Sharjah’s Guest of Honour status at Warsaw book fair acknowledges it cultural leadership

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 28–31 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.

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 and 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.

Culture brings together the world’s peoples

Ahmed Bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), said: “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.”

Abdulaziz Al Musallam, Chairman of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage, said: “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."

Dr. Ali Ibrahim Al Marri, Chairman of the Dr Sultan Al Qasimi Centre, said: “Dr Sultan Al Qasimi 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."

Issa Yousef, Director General of the Sharjah Archaeology Authority, said: “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.”

Dr Sultan Al Ameemi, Chairman of the Emirates Writers Union, said: “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.”

Mohamed Bin Dakhen, President of ERRA, said: “Our 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 us to expand our network of relations with international partners.”

Rashid Al Kous, Executive Director of the Emirates Publishers Association (EPA), said: “The selection of Sharjah as GOH at WIBF confirms the UAE’s transformation into an influential centre in the global publishing industry. At EPA, we 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.”

Marwa Al Aqroubi, Executive Director of House of Wisdom (HOW) and President of the UAE Board on Books for Young People (UAEBBY), said: “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.”

Mohamed Safi Al Mosteghanemi, Secretary General of the Arabic Language Academy in Sharjah (ALA), said: “Our participation in the Sharjah pavilion, reflects the Academy’s longstanding academic and linguistic cooperation with Polish universities, while highlighting its major scholarly achievements, foremost among them the Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language, which offers researchers a precise account of the evolution of Arabic and its vocabulary through the centuries.”

Fahad Al Maamari, Chairman of the Emirates Library and Information Association (ELIA), said: “ELIA’s participation in WIBF, as part of Sharjah’s GOH programme, reflects our firm commitment to supporting the knowledge movement and strengthening the presence of Emirati culture on the international stage."

Prof. Esameldin Agamy, Chancellor of the University of Sharjah (UOS), underscored that Sharjah’s selection as GOH at WIBF reflects the distinguished cultural and literary status the emirate holds internationally. This status was established by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, who transformed books and knowledge into a fundamental pillar in building individuals and society.

Dr Tod A. Laursen, Chancellor of the American University of Sharjah (AUS), said: “Participating in WIBF 2026 reflects our commitment to advancing scientific research and contributing to intellectual exchange at the global level. It also embodies the broader cultural and intellectual vision of Sharjah, which has long supported education, culture and meaningful dialogue."

Amna Al Mazmi, Director of Kalimat Foundation, said: “Sharjah’s participation as Guest of Honour at the Warsaw International Book Fair highlights the emirate’s commitment to advancing knowledge and strengthening the role of books as a bridge for cultural and human exchange."

Tamer Said, Director of the Sharjah Literary Agency, said: “Sharjah possesses an integrated ecosystem for supporting the book and knowledge industry. It begins with investment in writers, publishers and content, and extends to building an influential international presence at leading book fairs and cultural platforms around the world."

A new milestone

Mohannad Bousaida, Director of Al Qasimi Publications, said: “Sharjah’s selection as GOH at WIBF 2026 confirms the emirate’s cultural standing on the global stage. It reflects appreciation for Sharjah’s distinguished position in the international cultural scene and highlights the civilisational and intellectual impact the emirate brings to scholarly and cultural circles.”

Ahmed Abdulsalam Al Ali, Managing Director of Kalimat Group (KG), said: “KG is taking part in WIBF by showcasing a selection of Arabic titles and Polish poetry titles translated into Arabic and presenting them to the fair’s audience as part of our efforts to strengthen direct engagement with the Polish public.”

Mohammed Ibrahim Al Qaseer, Director of Cultural Affairs at the Sharjah Department of Culture (DOC) and head of the Department’s delegation to the fair, said: “Sharjah’s participation as GOH at WIBF 2026 affirms the well-established cultural vision laid down by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, who transformed culture into an integrated development project.”

He added that, as part of its participation, DOC will host an Arabic calligraphy exhibition reflecting the depth of the visual identity of Arab-Islamic civilisation.

Saif Al Suwaidi, Director of Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone, said: “Our participation in WIBF is of special importance in light of Sharjah’s role as GOH. It provides a global platform to enhance the presence of the Arab publishing industry and open direct channels of communication with key players in this sector at the international level.”

As part of its growing international presence, PublisHer, the initiative founded by Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of SBA, has prepared an integrated programme for its participation in the fair.