Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), has visited the Bibliothèque nationale de France in Paris to discuss future cultural collaboration between Sharjah and one of Europe’s oldest literary institutions.
The visit, which included meetings with senior French officials, focused on developing joint initiatives in manuscripts, children’s literature, and cultural artefacts. A key proposal included launching “Sharjah Literary Days” in Paris as a platform for dialogue and literary exchange.
Strengthening global partnerships
Sheikha Bodour was joined by Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of SBA, and other officials. They were received by Gilles Pécout, President of the National Library of France, along with senior directors from the institution. The delegation toured the library’s Richelieu site, viewing rare collections and learning about preservation and digitisation efforts.
Commenting on the visit, Sheikha Bodour said: “In Sharjah, we believe that libraries are not simply repositories of books, but vibrant spaces for cultural engagement serving as a bridge that connects humanity’s memory with the future. We are dedicated to advancing innovative projects that extend the global presence of Arab culture and strengthen Sharjah’s position as a conduit between East and West.”
She added: “The Historical Corpus of the Arabic Language embodies a message of cultural dialogue conveyed through our language. Presenting it to the National Library of France is an open invitation to civilisational exchange. We hold this revered institution in high regard for its integral role in safeguarding written heritage, and we are confident that our collaboration will open new avenues in areas that resonate with the core of human cultural identity.”
Joint literary initiatives
The visit resulted in agreements to co-host exhibitions in Sharjah and Paris, including the exchange of rare manuscripts and historical documents. Plans were also discussed to increase cross-cultural representation in children’s literature through educational programmes and professional workshops.
Both sides also committed to strengthening ties between Sharjah Public Libraries and the National Library of France. This includes exchanging expertise and improving library services through collaborative training and shared knowledge initiatives.
National Library of France background
Established formally in 1537, the National Library of France began as a royal collection under King Francis I. It now holds more than 40 million items across various formats and languages, and continues to serve as a leading destination for researchers and scholars globally.
The SBA’s visit reflects its mission to expand cultural dialogue and support the publishing industry through international cooperation.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
