emirates7 - Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), highlighted Greece’s enduring impact on global culture and creativity, describing the country as a foundational pillar in the ongoing narrative of human innovation and expression.
She pointed to Greece’s far-reaching contributions—from inspiring Homer’s epics and shaping Socratic ideals to building theatres that continue to fuel artistic imagination—as evidence of the nation’s timeless role in advancing knowledge and enlightenment for generations of scholars, writers, and thinkers.
Her remarks were made during a formal signing ceremony announcing Greece as the Guest of Honour for the 44th Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF). The agreement was signed by Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of the SBA, and Yasonas Varthalitis, Deputy Minister of Culture of the Hellenic Republic, at the Thessaloniki International Exhibition & Congress Centre in Greece.
Sheikha Bodour noted that Sharjah’s cultural vision, shaped by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, continues to guide the emirate’s efforts in fostering cross-cultural dialogue. “By welcoming Greece, we are celebrating a shared legacy and affirming that thriving civilisations are rooted in open exchange across borders,” she said.
She added that Greece’s participation in SIBF 2025 offers an opportunity to explore shared myths, historical influences, and cultural intersections that have shaped the collective human experience.
Sheikha Bodour further noted that the SBA is working diligently to ensure that the 44th edition of the fair will be a landmark event, honouring a country that, alongside the Arab world, has played a key role in the development of civilisation.
She concluded by saying, “Sharjah is using history as a lens for self-reflection and global engagement. Welcoming Greece as Guest of Honour continues our tradition of spotlighting cities like Athens, Marrakech, Cordoba, Seoul, and Rome, reinforcing the book fair as a space where cultures and memories converge in dialogue.”
Speaking on the occasion, Al Ameri said the decision to host Greece reflects the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi to promote international cultural exchange. He described the upcoming collaboration as a valuable chance to engage with a civilisation whose philosophical and artistic legacy continues to influence contemporary thought. “Each edition of SIBF is a step forward in fostering deeper intercultural understanding through diversity and dialogue,” he said.
Varthalitis echoed these sentiments, stating that the partnership reflects the longstanding friendship between Greece and the UAE. He credited the Greek Minister of Culture for laying the groundwork for such cultural collaborations and emphasized the importance of literature, poetry, language, and the arts in strengthening bilateral ties.
He said, “Our involvement in SIBF reflects our commitment to promoting Greek culture on a global stage. Through a wide-ranging programme of events, exhibitions, and performances, we aim to highlight the richness of our literary and artistic heritage. We are grateful to the SBA for this collaboration and look forward to an inspiring and impactful partnership.”
As Guest of Honour at SIBF 2025, Greece will offer a vibrant cultural showcase, featuring classical and contemporary works in philosophy, theatre, literature, and the visual arts. The programme will include appearances by prominent Greek authors, artists, and intellectuals, along with musical and artistic performances rooted in Greek tradition.
Educational initiatives will also highlight key milestones in Greek history and its lasting contributions to world civilisation.
She pointed to Greece’s far-reaching contributions—from inspiring Homer’s epics and shaping Socratic ideals to building theatres that continue to fuel artistic imagination—as evidence of the nation’s timeless role in advancing knowledge and enlightenment for generations of scholars, writers, and thinkers.
Her remarks were made during a formal signing ceremony announcing Greece as the Guest of Honour for the 44th Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF). The agreement was signed by Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of the SBA, and Yasonas Varthalitis, Deputy Minister of Culture of the Hellenic Republic, at the Thessaloniki International Exhibition & Congress Centre in Greece.
Sheikha Bodour noted that Sharjah’s cultural vision, shaped by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, continues to guide the emirate’s efforts in fostering cross-cultural dialogue. “By welcoming Greece, we are celebrating a shared legacy and affirming that thriving civilisations are rooted in open exchange across borders,” she said.
She added that Greece’s participation in SIBF 2025 offers an opportunity to explore shared myths, historical influences, and cultural intersections that have shaped the collective human experience.
Sheikha Bodour further noted that the SBA is working diligently to ensure that the 44th edition of the fair will be a landmark event, honouring a country that, alongside the Arab world, has played a key role in the development of civilisation.
She concluded by saying, “Sharjah is using history as a lens for self-reflection and global engagement. Welcoming Greece as Guest of Honour continues our tradition of spotlighting cities like Athens, Marrakech, Cordoba, Seoul, and Rome, reinforcing the book fair as a space where cultures and memories converge in dialogue.”
Speaking on the occasion, Al Ameri said the decision to host Greece reflects the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi to promote international cultural exchange. He described the upcoming collaboration as a valuable chance to engage with a civilisation whose philosophical and artistic legacy continues to influence contemporary thought. “Each edition of SIBF is a step forward in fostering deeper intercultural understanding through diversity and dialogue,” he said.
Varthalitis echoed these sentiments, stating that the partnership reflects the longstanding friendship between Greece and the UAE. He credited the Greek Minister of Culture for laying the groundwork for such cultural collaborations and emphasized the importance of literature, poetry, language, and the arts in strengthening bilateral ties.
He said, “Our involvement in SIBF reflects our commitment to promoting Greek culture on a global stage. Through a wide-ranging programme of events, exhibitions, and performances, we aim to highlight the richness of our literary and artistic heritage. We are grateful to the SBA for this collaboration and look forward to an inspiring and impactful partnership.”
As Guest of Honour at SIBF 2025, Greece will offer a vibrant cultural showcase, featuring classical and contemporary works in philosophy, theatre, literature, and the visual arts. The programme will include appearances by prominent Greek authors, artists, and intellectuals, along with musical and artistic performances rooted in Greek tradition.
Educational initiatives will also highlight key milestones in Greek history and its lasting contributions to world civilisation.