Sharjah Literature Festival celebrates the capacity of words to link societies
- Last updated: January 6, 2026 | 10:07 ..
Muhammad Yusuf, Features Writer
Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah and with the support and guidance of Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of Sharjah Book Authority and Founder and Honorary President of Emirates Publishers Association, the emirate of Sharjah has launched (Jan. 5 — 11), the second edition of Sharjah Literature Festival. The event is jointly organised by the Emirates Publishers Association and Sharjah Book Authority and takes place across University City Hall, Sharjah.
Held under the theme A Community Woven Through Tales, this year’s edition gives guests time to engage with a rich and diverse agenda. The festival serves as an active annual platform that highlights Emirati literary creativity, provides a space for meaningful interaction between authors and readers, besides introducing audiences to the latest trends in writing and creativity.
It contributes to inspiring innovation within society and supporting the development and growth of the literary landscape. This year, festival hosts a distinguished group of authors, thought leaders, creatives and artists across 24 events, including panel discussions, poetry evenings, and musical and cultural performances. The accompanying book fair showcases the latest literary releases from participating Emirati publishing houses, offering visitors the chance to explore and purchase new titles.
The festival welcomes the participation of an elite group of Emirati figures in the fields of literature, poetry, thought, art, media, culinary arts, and sports. Among them are the writer Afra Mahmoud, media personality Bader Alawadhi, and lawyer Salha Al Basti. Also participating are author Sara Galadari, art curator Shamma Al Zaffin, authors Latifa Al Najjar and Fatima Al Breiki and media professional, Alia Al Mansoori. The event also attracts poets Amal Alsahlawi, Ahmed Alasam, Najat Al Dhaheri and Ali Bin Abdan, alongside content creator Abdulla Allouz, chef Islam Aljabali, artist Mohammed Yousif, and astrophotographer, Yousef Al Qasimi. In the field of musical arts and singing, the festival hosts singer Almaydee, guitarist Hoor Almarzooqi, pianist Ahmed Al Hashimi, the Oud Duo band, the One Interrupted and Friends band, and a theatrical troupe comprising members of the Sharjah Capability Development.
Emirati literary production is a cornerstone of the event, and the book sees the participation of 42 Emirati publishing houses. They will present a diverse range of local titles catering to various age groups, enriching the overall visitor experience. This presence reaffirms the status of Emirati literature as an integral part of the local and regional cultural landscape. The main stage has a series of panel discussions covering diverse topics such as Ancient Civilisation in Mleiha, The Rules of Writing for Children, Electronic Games, Art and Music, Sports and Society, Street Photography, Stargazing and Astrophotography, and The Table That Connects Us. Poetry and social evenings celebrate the art of verse and its close connection to the community, alongside theatrical, musical and vocal performances, and interactive storytelling sessions. A daily storytelling corner for children with Sayedat Al Hekayat, also takes place.
Workshops immerse participants in the worlds of art with fine artist Magdy El Kafrawy, Visual Art Using Artificial Intelligence with artist Ahmed Ba Fadhl, and Comic Characters with artist Aysha Al Hamrani. Separate workshops include creative designs for bookmarks with Hadeel Jniyah, Arabic calligraphy with calligrapher Abdullah Al Astad, content creation and video editing workshop with Saif Salem and stamp making with Jasim Al Naqbi, alongside dedicated workshops for candle making, photography and culinary arts.
Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi said that literature had the power to shape societies, preserve common memory and connect people through collective experiences. She likened stories to a living tapestry that weaves communities together with understanding, with words becoming a unifying, inspirational force. “Literature is where memory, imagination and identity are enshrined,” she said. “It preserves our stories and deepens our understanding of one another, while building a sense of belonging that transcends generations. Through the Sharjah Literature Festival, we celebrate the power of words to connect communities, enrich minds and catalyse a healthy, compassionate society.”
Rashid Al Kous, Executive Director of Emirates Publishers Association, said “the Sharjah Literature Festival serves as a cultural platform that supports Emirati creativity and highlights local literary achievements. It also creates an enabling environment for publishers and authors and provides an interactive space that encourages promising literary projects, reinforcing Sharjah’s status as a hub for thought, creativity, and knowledge ... We believe that literature has a unique capacity to expand intellectual horizons and promote values of openness, respect and diversity, strengthens the presence of culture in public life, builds strong bridges between generations and nourishes creativity. To care for literature is to care for the spirit of society.”
The festival also sees 14 educational workshops on Arabic calligraphy, storytelling and creative arts, in addition to a selection of entertainment activities. Visitors will have the opportunity to obtain handmade products that combine striking design and the beauty of authentic local heritage, including crochet items, accessories, decorative ornaments, and personalised gifts such as keychains, small bags, and candles with scents inspired by traditional perfumes, among others.
The festival reinforces its role as a bridge connecting community members with intellectual output, enhancing the presence of literature in everyday life, where stories bring people together, and weave connections through generations. The event agenda can be viewed, and registration for events can be completed, via the official website or by following the festival’s official social media accounts.