Sharjah: The UAE features prominently in the region’s cultural and intellectual domains, and is well positioned to be a major force in “knowledge production”, a senior official said.
Manal Ataya, general manager of the Sharjah Museums Department, added: “This helps to define the country’s cultural and literary identity and inspires in its citizens the hard work and tireless efforts required to develop it in the short and long terms as they strive to maintain the UAE’s important position and highlight its important role in supporting local, Arab and global culture.”
Book fair organised
She was speaking during an event organised Thursday at Sharjah Calligraphy Museum to mark World Book and Copyright Day. A book fair and cultural activities also marked the occasion. The celebrations were attended by a group of leading intellectuals, writers and cultural figures besides students from Wasit, Al Rifaa and Al Rumaisaa High schools.
The book fair, which was held in coordination with the Arabic Language Protection Society, featured dozens of titles on the merits of reading, a message that was further emphasised in two lectures delivered by specialists.
The first lecture, titled ‘The importance of books in people’s lives’ was delivered by Dr Ezz Al Deen Bin Zeghiba of the Juma Al Majid Centre for Culture and Heritage, while the second, on ‘The importance of Reading’ was delivered by Dr Arif Al Shaikh, a consultant on family affairs at the Dubai Courts.
“World Book Day has become an occasion to celebrate the love of culture, learning and reading, as well as a forum for creative writers and intellectuals. We are proud that the value of our deep-rooted heritage has been preserved over the centuries,” Manal observed.
