Photos: Sharjah pavilion at Guadalajara International Book Fair 2022 in Mexico

Sharjah’s Guest of Honour pavilion, located at the main entrance of the book fair, served as a unique gateway to the cultural experience and shared human values that bind Arab and Latin cultures.

People visit the "Sharjah" hallway during the Guadalajara International Book Fair in Guadalajara, Mexico. Sharjah is the guest of honour at the book fair, which runs until December 4, and being held in the Mexican city of Guadalajara, popularly known as ‘The City of Roses,’

The harmony of Latino-Arab rhythms and music is being highlighted at the ongoing 36th Guadalajara International Book Fair (FIL) in Mexico. Resonating with the pulsating tunes of the classical Latino guitar and the melody of the Oriental Qanun, a 78-string, traditional Arabian instrument, the Sharjah pavilion at the book fair serves as a lively space for intercultural dialogue through the language of rhythms and soulful compositions. Popular Latin songs are rendered in Oriental spirit by Iraqi musician and composer Furat Qaddouri, Chilean musician Vicente Allende; and percussionist Gilberto Moncada from Cuba.

The celebration of Sharjah’s cultural project at the largest book fair in Latin America also introduced visitors to the legacy and the ongoing achievements of the creative movement in the UAE and the wider Arab region.

Hundreds of visitors line up daily at Sharjah Department of Culture’s corner at the ongoing 36th Guadalajara International Book Fair (FIL) in Mexico to meet Emirati calligrapher Khalid Al Jallaf and Mexican artist Sid Dawkins and have their names written in Arabic and Latin scripts. Incorporating the aesthetics of Arabic Diwani and Latin Gothic calligraphy, the two artists are engaging visitors to Arab and Latin cultures.

Sharjah’s epic movie Khorfakkan was screened at Guadalajara International Book Fair in Mexico. Film narrates the emirate’s stand against a Portuguese invasion five centuries ago. Produced by Sharjah Broadcasting Authority (SBA), the film is based on a book titled ‘Khorfakkan’s Resistance Against the Portuguese Invasion of September 1507’, authored by His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed AlQasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. Khorfakkan, screened on November 28 and 29 in Mexico, highlights the resistance of inhabitants of the city of Khorfakkan during the Portuguese invasion in 1507 led by naval commander General Afonso de Albuquerque.

Over the course of nine days, Guadalajara, the cultural centre of Mexico know as ‘The City of Roses’, will showcase Emirati and Arab literature and build bridges between the Arab and Latin cultures through a diverse agenda of activities.

The heritage shows, music performances and panel discussions hosted at the pavilion attracted a massive turnout of Mexican and global visitors who were spellbound by the captivating showcase of cultural diversity from the UAE.

Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, Chairman of the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), said, “The massive turnout of visitors and their interest in Emirati culture at the Guadalajara International Book Fair is a manifestation of the wise vision of H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. His Highness has always believed that culture and the written word reveal the universal ethics and values that connect peoples, which are far greater and more powerful than what differentiates humanity. This interconnectedness is the key to building sustainable close relationships between world countries, and we are proud to see the large footfall of the Mexican audience as they celebrate Sharjah and the Emirati and Arab cultures it is representing.”

The SBA Chairman added, “Our Emirati and Arab cultures are enriched with significant milestones that symbolise our contribution to human civilisation and culture. Sharjah’s leading efforts at the international level consolidates the uniqueness of our culture, and further reinforces its powerful presence and influence on different nations in diverse areas including literature, music and art. Sharjah’s crowning as the first Arab Guest of Honour at the Guadalajara International Book Fair is a message to every Emirati individual and organisation on the enduring belief in the power of the written word and its impact on bolstering our position on the global cultural map.”