Sharjah: Sharjah's participation as the Guest of Honour at the Warsaw International Book Fair marks a new milestone in the cultural project led by the emirate for decades, according to Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, Chief Executive Officer of the Sharjah Book Authority. He described this involvement as a practical translation of the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, who has placed culture at the core of the emirate's development project. The foundation of this project is built on books and knowledge, aiming to enhance dialogue between civilizations.
According to Emirates News Agency, Al Ameri emphasized that Sharjah's growing international cultural presence reflects the UAE's standing on the global cultural stage. This participation showcases an Emirati model built on openness, knowledge exchange, and sustained investment in culture and publishing. International book fairs have become key platforms for promoting the UAE's cultural achievements and building long-term partnerships with publishing, translation, and cultural institutions worldwide.
Al Ameri highlighted the role of Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority, in strengthening Sharjah's international cultural presence. Her efforts have contributed to advancing the Emirati publishing sector, expanding the reach of Emirati and Arab literature, and building partnerships with leading publishers and cultural institutions globally. The strong turnout at Sharjah's pavilion, as the first Arab Guest of Honour at the 2026 Warsaw International Book Fair, underscored the growing interest among Polish and European audiences in Emirati and Arab culture.
The emirate's cultural and professional programme created opportunities for dialogue and direct engagement with readers, publishers, and intellectuals, transforming the participation into a dynamic cultural experience that left a visible impact on the fair. Strong attendance at seminars, poetry readings, artistic performances, and professional meetings demonstrated culture's ability to build meaningful connections between peoples, reaffirming the enduring role of books as a powerful tool of human communication.
Al Ameri noted that Sharjah's programme presented Emirati and Arab culture to European audiences in a contemporary, open, and authentic form. He expressed confidence that the relationships and partnerships established during the fair would lead to future projects in publishing, translation, and cultural exchange, creating a lasting impact beyond the event itself and strengthening ties between the UAE, Poland, the Arab world, and Europe.