Officials and writers: Sharjah has made Emirati and Arab culture a focus of influential global communication

Sharjah, May 22 / WAM / Officials in Emirati cultural, academic and creative institutions and bodies have confirmed that Sharjah’s participation as a guest of honor in the fifth session of the Warsaw International Book Fair 2026, which will be held from May 28 to 31 of this year, reflects the emirate’s position in the international cultural scene and opens new paths for cultural communication between Arab and European cultures, noting that the emirate has put Emirati and Arab culture in a real and influential dialogue with different cultures. Cultures of the world and placed them at the center of attention of the peoples and civilizations of the world.

Sharjah brings to Warsaw an integrated cultural and professional program under the slogan “A Tale of Letters… Between Two Civilizations” with the participation of 21 Emirati cultural institutions and 36 Emirati writers and poets in 35 events that include 28 seminars, 4 poetry evenings, and 3 workshops for children held at the exhibition, at the University of Warsaw, and the Grochotica Public Library, in addition to 18 musical performances presenting selections from the Emirati heritage in an audience that highlights the diversity of the Emirati cultural experience. It allows the Polish public to learn about Arabic and Emirati literature through dialogue sessions and specialized meetings, while the Sharjah Pavilion constitutes a comprehensive platform for displaying cultural publications and projects, which enhances opportunities for knowledge exchange and supports the presence of Arabic books in one of the most prominent publishing platforms in Europe.

His Excellency Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of the Sharjah Book Authority, said: “We in the UAE believe that when a book crosses borders, it opens a door for people to their common history and gives them a language of understanding that preserves the privacy of each culture and reveals its connections to the other. With the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, the emirate is present in Warsaw to present to the Polish reader an image of Arab and Emirati culture in its contemporary vitality and historical depth. In doing so, it represents not only the UAE, but Arab culture and the world.” Al-Arabi praised her as the first Arab guest of honor in Warsaw.

He added that under the guidance of Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairwoman of the Board of Directors of the Sharjah Book Authority, we have prepared a cultural and professional program that places literature, arts, translation and the publishing industry in one dialogue space and gives writers, publishers and readers from the United Arab Emirates and Poland a direct opportunity to get to know each other and work together. The participation of Emirati cultural institutions and creators alongside their Polish counterparts reflects Sharjah’s belief that attendance at international book fairs must translate into a sustainable impact that extends the translation movement and enhances professional partnerships.

For his part, His Excellency Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Musallam, President of the Sharjah Heritage Institute, said that the Institute’s presence within the Sharjah Pavilion, which brings together an elite of Emirati cultural and academic institutions, comes to present specialized publications in cultural heritage, in addition to introducing its initiatives in preserving intangible cultural heritage and highlighting its efforts in documenting the heritage and transmitting it to generations using contemporary methods.

Dr. Ali Ibrahim Salem Al Marri, head of the Dr. Sultan Al Qasimi House, said that the Dr. Sultan Al Qasimi House participates within the delegation of the Emirate of Sharjah participating in the Poland – Warsaw Book Fair, where it displays a distinguished collection of the possessions of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, which includes geographical maps for various periods from the 15th to the 19th century AD, illustrating the development taking place in the science of making and printing geographical maps. The house also displays in its pavilion a documentary film about the House of Dr. Sultan Al Qasimi.

His Excellency Muhammad Hassan Khalaf, Director General of the Sharjah Broadcasting and Television Authority, confirmed that the Authority will accompany the participation of the Emirate of Sharjah as a guest of honor in the Warsaw International Book Fair 2026 through comprehensive and integrated media coverage that conveys to the public the features of the cultural and civilizational experience of the Emirate and reflects the inspiring vision of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah based on establishing books and knowledge as a bridge for human communication and dialogue between cultures.

For his part, His Excellency Issa Yousef, Director General of the Sharjah Archeology Authority, said that the Authority aims through its participation to highlight the exceptional scientific value of the Al Faya site, which is included on the UNESCO World Heritage List as one of the most prominent sites associated with studies of early human migrations outside Africa, in addition to introducing the system of archaeological sites in the emirate, which together represent an integrated scientific record of the development of human settlement. It also showcases its specialized scientific output in archaeology, which exceeds 60 publications, as it systematically documents the results of excavations and studies. Archaeological sites have been in the emirate for more than half a century, which enhances the accumulation of scientific knowledge and provides an important reference for researchers and specialists.

For his part, Dr. Sultan Al Amimi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Emirates Writers and Writers Union, said that Sharjah’s arrival as a guest at the Warsaw International Book Fair is an extension of its success in the world of publishing, culture and the book industry, and adds to the emirate’s cultural record and the UAE’s presence in international cultural and literary forums, in appreciation and acknowledgment of the level reached by the efforts and achievements achieved at the hands of the wise leadership.

