Sharjah Ruler Opens Book Fair, Honors Egyptian Writer Mohamed Salmawy as Cultural Personality of the Year

Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, inaugurated the 44th Sharjah International Book Fair on Wednesday, where he toured the pavilion of the Egyptian General Book Organization and honored acclaimed Egyptian writer Mohamed Salmawy as the fair’s “Cultural Personality of the Year.”

During his visit, Sheikh Sultan was received by Dr. Khaled Abou El-Leil, Acting Chairman of the Egyptian General Book Organization, who presented him with a selection of the organization’s latest publications, including Salmawy’s complete works. The Ruler praised Egypt’s enduring cultural leadership and the organization’s pivotal role in preserving Arab heritage and promoting knowledge.

Egypt’s Minister of Culture, Dr. Ahmed Fouad Hennu, congratulated Salmawy on the honor, emphasizing the deep cultural ties between Egypt and the UAE. The fair, held under the theme “Between You and the Book,” runs until November 16 at Expo Centre Sharjah.