UAE official calls Arab intellectuals to ape cultural festival of assilah, morocco

Governor of the Emirate of Sharjah, Sheikh Soltane Ben Mohammed Al Kasimi, called Arab intellectuals to take the Moussem (Festival) of Assila (Northern Morocco) as a model of an encounter that brings together Arab artists to communicate with other peoples.

In an interview with TV channel Sharjah after a ceremony paying homage to Arab painters on the sidelines of the biannual festival of Sharjah, Al Kasimi said the Moussem of Assilah "is an occasion for Arab artists to communicate with other peoples." The festival is a successful experience in the Arab states, he said, adding that "the event, which showcases Arab culture in its best assets," attracted numerous participants and visitors from America and Europe.

The biannual festival of Sharjah, to wind up May 9, is held under the theme "Art in a mutating world: globalization and modernization," with the participation of over 120 artists from 92 countries." The Assilah festival features colloquies, painting and engraving exhibitions, music shows and other activities attended by intellectuals from the five continents.