Sharjah brings Emirati voices to Warsaw in major culture programme

WARSAW – The Emirate of Sharjah is set to present an extensive cultural programme at the Warsaw International Book Fair 2026, where it will appear as Guest of Honour, showcasing Emirati and Arab literature through a large-scale programme of events aimed at strengthening cultural dialogue with Poland.

Running from May 28 to 31, the programme will feature 34 events under the theme “Two civilisations. One language of letters.” It will bring together more than 35 Emirati writers, poets and creatives alongside Polish authors and cultural figures, reflecting a deliberate effort to build literary and artistic bridges between the two countries.

The Sharjah pavilion will host 29 panel discussions, five poetry evenings, as well as musical and artistic performances across Warsaw, extending the programme beyond the fairgrounds and into the city’s cultural spaces.

Organised by the Sharjah Book Authority, the initiative also includes the participation of 21 Emirati cultural institutions working across publishing, education, research and the arts, highlighting the breadth of the UAE’s cultural sector.

A further 15 Polish writers and creatives will take part in joint sessions and exchanges, reinforcing the fair’s role as a platform for shared literary dialogue rather than a traditional book exhibition.

Speaking at the programme’s launch in Warsaw, Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, Chief Executive of the Sharjah Book Authority, said the initiative is designed to deepen cultural understanding through literature and shared human values. He stressed that Sharjah’s participation reflects a long-term strategy to expand the global reach of Arabic writing and creative production.

He also confirmed efforts to strengthen translation initiatives, noting that six Arabic titles will be published in Polish and presented during the fair as part of ongoing cultural exchange programmes.

Jacek Oryl, Director of the Warsaw International Book Fair, described Sharjah’s role as Guest of Honour as an opportunity to broaden cooperation between publishing industries in both countries. He said the programme goes beyond book displays to include dialogue sessions, artistic collaborations and professional networking between writers and publishers.

The wider fair is expected to feature more than 1,200 events, including author talks, workshops, book launches and signing sessions, positioning it as one of Europe’s key literary platforms.

Sharjah’s 400-square-metre pavilion will include strong institutional participation from leading UAE academic and cultural bodies, including the University of Sharjah, the American University of Sharjah, and the Emirates Writers Union. Organisations focused on children’s literature and creative industries will also be present, reflecting efforts to engage younger audiences and emerging writers.

Programme highlights include discussions on Emirati fiction, poetry and theatre, alongside sessions exploring broader Arab cultural movements and their global connections. A collaborative art initiative titled “Tasawurat (Visions)” will bring together Emirati and Polish artists to produce poster works inspired by poetry from both traditions.

Performances by the Sharjah National Band and a series of public artistic events across Warsaw are also planned, extending the cultural presence beyond the exhibition halls.

In addition, outreach activities at the University of Warsaw will target students and academics, aiming to strengthen the presence of Arabic language studies and Emirati cultural discourse within European academic institutions.

Delegates from the UAE include a wide range of writers and poets such as Sultan Al Ameemi, Nadia Al Najjar and Marwa Al Aqroubi, reflecting the diversity and growth of the country’s contemporary literary scene.

Sharjah’s participation as Guest of Honour forms part of its broader cultural strategy to promote Arab literature globally, foster long-term international publishing partnerships, and position books as a medium for dialogue, understanding and cross-cultural exchange.