Global gathering spotlights Oman as Guest of Honor, introduces AED 1.4M Turjuman prize, and debuts landmark 143-volume encyclopedia
SHARJAH, United Arab Emirates — 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 at Expo Centre Sharjah, unveiling landmark scholarly projects and international cultural honors.
The opening ceremony took place in the presence of Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, and Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority. Running through November 15, the annual event hosts international authors, publishers, and cultural delegations, featuring the Sultanate of Oman as this year’s Guest of Honor.
Addressing delegates, Sheikh Dr. Sultan underscored literature as an essential driver of human progress and cultural diplomacy before announcing the release of the “Comprehensive Arabic Encyclopedia of Science, Literature, Arts and Notable Figures.” The launch presented the first 143 volumes of the multi-disciplinary publication, which brings together more than 1,500 international specialists across science, humanities, and arts. The Ruler instructed project teams to expand personnel and accelerate production to complete the full series alongside its newly launched public digital portal next year.
The Ruler also established the Harun Al Rashid Award for Sciences, Literature, Arts, and Notable Figures. The annual global prize will recognize four scholars, researchers, and creatives who contribute significantly to Arab knowledge, restoring historical focus to the legacy of the prominent Abbasid-era patron of learning.
A 61-volume historical study titled “The Portuguese in the Indian Ocean: Annals of History from 1497 CE – 1750 CE” was introduced during the proceedings. Published in English and Arabic, the work reflects 37 years of archival documentation, historical verification, and manuscript translation covering the maritime history of the region.
International literary honors were presented during the opening, led by the Sharjah Book Authority’s AED 1.4 million Turjuman Award—the world’s largest translation prize of its kind. The 2026 prize went to Catalan publishing house Karwán for Margarida Castells Criballés’s translation of selected tales from One Thousand and One Nights into Catalan. Moroccan literary theorist Dr. Said Yaktine received the Cultural Personality of the Year distinction for five decades of research in Arabic literary theory and cultural studies.
Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi delivered an address focusing on the fair’s central theme, “It Starts with a Story,” highlighting Sharjah’s institutional investments in libraries, publishing infrastructure, and Arabic linguistic projects such as the Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language.
Following the ceremony, the Ruler toured the fairgrounds and formally opened the Omani pavilion alongside Sayyid Saud bin Hilal bin Hamad Al Busaidi, Oman’s Minister of Culture, Sports and Youth, viewing historical displays, literature, and archival materials presented by the Sultanate.
