His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, met, at the Sharjah Book Authority’s pavilion, with a number of Arab and foreign literary figures, heads of publishing houses and media representatives.

He exchanged views with them on issues such as the development of communities through culture, as well as the importance of boosting the role of libraries and supporting their presence in public locations, which would help increase the reach of books to all members of society.

Sheikh Dr Sultan said: “If we want to achieve cultural development, then we need to instil in our children the desire to read books, and urge them to acquire knowledge and information through reading.”

He also pointed out that stability is the cornerstone for the development of any nation.