VIDEO: Sheikh Sultan inaugurates Sharjah International Book Fair, unveils first phase of Arabic encyclopedia

His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, on Wednesday, opened the 44th Sharjah International Book Fair. The event featured 2,350 publishing houses, as well as 250 authors, thinkers, and creators from 66 countries. These participants will present 1,200 cultural, creative, and artistic events throughout the duration of the fair.

During the opening ceremony of the Sharjah International Book Fair, His Highness welcomed the delegation from Greece, this year's guest of honour. He also emphasised the significance of the cultural initiatives being carried out in the Emirate of Sharjah, which is currently marking the centenary of the establishment of its first library in 1925.

During the opening ceremony, His Highness said, "We are pleased to announce the completion of the first phase of the comprehensive Arabic encyclopaedia covering science, literature, arts and media, comprising 44 volumes. God willing, we will complete the second phase in November 2026, the third in November 2027 and the fourth in November 2028, so that the work will be fully completed and connect the contemporary generation with the history of their ancestors.”

His Highness explained that the aim of this encyclopedia is to introduce the sciences and literature, as well as all scientific branches related to the Arabic language, Islamic sciences, and humanities. It includes biographies and accounts of scholars, philosophers, writers, poets, linguists, interpreters, caliphs and kings from the beginning of Arab history through to Islamic civilisation and its luminaries, who enriched the library of human knowledge with works and books on various fields of science, literature and knowledge.”