For his part, Mohammed bin Dukhain, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Emirates Copyright Management Association, said that participation in the Warsaw International Book Fair is an important opportunity to enhance the UAE’s presence in international cultural forums and highlight its efforts in protecting copyright and supporting creative industries. It also allows expanding the network of relations with international partners, exchanging experiences, and exploring new opportunities that contribute to the development of the copyright management system.

For his part, Rashid Al-Kous, Executive Director of the Emirates Publishers Association, said that choosing Sharjah as a guest of honor at the Warsaw International Book Fair confirms the transformation of the UAE into an influential center in the global publishing industry. We at the Emirates Publishers Association are proud of this participation as an extension of a long-term strategic vision aimed at consolidating the presence of Arabic content in international markets.

Marwa Al Aqroubi, Executive Director of House of Wisdom and President of the UAE Council on Books for Young People, said that the participation of House of Wisdom within the delegation of the Emirate of Sharjah, guest of honor at the exhibition, is a renewed milestone for the “Sheep with a New Vision” initiative, which was launched from Sharjah to various countries with the aim of enhancing cultural dialogue and exchanging creativity between peoples.

Dr. Muhammad Safi Al Mosteghanemi, Secretary General of the Arabic Language Academy in Sharjah, said that the Academy’s participation in the Sharjah Pavilion, as guest of honor at the Warsaw International Book Fair, is an extension of an established path of scientific and linguistic cooperation between the Academy and Polish universities and an introduction to its major cognitive achievements, most notably the Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language, which provides researchers and students with an accurate picture of the life of Arabic and the transformations of its words over the centuries.

For his part, Fahd Al Mamari, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Emirates Library and Information Association, said that through our participation in the event, we seek to highlight the association’s efforts in supporting reading, enhancing the role of libraries as vital centers for sustainable learning and innovation, and enabling individuals to access diverse sources of knowledge easily and efficiently.

For his part, Dr. Essam El-Din Ajami, Director of the University of Sharjah, stressed that the University of Sharjah’s participation stems from its responsibility to consolidate the values ​​of knowledge and enhance cultural dialogue with universities and knowledge institutions in the world, stressing that this participation will contribute to opening new horizons for academic communication with European universities and scientific institutions.

For his part, Dr. Todd Laursen, Director of the American University of Sharjah, said that participation in the Warsaw Book Fair comes within the American University of Sharjah’s commitment to promoting scientific research and contributing to intellectual exchange at the global level.

For her part, Amna Al-Mazmi, Director of the Kalimat Foundation, said that we view our participation in the Warsaw exhibition as an opportunity to enhance the presence of the Kalimat Foundation’s programs and initiatives at the international level and build qualitative partnerships that contribute to expanding its impact and reaching more children and communities.

Tamer Saeed, Director of the Sharjah International Literary Rights Agency, said: “Through this participation, we seek to enhance the presence of Arabic literature within global markets in general and European markets in particular, and to build direct relationships with publishers, agents, and institutions concerned with translation, copyright, and the book industry.”

For his part, Muhannad Abu Saeeda, Director of Publications at Al Qasimi Publications, said that participation is a new achievement in the record of Sharjah’s cultural achievements. Sharjah has become a scientific beacon that receives knowledge and has become a home for culture and a distinguished intellectual source at the regional and international levels.

For his part, His Excellency Ahmed Abdul Salam Al-Ali, General Manager of Kalimat Group, said that the group is participating in the Warsaw International Book Fair by displaying a group of Polish poetry publications by an elite group of writers translated into Arabic and displaying them to the exhibition’s audience, within the framework of enhancing direct communication with the Polish public.

In turn, Muhammad Ibrahim Al-Qusair, Director of the Department of Cultural Affairs at the Department of Culture in Sharjah and head of the Department of Culture delegation participating in the exhibition, said that the Department will present, as part of its participation, an exhibition of Arabic calligraphy that reflects the depth of the visual identity of the Arab-Islamic civilization and highlights the continuing interest in reviving authentic heritage arts and presenting them in a contemporary context to the global audience, in addition to a live workshop on Arabic calligraphy and the presentation of a group of the Department of Culture’s publications.

Saif Al Suwaidi, Director of the Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone, said that attendance at this international event supports efforts to keep pace with the transformations taking place in the publishing sector globally, and provides opportunities to showcase features, smart services, flexible solutions, opportunities for cooperation, and the advantages of entering new markets, supply chains, and modern business models.

As part of its growing international presence, the “Publish Here” initiative, which was founded by Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairwoman of the Sharjah Book Authority, has prepared an integrated program for its participation in the exhibition, which reflects its vision of empowering women and enhancing their leadership role in the global publishing sector.

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