45th Sharjah International Book Fair Opens with Global Participation
The 45th Sharjah International Book Fair has officially opened in the Emirate of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. Held under the theme “It Starts with a Book,” the event is scheduled to run until November 15.
The opening ceremony featured a significant announcement regarding the launch of 143 volumes of the Comprehensive Arabic Encyclopedia. This massive scholarly project covers a broad spectrum of fields, including science, literature, arts, and biographical studies. More than 1,500 specialists from across the globe are contributing to the initiative, which aims to provide a robust knowledge reference for researchers and readers. The project is expected to be completed by 2027, with both print and digital versions becoming available to the public.
During the inauguration, the Ruler of Sharjah, Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, announced the establishment of the international “Haroun Al-Rashid Award.” This annual prize is dedicated to honoring scholars, researchers, writers, and creative individuals in the realms of science, literature, and the arts. The award will be granted to four figures each year in recognition of their contributions to enriching knowledge and preserving cultural memory, reflecting the Emirate’s commitment to supporting intellectual production and scientific research.
This year’s edition of the fair has achieved a significant international presence, drawing 3,212 publishers and exhibitors from 126 countries, including Syria. Participating exhibitors are showcasing approximately 1.7 million book titles. The event’s extensive program includes 1,500 cultural and creative activities, featuring a selection of prominent Arab and international guests.
On the sidelines of the fair, the Moroccan researcher and critic Dr. Said Yaktine was honored as the “Cultural Personality of the Year” in recognition of his career in narrative studies and literary criticism. Additionally, the Sharjah Translation Award, “Turjuman,” for 2026 was presented to the Catalan publishing house Carvan for its translation of “One Thousand and One Nights” into the Catalan language, a feat that bolsters the presence of Arabic literature on the global stage.
The Sultanate of Oman is serving as the guest of honor for this year’s edition. Oman is presenting an intensive cultural program that highlights its history, heritage, and cultural identity, alongside its artistic and literary experiences. The fair’s activities continue at the Expo Centre Sharjah, encompassing literary meetings, intellectual seminars, art performances, and educational activities for children, all reflecting a vibrant exchange of Arab and international cultural knowledge.
Source: Syria Focus Arabic
