a culture of reading in the emirate. She also highlighted the work of Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority, for supporting Emirati publishers and strengthening the local and global publishing industry.
She applauded the efforts of Sharjah’s cultural initiatives, such as the Sharjah International Book Fair, Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival, and Sharjah Literature Festival, which have positioned the emirate as a hub for writers, publishers, readers, and families, while enhancing Emirati culture worldwide.
BuKadra also discussed the UAE's publishing sector, emphasizing its adherence to international standards in quality and design, which has helped Emirati books gain international recognition. She credited Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi’s PublisHer project for supporting emerging publishers and expanding their global presence.
She stressed the importance of selecting books that resonate with readers’ interests, making reading a personal and enjoyable experience. BuKadra advocated for allowing children to choose books that intrigue them, fostering a lasting love for reading.
In closing, she underscored the crucial role of academic institutions in nurturing young literary talent. BuKadra encouraged universities and school libraries to promote Emirati literature, creating events that inspire students to engage with local creativity and contribute to the cultural landscape's growth.