Sharjah to present 34-event programme as Guest of Honour at Warsaw International Book Fair 2026
Sharjah will present 34 events at the Warsaw International Book Fair 2026 as the fair’s Guest of Honour. The programme will run from May 28 to 31 under the theme Two civilisations. One language of letters. More than 35 Emirati writers and creatives, 15 Polish participants and 21 Emirati cultural institutions are set to take part.
The impact is cultural and commercial: book fairs, translation programmes and publishing partnerships can turn a short event into longer-term rights deals, academic exchange and audience growth. Readers should watch which partnerships continue after the fair closes.
Sharjah will showcase a 34-event cultural programme at the Warsaw International Book Fair 2026, bringing writers, institutions and performances to Poland as part of its role as Guest of Honour.
The programme was announced at a press conference in Warsaw and will run from May 28 to 31 under the theme Two civilisations.
One language of letters.
It includes 29 panel sessions and five poetry evenings, alongside musical performances and academic engagements across the Polish capital.
Translation and publishing ties
The participation is organised by the Sharjah Book Authority and will bring together more than 35 Emirati writers and creatives.
It will also feature 15 Polish writers and creatives, with the programme centred on cultural exchange between the UAE and Poland.
A total of 21 Emirati cultural institutions are set to take part across publishing, research, education and the arts.
SBA chief executive Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri said at the launch that the initiative was intended to strengthen dialogue through literature and shared cultural values.
He also highlighted efforts to expand translations from Arabic into Polish, with six Arabic titles set to be presented in Polish during the fair.
Jacek Oryl, director of the Warsaw International Book Fair, described Sharjah’s participation as an opportunity to deepen ties between the publishing sectors in both countries.
He said the programme goes beyond a traditional book display by including discussions, artistic collaborations and professional exchanges.
The wider fair is expected to host more than 1,200 activities, including author talks, workshops and book launches, and is described in the source as one of Europe’s leading publishing platforms.
Pavilion, performances and academic outreach
Sharjah’s pavilion will span 400 square metres and feature institutions including the University of Sharjah, the American University of Sharjah and the Emirates Writers Union.
Organisations focused on children’s literature and creative industries will also participate, reflecting an effort to engage younger audiences.
Programming will cover Emirati literature, poetry and theatre, as well as sessions on the Arab cultural movement and its global connections.
Tasawurat, or Visions, a collaborative art project, will bring together artists from the UAE and Poland to create poster works inspired by poetry from both cultures.
Performances by the Sharjah National Band and outdoor artistic events across Warsaw are also planned, extending the programme beyond the fairgrounds.
The participation will include outreach at the University of Warsaw for students and researchers, with a focus on strengthening the presence of the Arabic language and Emirati culture in European academic spaces.
Sharjah’s delegation features writers, poets and artists including Dr Sultan Al Ameemi, Nadia Al Najjar and Marwa Al Aqroubi.
The Guest of Honour programme forms part of Sharjah’s wider efforts to expand the global reach of Arab culture and build long-term partnerships in the international publishing sector.
