DUBAI, Oct. 31 (Xinhua) -- People should read not only for the love of books but also search for the truth, said Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, the ruler of Sharjah, a northern sheikhdom of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), on Wednesday.
He made the remarks at the opening ceremony of the 37th Sharjah International Book Fair.
Qasimi said "people do not always seek the truth, but believe what they like to believe in, which may not be the truth always."
He added "I say to such people, look carefully and the truth is right there. The books I write are always a quest for the truth. We have taught our sons and daughters to always love reading and search for the truth."
Qasimi also honored Azzeldine Mihoubi, Algeria's Minister of Culture, as the "Cultural Personality of the Year" in recognition of his outstanding efforts and achievements in the development of cultural fields in Algeria.
Mihoubi thanked Qasimi and the organizers for selecting him as the "Cultural Personality of the Year."
Sharjah, one of seven UAE sheikhdoms, has 16 museums and is regarded as the cultural capital of the Gulf Arab region.
The 37th Sharjah International Book Fair will run until Nov. 10.
