Sharjah’s participation as Guest of Honour at the 2026 Warsaw International Book Fair marks a significant milestone in the emirate’s long-standing cultural journey, according to Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri.
Al Ameri said the participation reflects the vision of Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, who has placed culture, books, and knowledge at the centre of Sharjah’s development strategy and promoted dialogue between civilisations through education and cultural exchange.
He noted that Sharjah’s growing international cultural presence also highlights the UAE’s rising status on the global cultural stage and showcases an Emirati model founded on openness, knowledge sharing, and sustained investment in publishing and culture.
According to Al Ameri, international book fairs have become vital platforms for promoting the UAE’s cultural achievements and establishing long-term partnerships with publishing houses, translation organisations, and cultural institutions around the world.
He also praised the efforts of Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi in expanding Sharjah’s international cultural influence. He said her leadership has played a key role in advancing the Emirati publishing sector, increasing the global reach of Emirati and Arab literature, and building strategic partnerships with major publishers worldwide.
Sharjah’s participation in Warsaw has attracted strong interest from Polish and European audiences, with the emirate becoming the first Arab Guest of Honour in the history of the fair.
Al Ameri said the cultural and professional programme presented by Sharjah created opportunities for meaningful engagement between readers, publishers, writers, and intellectuals, transforming the participation into a dynamic cultural experience.
The programme featured seminars, poetry readings, artistic performances, and professional meetings, all of which drew significant attendance and demonstrated the power of culture to build bridges between communities and nations.
He added that Sharjah successfully presented Emirati and Arab culture to European audiences in a contemporary, authentic, and accessible manner while reinforcing the enduring role of books as a powerful medium for human communication.
Al Ameri expressed confidence that the partnerships and relationships established during the fair would lead to future collaborations in publishing, translation, and cultural exchange, strengthening ties between the UAE, Poland, the Arab world, and Europe.
