The Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) has entered into a strategic partnership with Morocco’s Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication – Culture Sector to enhance cooperation in the publishing industry and advance shared cultural and knowledge-based development goals.
The agreement was signed in Rabat by Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of SBA, and Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid, Morocco’s Minister of Youth, Culture and Communication, during an official SBA delegation visit aligned with Rabat’s designation as UNESCO World Book Capital 2026.
The collaboration establishes a framework for exchanging expertise in publishing regulations, governance models, and investment frameworks supporting the book sector. It also includes joint initiatives such as training programmes, workshops, field visits, and feasibility studies aimed at strengthening Morocco’s publishing ecosystem.
Both sides emphasized the importance of cultural cooperation as a driver of sustainable development and economic growth within the creative industries. Sheikha Bodour highlighted the role of long-term institutional partnerships in expanding the global reach of Arab publishing, while the Moroccan minister underscored Sharjah’s established leadership in building a structured and modern publishing ecosystem.
The agreement also introduces a joint coordination committee to oversee implementation, define annual priorities, and ensure measurable outcomes.
This partnership reflects a broader regional push to position culture and publishing as key pillars of the knowledge economy and investment in creative sectors.
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