The stand of Sharjah Islamic Culture Capital, in the 33rd edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair 2014, has highlighted the cultural achievements made by Sharjah during this year ­ coinciding with the emirate’s selection by the Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (ISESCO), in recognition of its landmark cultural achievements and intellectual contributions in accordance with the vision of H.H. Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah.

The stand offers visitors an array of illustrative publications documenting cultural projects and initiatives during the year that reflect the emirate's position as a Capital of Islamic Culture, exhibiting cultural achievements that contribute to serving Islamic culture and highlighting it as a source of knowledge for present generations, as well as those to come.

Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Executive Committee for the Sharjah Islamic Culture Capital 2014 (SICC 2014), and Chairman of Sharjah Media Centre, said, "The committee has launched more than 100 events and activities during this year, and implemented over 20 projects worth AED1.5 billion in celebration of Sharjah's selection as the Islamic Culture Capital for 2014. This adds uniquely to Sharjah’s rich legacy as a center of new heritage, tourist, cultural, scientific and development projects, that work towards the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, to promote Islamic cultural thought and spread its goodness around the world." Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi added, "The projects by Sharjah Islamic Culture Capital span universities, monuments, Islamic parks, traditional markets, museums and libraries, as well as scientific and architectural edifices. These projects complement the cultural achievements and human heritage that chronicle Sharjah’s story of knowledge and science, promoting the emirate's status and key role in the international cultural system as part of its internationally acclaimed efforts to boost and enhance cultural and intellectual output in compliance with sound national values and goals." Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi noted that Sharjah is now home to Islamic landmarks that bear witness to the highness and greatness of Islamic culture and civilization, most notably mosques ­ which today number 1,000 ­ and the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization ­ the first of its kind in the UAE and entire region.

Among the projects is Al Hisn Fort Museum, which has been renovated at a cost of AED 16 million, and will be re-opened during the current month. The emirate has allocated AED23 million for the construction of new museums and traditional markets, as well as other heritage projects that will be revealed later.

The stand highlights the most prominent Sharjah Islamic Culture Capital projects, including the construction of Al Qasimia University, as per the directives of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, to serve as a scientific and cultural beacon to enrich global Islamic culture. His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan Al Qasimi will also provide the university with more than 120,000 books on Islamic studies, as well as a number of other English books to consolidate the role of Sharjah as capital of Islamic culture in spreading awareness about the Islamic civilization and the bright history of Islam.