Sharjah: Officials from cultural and academic institutions in the UAE have affirmed that Sharjah's participation as Guest of Honour (GOH) at the fifth edition of the Warsaw International Book Fair (WIBF), held from 28th-31st May 2026, reflects the emirate's standing on the international cultural scene, noting that it opens a new avenue for engagement between Arab and Polish cultures.
According to Emirates News Agency, they remarked that Sharjah's selection as GOH represents international recognition of its pivotal role in supporting books and reading, strengthening the presence of Arabic literature on global platforms, and advancing dialogue between Arab and European cultures.
Sharjah will bring to Warsaw an integrated cultural and professional programme under the slogan 'Two Civilisations. One Language of Letters', featuring 21 UAE cultural institutions and 36 Emirati writers and poets. The programme comprises 35 activities, including 28 panel discussions, four poetry evenings, and three children's workshops hosted across the fairgrounds, the University of Warsaw, and the Grochoteka Public Library, in addition to 18 musical performances showcasing Emirati heritage.
This presence highlights the diversity of the UAE's cultural experience and offers Polish audiences the opportunity to gain insight into Arab and Emirati literature through panel discussions and specialised meetings. Sharjah's pavilion will serve as a comprehensive platform showcasing publications and cultural projects, strengthening knowledge exchange and supporting the presence of Arabic books at one of Europe's leading publishing platforms.
Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), said that the UAE believes that when a book crosses borders, it opens a door to shared history and creates a language of understanding that preserves the uniqueness of every culture while revealing its connections with others. Under the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, the emirate will present Polish readers with Arab and Emirati culture in both its contemporary vitality and historical depth. In doing so, the emirate marks a milestone for Arab cultural representation as Warsaw welcomes its first Arab Guest of Honour.
He added that under the guidance of Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of SBA, the cultural and professional programme brings literature, arts, translation, and publishing into one space for dialogue. Sharjah's GOH programme gives writers, publishers, and readers from the UAE and Poland a direct opportunity to meet, connect, and work together. The participation of the UAE's cultural institutions and creatives alongside their Polish counterparts reflects Sharjah's belief that participation in international book fairs should create sustainable impact through translation and professional partnerships.
Abdulaziz Al Musallam, Chairman of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage, said that the Institute's presence within the Sharjah pavilion, which brings together a group of Emirati cultural and academic institutions, will include specialised publications on cultural heritage, as well as introductions to the Institute's initiatives to safeguard intangible cultural heritage. It will also highlight the Institute's efforts to document heritage and transmit it to new generations through contemporary methods. This integrated institutional presence reflects the diversity of Sharjah's cultural landscape and the complementarity of its roles, strengthening the emirate's presence on the international cultural stage and highlighting its authentic cultural identity within a framework of openness and interaction with other cultures.
He added that the Institute's participation in this international event comes within Sharjah's cultural vision, which emphasises the importance of heritage as a vital element in strengthening cultural identity and civilisational communication. He noted that, through this participation, the Institute is keen to present a comprehensive image of Emirati heritage and highlight its role in building bridges of human understanding between cultures.
Dr. Ali Ibrahim Al Marri, Chairman of the Dr Sultan Al Qasimi Centre, said that the Centre is joining the Sharjah delegation at WIBF in Poland. The Centre represents the historical dimension, displaying a distinguished collection belonging to His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. These include geographic maps dating from the 15th to 19th centuries CE, illustrating the development of cartography and map printing. The Centre will also screen a documentary film about Dr Sultan Al Qasimi Centre in its dedicated pavilion.
Mohammed Hassan Khalaf, Director-General of the Sharjah Broadcasting Authority, affirmed that the Authority will highlight Sharjah's participation as GOH at WIBF through comprehensive media coverage conveying the emirate's cultural and civilisational experience and reflecting the inspiring vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, rooted in establishing books and knowledge as bridges for human connection and intercultural dialogue.
He added that the coverage will focus on the cultural programme prepared by SBA, which includes seminars, panels, reading sessions, workshops, and performances featuring leading Arab and Polish writers, thinkers, publishers, and translators. It will also cover events that highlight Emirati and Arab heritage and their contributions to the global cultural scene, strengthening Sharjah's position as a global centre for culture, publishing, and dialogue.
