Sharjah ruler inaugurates 45th international book fair

Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, inaugurated the 45th Sharjah International Book Fair on Wednesday, unveiling new cultural projects and honouring leading figures in literature and translation.
The exhibition, running until November 15 at Expo Centre Sharjah, brings together 3,212 publishers and exhibitors from 126 countries, according to organisers. The 12-day programme includes 1,500 cultural, creative and artistic events, with 106 invited writers, artists and intellectuals representing 25 countries.
At the opening ceremony, Sheikh Sultan announced the first 143 volumes of the Comprehensive Arabic Encyclopedia of Science, Literature, Arts and Notable Figures, an extensive reference project being developed in print and digital formats. More than 1,500 specialists worldwide are contributing, with completion targeted for next year.
He also announced the establishment of the Harun Al Rashid Award for Sciences, Literature, Arts and Notable Figures. The new international prize will recognise four scholars, researchers and creative figures annually for contributions to Arabic knowledge and culture.
Another major announcement concerned the ruler’s historical publication, The Portuguese in the Indian Ocean: Annals of History from 1497 CE to 1750 CE. Issued in 61 Arabic and English volumes, the work draws on 37 years of archival research, document collection, translation and historical verification.
Sheikh Sultan signed copies of the historical publication and the encyclopedia, and launched the encyclopedia’s website to make information about the reference work accessible online. He said additional personnel would be recruited to accelerate completion of the encyclopedia.
The ceremony was attended by Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, and Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority, which organises the exhibition.
Sheikh Sultan welcomed international guests and singled out Oman, this year’s Guest of Honour. He emphasised the role of literature in human development and cultural exchange, placing books and knowledge at the centre of Sharjah’s cultural initiatives.
Moroccan literary scholar Said Yaktine received the fair’s Cultural Personality of the Year distinction for his contributions to Arabic literature and cultural scholarship. Accepting the honour, Yaktine said it recognised approximately five decades of work and acknowledged the wider contribution of Moroccan and Arab writers.
The ruler also presented the 2026 Turjuman Award to Catalan publishing house Karwán for a translation of selected stories from One Thousand and One Nights by Margarida Castells Criballés. The Sharjah Book Authority values the translation award at Dh1.4 million.
Sheikha Bodour told the opening ceremony that stories help shape individual memories and identities. She described Sharjah’s investment in cultural, educational and research institutions as part of a sustained effort to broaden access to knowledge and support writers, readers and publishers.
She highlighted the Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language among projects intended to preserve linguistic heritage and strengthen scholarship. The authority’s work, she said, extends beyond promoting reading to supporting the institutions and research needed for cultural development.
Oman’s Minister of Culture, Sports and Youth, Sayyid Saud bin Hilal Al Busaidi, said his country’s participation offered opportunities to deepen cooperation in publishing, translation, research and creative industries while introducing visitors to Omani literary and artistic traditions.
Following the inauguration, Sheikh Sultan visited the Omani pavilion, where traditional chants greeted him. He examined cultural displays and publications highlighting the country’s heritage and intellectual achievements, and received historical books and encyclopedias from Oman’s culture ministry.
Elsewhere at the exhibition, Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed and Sheikha Bodour toured participating publishers and institutional stands. Their visits included the Omani pavilion and displays introducing educational and community initiatives, alongside books from participating international publishing houses.
Organisers say approximately 1.7 million titles are being showcased across languages and genres. The fair also follows a three-day publishers conference held from November 1 to 3, while the Sharjah International Library Conference is scheduled for November 7 to 9. The accompanying professional meetings give publishing and library specialists opportunities to discuss industry developments alongside the public programme of readings, performances and author appearances.
The fair’s programme spans fiction, poetry, history, science and the arts, with workshops, discussions and performances scheduled across its 12 days. Visitors can also attend events involving authors and other creative professionals, while publishers use the gathering to present new titles and meet readers.