ABDUL BASIT
SHARJAH: Sultan Al Qasimi opens Sharjah International Book Fair 45
His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council
Member and Ruler of Sharjah, inaugurated the 45th edition of the Sharjah
International Book Fair on Wednesday in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Dr
Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, and Her Highness Sheikha
Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority. The fair
runs until November 15 at Expo Centre Sharjah.
In his opening address, the Ruler of Sharjah welcomed guests from around the
world, with special recognition given to the Sultanate of Oman, this year’s Guest
of Honor. He reaffirmed Sharjah’s longstanding commitment to culture,
knowledge, and books, describing literature as a cornerstone of human
development and a vital bridge between peoples and cultures. His Highness was
also pleased to welcome the fair distinguished guests: Luís Filipe Santos, Luís Filipe
Reis dos Santos is the Director-General for Books, Archives, and Libraries in
Portugal; Dr. Henrique Leitão, Vice-President of the Lisbon Academy of Sciences;
and Dr. Balaji Shenoy, Director of the Archives Department for the Government of
Goa.
His Highness announced the launch of the “Comprehensive Arabic Encyclopedia of
Science, Literature, Arts and Notable Figures,” unveiling the first 143 volumes of
what is set to become a major Arab knowledge reference available in both print
and digital formats. The project currently involves more than 1,500 specialists
from around the world and is expected to be completed next year.
His Highness noted that work continues with great dedication to complete the
encyclopedia, supported by substantial resources and everything needed to bring
this achievement to fruition. He stated that more than 1,500 specialists from
across the globe, experts in various sciences, fields of knowledge, and arts, are
working on this project. He has directed those in charge of the project to hasten
their efforts and hire more staff to complete the entire project by next year.
The Ruler also announced the establishment of the Harun Al Rashid Award for
Sciences, Literature, Arts, and Notable Figures, a new international prize that will
annually honor four distinguished scholars, researchers, and creatives for their
contributions to Arabic knowledge and culture.
“I’ve thought a lot about what name to give to the Award in the context of Arab
history. The name I’ve settled on is one, of course, that we can all agree on: a man
who did a tremendous service to the progress of the sciences, the literature, and
the arts, and whose name is still with us from the 2nd century AH right through to
today. So, I’m very pleased to be able to announce the launch of the Harun
al-Rashid Award,” His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah said.
His Highness added: “I am well aware that the attendees are the most
knowledgeable regarding the reasons behind choosing this name. Harun al-Rashid
was a unique figure, one whom some historians have treated unfairly and with
prejudice; however, now is the time to give due weight to the significance of his
contributions to the entire world. This award will serve as a tribute to outstanding
scholarly achievement, an encouragement to continue research and writing, and a
message to all who serve the cause of knowledge: that their efforts are deeply
valued and held in high regard.”
His Highness further unveiled his latest historical work, “The Portuguese in the
Indian Ocean: Annals of History from 1497 CE – 1750 CE,” published in 61 volumes
in Arabic and English. The publication documents the Portuguese presence across
the Indian Ocean region and is the culmination of 37 years of archival research,
document collection, translation, and historical verification.
Concluding his speech, His Highness expressed his warmest gratitude and
appreciation to everyone who helped organize the book fair and to all who
participated in the exhibition, choosing the fair as a platform to share their
knowledge with the world.
His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, accompanied by Her Highness Sheikha Bodour
Al Qasimi, honored Moroccan scholar Dr Said Yaktine, naming him the fair’s
Cultural Personality of the Year, in recognition of his contributions to Arab
literature and culture.
He also presented the 2026 Turjuman Award to Catalan publishing house Karwán
for its translation of selected stories from One Thousand and One Nights into
Catalan by translator Margarida Castells Criballés. This Sharjah Book Authority’s
award is the world’s largest translation prize of its kind, valued at AED 1.4 million.
His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah signed copies of his latest historical work, titled
“The Portuguese in the Indian Ocean: Annals of History from 1497 CE – 1750 CE,”
as well as a copy of the “Comprehensive Arabic Encyclopedia of Science,
Literature, Arts and Notable Figures, “a work spanning 143 volumes. Furthermore,
His Highness launched the encyclopedia’s official website, making its details
accessible to the public.
In her address at the opening ceremony, Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan
Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority, emphasized that this year’s
theme, “It Starts with a Story”, embodies the role that stories play in shaping the
memories and identities of individuals. She added that Sharjah, for its part, has its
own unique story—one built on books, knowledge, and culture.
Her Highness spoke of Sharjah’s close relationship with books, and the emirate’s
cultural project, which is based on the principle that knowledge is immensely
valuable and human development is paramount. That project has developed over
the years into a fully integrated ecosystem of cultural, educational and research
institutions which serve the community and broaden its horizons.
Her Highness Sheikha Bodour spoke about His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah’s
experience in historical research and documentation. She noted his dedication to
going into the archives to unearth historical facts. His Highness believes that
knowledge is the means of preserving memory and of building the future.
Her Highness also highlighted His Highness’s vision to turn his passion for learning
and books into educational and cultural institutions, as well as knowledge-based
projects that serve various regions of the emirate, underscoring that his goal has
always been to bring education and culture closer to the people and make
knowledge accessible to all.
Her Highness pointed out that the success of the fair came as a result of a
long-term vision and continuous support from His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah
for books and publishers, so that the exhibition became a global platform for
cultural dialogue and knowledge exchange, and part of the memory of successive
generations of readers, writers and publishers.
Her Highness Sheikha Bodour underscored that the Ruler of Sharjah’s
commitment to culture has not been confined to encouraging reading and
promoting books. It has also included a commitment to the Arabic language and
to promoting knowledge through several major projects, the most significant of
which is the Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language. Several other initiatives
in the same vein have helped cement the position of knowledge in the
community.
Her Highness added that the cultural achievements attained by Sharjah, along
with the titles and global standing it has earned in the realms of culture and
literature, are the fruit of decades of dedicated work, rooted in a firm belief in the
importance of culture for human development, the strengthening of identity, and
the consolidation of the values of dialogue and coexistence.
Her Highness concluded her remarks by expressing her sincere appreciation and
thanks to the Ruler of Sharjah for his vision and efforts to promote knowledge and
establish institutions of culture and education. She added that, as a result, Sharjah
has become a world example of investing in human potential through science,
culture, and books.
In his speech accepting the title of “Cultural Personality of the Year 2026′ Dr Said
Yaktine expressed his pride at being honored by the Ruler of Sharjah. He pointed
out that this is a very special honor compared with the others he has received and
that it underlines Sharjah’s position as the permanent capital of Arab culture.
Yaktine stressed that this recognition is a tribute to some 50 years of his work in
the field of the Arabic language and culture, as well as to Moroccan and Arab
writers who have been at the forefront of promoting dialogue, tolerance and
unity.
Speaking on behalf of the Guest of Honor, Sayyid Saud bin Hilal bin Hamad Al
Busaidi, Minister of Culture, Sports and Youth of Oman, said the Sultanate’s
participation provides an opportunity to strengthen cultural ties, showcase
Oman’s rich literary and cultural heritage, and expand cooperation in publishing,
translation, research and the creative industries.
His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah cut the ribbon and attended the Omani pavilion
(the guest of honor at the 45th edition), where he was received with traditional
Omani folk chants. His Highness received an overview of the Sultanate’s
participation in the exhibition and then viewed the various cultural events,
activities, and publications on display, all aimed at showcasing Omani heritage and
the Sultanate’s literary and intellectual achievements. His Highness also received
several gifts from the Omani Ministry of Culture, including a set of encyclopedias
and several historical books.
