The 45th Sharjah International Book Fair opened on Wednesday with the launch of a 143-volume Arabic encyclopedia, a new international literary award and a major historical publication by the Ruler of Sharjah.
Sharjah International Book Fair opens until November 15
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 at Expo Centre Sharjah.
The fair runs until November 15, bringing together publishers, authors, researchers and cultural figures from around the world. Oman is this year’s Guest of Honour.
The opening ceremony was attended by 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.
143-volume Arabic encyclopedia unveiled
One of the major announcements at the opening was the launch of the first 143 volumes of the Comprehensive Arabic Encyclopedia of Science, Literature, Arts and Notable Figures.
More than 1,500 specialists from around the world are contributing to the project, which is expected to be completed next year. The encyclopedia will be available in both print and digital formats.
The Ruler of Sharjah has directed the team to accelerate work and recruit additional staff to meet the completion target. An official website has also been launched to make information about the encyclopedia accessible to the public.
New international award announced
The Ruler also announced the establishment of the Harun Al Rashid Award for Sciences, Literature, Arts and Notable Figures.
The annual international award will recognise four scholars, researchers and creative professionals for their contributions to Arabic knowledge and culture.
His Highness explained that the award was named after Harun Al Rashid in recognition of his historical contributions to science, literature and the arts.
Ruler presents 61-volume historical publication
The opening ceremony also featured the unveiling of His Highness’s 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 collection documents the Portuguese presence across the Indian Ocean region. It represents 37 years of archival research, document collection, translation and historical verification.
Moroccan scholar honoured at opening ceremony
Moroccan scholar Dr Said Yaktine was named the fair’s Cultural Personality of the Year 2026 in recognition of his contributions to Arabic literature and culture.
The 2026 Turjuman Award, valued at Dhs 1.4 million, was presented to Catalan publishing house Karwán for its translation of selected stories from One Thousand and One Nights into Catalan by translator Margarida Castells Criballés.
Oman takes centre stage as Guest of Honour
Oman is showcasing its literary heritage, publications and cultural achievements as this year’s Guest of Honour.
Sayyid Saud bin Hilal bin Hamad Al Busaidi, Oman’s Minister of Culture, Sports and Youth, said the participation would strengthen cultural ties and expand cooperation in publishing, translation, research and creative industries.
The Ruler of Sharjah visited the Omani pavilion following the inauguration, where he viewed its publications and cultural displays.
