Sharjah named Guest of Honour at Warsaw International Book Fair 2026

Poland’s capital will celebrate and spotlight Emirati and Arab culture by naming the emirate of Sharjah as the Guest of Honour at the Warsaw International Book Fair 2026, taking place from May 28 to 31. The selection recognises the emirate’s leading role in advancing knowledge, dialogue, and cross-cultural exchange, and reflects its continued success in positioning Arab civilisation within the global cultural landscape.

The announcement was made during the ongoing 44th Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF), following the signing of an agreement between the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) and the History and Culture Foundation, organiser of the Warsaw International Book Fair. The signing took place in the presence of H.E. Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of SBA; Khoula Al Mujaini, Director of Events and Marketing at SBA; and Jacek Oryl, Director of the Warsaw International Book Fair and Vice President of the Foundation.

Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority, said: “Sharjah’s selection as Guest of Honour at the Warsaw International Book Fair reinforces its standing as a global capital of books and knowledge and as a bridge between cultures through literature, thought and creativity. Guided by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, our emirate has consistently leveraged the written word to drive cultural development and strengthen mutual understanding between nations. Through our participation, we look forward to introducing new audiences to the richness of Arab and Emirati creativity and to deepening Sharjah’s dialogue with Central and Eastern Europe.”

For his part, H.E. Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of the Sharjah Book Authority, said: “The celebration of Sharjah as Guest of Honour at the Warsaw International Book Fair reflects the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, who has long championed books and knowledge as instruments of human progress and connection. The emirate’s literary and cultural programme will be led by SBA, and highlight the depth and diversity of Emirati and Arab creativity, engaging writers, publishers, and translators from both regions. Under the guidance of Her Highness Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi, we remain focused on strengthening Sharjah’s position as a global centre for publishing, culture, and dialogue, and on expanding international collaboration across the book industry.”