Kalimat wraps up SIBF with 30 new titles, cultural event

Kalimat Group (KG) concluded its participation in the 44th Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) with a vibrant cultural programme that showcased more than 30 new releases, exclusive author sessions, storytelling activities, workshops, and a diverse series of panel discussions across its pavilion.

The programme reflected KG and its affiliated imprints’ commitment to broadening creative output and expanding access to literature and knowledge for readers of all ages through a rich portfolio of Arabic, translated, and bilingual works.

At the Kalimat pavilion, visitors explored a strong line-up of new titles, including The Pawned Dagger by His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah.

Other releases included Taga, an Arabic-language children’s book by Emirati author Bdoor Rashidi, as well as two bilingual Arabic–English titles published in collaboration with the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority.

Kalimat’s daily programming brought families and young readers into interactive creative spaces through storytelling sessions featuring Grandma Fashionista, Thikra for Sale, My Dad Loves My Mum, The Curious Gang and the Strange Attack of the Giant Sun, Baba Hameed, and My Mouth.

The pavilion also hosted an art workshop led by Alia Al Hammadi, alongside several interactive storytelling sessions. Widad Masalama and Rawan Akila presented The Green Map, while Isra Al Mulla engaged young audiences with a session inspired by The Pawned Dagger.

A series of book signings added to the pavilion’s momentum. Nadia Al Najjar launched Smile for the Photo through a combined storytelling and signing session, while Bdoor Rashidi met readers for the signing of Taga.

A storytelling session featured Sheikha Mozah Al Maktoum’s When She Took to the Sky, and Laurent Rivlayg hosted a signing for The Curious Gang. Authors Rama Qanawati and Alia Al Hammadi also read and signed A Drop in Trouble.

For older readers, Kalimat organised a set of literary discussions.

“Young Readers and Big Laughs” brought together Laurent Rivlayg and illustrator Mohammed Al Sheibani.

“My Story as I Tell It: Autobiography in Young Adult Literature (The Pawned Dagger as a Model)” featured insights from Dr. Badeeah Al-Hashimi and Nadia Al Najjar.

The programme concluded with “Elegance and heritage... a journey into the world of traditional Emirati fashion”, presented by Bdoor Rashidi, Noura Al Khouri, and Waheeda Al Hadrami.

In addition to its literary offerings, Kalimat Group highlighted its newly launched imprint, Sarab, which presents high-end art books documenting Arab culture, architecture, and history through contemporary photography and design.

Titles such as Sharjah from the Sky, Sharjah Libraries – A Century of Knowledge, Mleiha – Ancient Treasures of the United Arab Emirates, and Mosques of Sharjah showcase the emirate’s heritage and creative identity, offering readers a visually immersive experience that complements Kalimat’s rich catalogue of literature for all ages.

Rewayat also hosted nine events highlighting its growing collection of translated works across fiction, poetry, and self-development.

The programme opened with a panel dedicated to the launch of new editions of Tayeb Salih’s work, featuring authors Majzoub Aidarous, Adel Babiker, and Mohammed Khalaf, followed by a book signing by Dr Hasan Madan at the Kalimat Group pavilion.

Two poetry evenings drew strong interest, with readings by Abdulrahman Al Hammiri and Amal Al Sahlawi. Rewayat also organised multiple book signings, including Taqs Al Jadeela by Aida Mahjoub, Now My Fire Calms by Abdulrahman Al Hammiri, and a new collection by Amal Al Sahlawi. Additional signings featured Franz. K Lovers by Burhan Sönmez and Amin the Thief by Ahmed Amiri.

Recently, Kalimat Foundation launched an exclusive art-inspired merchandise collection in collaboration with French-Tunisian artist eL Seed.

Proceeds from the collection will go entirely towards supporting the Foundation’s Pledge a Library initiative, which aims to enhance children’s access to books and uphold their right to read in Tunisia.

The launch took place at Bait Elowal in Sharjah, attended by members of the Kalimat Foundation’s Board of Trustees, media representatives, art enthusiasts, and supporters of humanitarian causes.