H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, underscored that reading and knowledge are best means to achieve progress and welfare for nations.
He added that Sharjah is striving to achieve this for its citisens through promotion of cultural projects such as: 'A library for Every House" Project, launched in 2008.
In an interview to Sharjah TV & Radio at Sharjah Pavilion at the 66th Frankfurt Book Fair, Sheikh Sultan said that" the Emirate of Sharjah has put culture as a priority and reading enriches culture, which enlightens one's path and concept." He also added, "We, as decision-makers, not only responsible for provision of education, knowledge, establishing educational and artistic and cultural centres, but also follow up their work and contribution in order to see their impact on the society." At the end of the interview, Sheikh Sultan called upon every U.A.E. citizen and the Arab countries to read.
During his tour of various Arab, German and foreign pavilions, Sheikh Sultan got familiarised with the latest publications and titles and viewed rare manuscripts.
At the German pavilion, Sheikh Sultan signed copies of the German version of his biography "Hadeeth Al Thakira" (Discourse from Memory) for a group of visitors.
This book is part III of Taking the Reins (Hadeeth Al Thakira), which consists of three parts, started with birth of United Arab Emirates, on 2nd December 1971 and challenges faced by the late founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and major events took place.