Issa Yousef, Director-General of the Sharjah Archaeology Authority, said that through this participation, the Authority aims to highlight the exceptional scientific value of Faya, which is inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List as one of the most prominent sites associated with studies of early human migrations out of Africa. It will also introduce the emirate's network of archaeological sites, which together form an integrated scientific record of the development of human settlement.
He added that the Authority will showcase more than 60 specialised archaeological publications documenting the results of excavation works and archaeological studies conducted in the emirate over more than half a century. These efforts have enhanced accumulated scientific knowledge and provided an important reference for researchers and specialists.
Dr Sultan Al Ameemi, Chairman of the Emirates Writers Union, said that the selection of Sharjah as GOH at WIBF continues the emirate's successful journey in publishing, culture, and the book industry. It adds to Sharjah's cultural standing and to the UAE's presence at international cultural and literary forums, reflecting appreciation for the achievements made under wise leadership. WIBF, whose history dates back more than 70 years, is one of the world's most important book fairs.
He added that this is an important opportunity to showcase the cultural and intellectual output of Emirati creatives across different fields of literature and knowledge. The new Polish translations of several literary publications also represent an important gateway into a new non-Arabic linguistic space, expanding the reach of the Emirati creative voice. Through this important participation in WIBF, Sharjah serves as an ambassador of the UAE's culture. The participating Emirati creatives also act as ambassadors of the UAE's culture and creativity abroad. This reflects the efforts established by H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, in culture and knowledge, with the continued support of Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi, Chairperson of SBA.
Mohamed Bin Dakhen, President of ERRA, said that participation in WIBF, as part of Sharjah's presence as GOH, is an important opportunity to strengthen the UAE's presence in international cultural forums and highlight its efforts to protect copyright and support the creative industries. It also enables expansion of the network of relations with international partners, exchange of expertise, and exploration of new opportunities that contribute to developing the reprographic rights management ecosystem, benefiting writers and publishers in the country.
He added that such participations contribute to consolidating the UAE's position as a global centre for culture and publishing and strengthen its presence in international discussions related to intellectual property protection, especially in light of rapid digital transformations. This platform also provides an opportunity to introduce the Association's role and initiatives, build new strategic partnerships that support the sustainability of creativity, and open wider horizons for Emirati creatives to reach global markets.
Rashid Al Kous, Executive Director of the Emirates Publishers Association (EPA), said that the selection of Sharjah as GOH at WIBF confirms the UAE's transformation into an influential centre in the global publishing industry. At EPA, they are proud of this participation as a continuation of a long-term strategic vision aimed at consolidating the presence of Arabic content in international markets.
He added that this participation is viewed as a valuable strategic opportunity to expand cross-border partnership networks and engage in advanced professional dialogues on copyright, translation, and the content industry. They reaffirm their commitment to equipping Emirati publishers with the tools of global competitiveness, contributing to carrying the Emirati cultural voice to wider horizons.
Marwa Al Aqroubi, Executive Director of House of Wisdom (HOW) and President of the UAE Board on Books for Young People (UAEBBY), said that HOW's participation as part of Sharjah's GOH delegation reflects Sharjah's commitment to highlighting the scientific contributions of Arab-Islamic civilisation to the course of human knowledge. It offers a historical reading of the development of science through civilisational interaction, translation, and the exchange of ideas between East and West.
She added that UAEBBY's participation also marks a renewed chapter for the Folktales Reimagined initiative, which began in Sharjah and travelled to different countries with the aim of strengthening cultural dialogue and creative exchange between peoples. Through this participation, artists from the UAE and Poland come together to reimagine the folktales of both countries from different perspectives in an artistic experience that highlights shared values, cultural memory, and modern identity. It presents a visual narrative that brings together the imagination of the East and the spirit of the West.
Mohamed Safi Al Mosteghanemi, Secretary-General of the Arabic Language Academy in Sharjah (ALA), said that participation in the Shar