Sharjah Makes History as First Arab Guest of Honour at Warsaw International Book Fair 2026

Sharjah has officially commenced its participation as the first Arab Guest of Honour at the Warsaw International Book Fair, marking a significant milestone in the event’s history. The opening ceremony took place on Thursday, attended by Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA). This participation showcases a cultural project that Sharjah has developed over five decades, presenting a modern representation of Emirati and Arab culture at one of Central Europe’s premier cultural events.

Official Opening Ceremony

During the opening ceremony of the fifth edition of the fair, which runs until May 31 at the National Stadium in Warsaw, Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi was joined by prominent figures including Włodzimierz Czarzasty, Marshal of the Sejm of the Republic of Poland; Marta Cienkowska, Poland’s Minister of Culture and National Heritage; Dorota Malinowska-Grupińska, Chairwoman of the Warsaw City Council; and Małgorzata Kidawa-Błońska, Marshal of the Polish Senate.

Following the ribbon-cutting, Sheikha Bodour conveyed the greetings of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, expressing his wishes for the fair’s success. She highlighted that His Highness has dedicated his life to culture, believing that books foster dialogue that allows civilizations to meet with dignity and depth.

Cultural Significance and Shared Values

Sheikha Bodour emphasized Sharjah’s pride in being the Guest of Honour in a nation that values language as a means of memory, identity, and continuity. She described Warsaw as a city shaped by history and revitalized by culture, underscoring that culture not only survives history but has the power to transform it.

She noted the deep understanding between Arab and Polish cultures regarding the role of literature, stating that poetry in both traditions remains central to how societies express memory, values, and belonging across generations. The theme of Sharjah’s participation, “Two Civilisations. One Language of Letters,” celebrates diversity and reflects the belief that civilizations can understand one another through patience, curiosity, and empathy.

In her closing remarks, Sheikha Bodour expressed hope that the fair would ignite a dialogue that continues beyond its conclusion, strengthening connections between Warsaw and Sharjah.

Acknowledgments from Polish Officials

Włodzimierz Czarzasty remarked on the cultural honor of welcoming Sharjah as the Guest of Honour, describing the emirate’s participation as a valuable contribution that reflects the growing ties between Poland and the UAE. He emphasized the role of books in fostering understanding and dialogue between cultures, noting the vital role publishers play in preserving and sharing knowledge.

Marta Cienkowska, Poland’s Minister of Culture and National Heritage, expressed gratitude to Sheikha Bodour for her remarks and praised Sharjah’s appreciation of Polish culture. She stated that cultural exchange is essential for fostering dialogue and understanding among peoples, highlighting the fair’s role in connecting readers, writers, and publishers with Poland’s cultural landscape.

Dorota Malinowska-Grupińska pointed out that Sharjah’s participation underscores the importance of books and publishing in promoting cultural dialogue and mutual understanding. She noted that books serve as a means of human connection and exchange, adding that Sharjah’s presence brings a new dimension to dialogue with the Arab world.

Jacek Oryl, Director of the Warsaw International Book Fair, indicated that Sharjah’s selection as Guest of Honour marks a pivotal moment in the fair’s history, reflecting the increasing cultural ties between Poland and the UAE. He stated that the emirate’s participation provides visitors with insights into Arab and Emirati culture through literature, arts, and living heritage.

Highlights of Sharjah’s Pavilion

Sheikha Bodour led an official tour of the Sharjah pavilion, accompanied by H.E. Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of SBA, and distinguished guests including H.E. Mohamed Ahmed Al Harbi, UAE Ambassador to Poland; Dr. Tomasz Makowski, Director of the National Library of Poland; and Grzegorz Jankowicz, Director of the Polish Book Institute. The tour introduced visitors to key initiatives and programs reflecting Sharjah’s cultural project, showcasing works from Emirati publishers and various cultural activities.

The inaugural day of the fair also featured the IKAR Publishing Season Awards ceremony, recognizing significant contributions to literature and cultural memory in Poland. Professor Stefan Chwin received the Ikar Award for his literary and humanitarian efforts, while other awards honored notable figures and institutions in Poland’s cultural scene.

A Platform for Cultural Exchange

This year’s Warsaw International Book Fair includes over 1,200 cultural and professional events, reinforcing its status as a leading cultural platform in Central Europe. Sharjah’s participation serves as a model for Arab cultural engagement, emphasizing dialogue, openness, and the strengthening of connections through literature and arts.

Over four days, Sharjah will showcase a 400-square-meter pavilion, featuring 21 cultural, academic, and media institutions, alongside 36 Emirati writers, poets, and artists, and 15 Polish participants. The program focuses on direct dialogue between Arab and Polish cultural experiences, placing books at the center of this exchange.

Sharjah’s participation includes 35 cultural events, comprising 28 panel discussions, four poetry evenings, and three children’s workshops, held across various venues including the University of Warsaw and the Grochoteka Public Library. Additionally, 18 musical performances by the Sharjah National Band will introduce audiences to traditional Emirati arts, linking written knowledge with immersive cultural experiences.

Sharjah will also activate public spaces, libraries, and theaters, transforming Warsaw into an open platform for introducing audiences to both historical and contemporary Emirati and Arab culture.

Artistic Collaboration

A key component of the program is the project Tasawurat (“Visions”), which brings together ten artists and designers from the UAE and Poland to create works inspired by Arabic and Polish poetry. This initiative explores themes such as humanity, nature, and existential reflection, merging elements of Arabic poetic tradition with Poland’s visual culture.

The emirate’s pavilion features a showcase of cultural and academic institutions, including Al Qasimi Publications, the Arabic Language Academy in Sharjah, and various Emirati cultural organizations, highlighting the collaborative spirit of this cultural exchange.

Source: www.emirates247.com

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Published on 2026-05-29 19:37:00 • By the Editorial Desk