Sharjah- Sharjah, known for its global cultural significance, is gearing up to showcase the rich heritage of the United Arab Emirates and the Arab world on the international stage.

In a momentous announcement made during the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF 2023), it was revealed that Sharjah will proudly hold the title of Guest of Honour at the upcoming Thessaloniki International Book Fair, scheduled for May 16th to May 19th, 2024, in Greece.

The announcement was made official through a signing ceremony between the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) and the Hellenic Foundation for Culture. The agreement was sealed by Nikos Koukis, President of the Hellenic Foundation for Culture, and Khoula Al Mujaini, Director of Events and Marketing at SBA. The ceremony was attended by prominent figures, including Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of SBA, and members of the Greek delegation participating in the book fair.

HE Ahmed Al Ameri, CEO of SBA, shared his perspective on this significant recognition, stating, "Sharjah's participation in the Thessaloniki International Book Fair offers a fresh opportunity for our local culture to engage in meaningful dialogue with Europe. This recognition is a testament to the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, who emphasizes the unifying power of books in bringing together nations and civilizations."

He further elaborated, "Greece's celebration of Sharjah as the Guest of Honour provides a new platform for forging partnerships and cultural cooperation. This collaboration will help us preserve our cultural values and promote literature, arts, and creativity as instruments for impactful communication, influencing various vital sectors shared between Sharjah and Greek cities."

Nikos Koukis, President of the Hellenic Foundation for Culture, expressed his deep honor and anticipation for the collaboration, noting, "We are deeply honored that Sharjah has graciously accepted our invitation to be the Guest of Honour at the 20th edition of the Thessaloniki International Book Fair in May 2024. This partnership has been in the making for two years, and we are confident that celebrating Sharjah will open up new avenues of communication."

He also expressed confidence that the partnership between the Greek Foundation for Culture and the SBA will yield positive results.

The Thessaloniki Book Fair, established in 2004, has grown into a prominent platform for books and literature, showcasing works from Greece, the Balkans, Western Europe, the Southeastern Mediterranean, and around the world.

The fair is organized by the Hellenic Foundation for Culture, in collaboration with Greek publishers, TIF-HelExpo, the Region of Central Macedonia, and the City of Thessaloniki, with support from the Greek Ministry of Culture and Sports.

This collaboration promises to be a remarkable celebration of literature and cultural exchange between Sharjah and Greece.