A Community Woven by Stories, Voices, and Creative Exchange
The second edition of the Sharjah Literature Festival has officially opened, reaffirming Sharjah’s long-standing commitment to nurturing literature, creativity, and community engagement across the UAE. Bringing together publishers, writers, artists, and readers, the festival has emerged as a vibrant platform dedicated to celebrating Emirati narratives while encouraging dialogue between culture and creativity.
The festival was inaugurated by Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority and Honorary President of the Emirates Publishers Association. The five-day cultural event is being held under the patronage of Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah.
Running from January 7 to January 11, 2026, the festival reflects Sharjah’s vision of literature as a shared social experience that connects generations, preserves identity, and inspires future storytellers.
Strengthening Publishing Through Community Engagement
Jointly organised by the Emirates Publishers Association and the Sharjah Book Authority, the festival’s programme has been thoughtfully designed to promote a reading culture, empower local publishers, and strengthen the UAE’s publishing ecosystem. More than a literary gathering, the event positions books and storytelling as tools for social cohesion, creative expression, and cultural continuity.
Rashid Al Kous, Executive Director of the Emirates Publishers Association, highlighted that the second edition is held under the theme “A Community Woven by Tales.” According to him, the theme captures literature’s enduring role in reflecting values, preserving heritage, and shaping collective thought. He noted that the festival places special emphasis on supporting young talent while expanding partnerships with cultural institutions across the UAE and the wider region.
Through panel discussions, workshops, performances, and exhibitions, the festival creates an inclusive space where industry professionals and the public can exchange ideas and celebrate the written word together.
A Dynamic Opening Ceremony Rooted in Art
The opening ceremony set a powerful tone for the days ahead, blending poetry, visual art, and performance. Emirati poet Amal Al Sahlawi delivered a live poetry recital that resonated deeply with the audience, while artist Montether Al Hakeem translated the spoken word into live illustrations inspired by the verses. The fusion of poetry and visual storytelling highlighted the festival’s commitment to multidimensional creative expression.
The ceremony also featured an Emirati theatrical performance presented by artists from Sharjah Capability Development. The show seamlessly combined classical poetry with traditional melodies, offering a tribute to the UAE’s rich oral and musical heritage. These performances reflected how literature continues to evolve while remaining rooted in cultural memory.
Touring a Space Designed for Connection
Following the opening, Sheikha Bodour toured the festival venues, which have been carefully designed to encourage interaction and discovery. Storytelling corners, reading spaces, and activity zones invite visitors of all ages to engage with books not just as objects, but as experiences that bring people together.
The festival layout emphasises accessibility and community participation, reinforcing Sharjah’s reputation as a cultural hub that values dialogue, artistic exploration, and inclusive creativity. Each space reflects the idea that literature thrives when shared, discussed, and lived collectively.
Celebrating Emirati Publishing and Creative Industries
At the heart of the festival is a vibrant book fair featuring 42 Emirati publishing houses. The fair provides a vital platform for local publishers to showcase their catalogues, connect with readers, and strengthen their presence within the national and regional market. Visitors can explore a wide range of titles spanning fiction, poetry, children’s literature, cultural studies, and contemporary thought.
Complementing the book fair are 23 cultural and entertainment events, alongside 12 interactive workshops aimed at writers, illustrators, publishers, and aspiring creatives. These sessions focus on skill development, storytelling techniques, publishing insights, and the future of the literary industry in a rapidly changing world.
The festival also includes a daily storytelling corner hosted by Sayyidat Al Hikayat Publishing, offering immersive narrative sessions for families and young readers. Eight retail outlets showcasing Emirati brands further underline the festival’s commitment to supporting local creative entrepreneurship beyond publishing alone.
Literature as a Shared Social Experience
What sets the Sharjah Literature Festival apart is its emphasis on community-driven literature. Rather than focusing solely on industry professionals, the programme is designed to engage families, students, and casual readers, making literature approachable and relevant to everyday life.
Workshops and performances encourage participation, while discussions explore how storytelling can address identity, belonging, and cultural memory. By creating opportunities for dialogue across age groups and backgrounds, the festival reinforces the idea that literature is not confined to bookshelves, but lives within communities.
Reinforcing Sharjah’s Cultural Vision
Through initiatives like the Sharjah Literature Festival, the emirate continues to position itself as a regional leader in culture, education, and intellectual exchange. The event aligns with Sharjah’s broader vision of investing in knowledge, nurturing creative industries, and preserving heritage while embracing innovation.
As the festival continues until January 11, it stands as a testament to the power of stories to connect people, inspire creativity, and strengthen cultural identity. By supporting publishers, empowering young voices, and inviting the public into meaningful literary experiences, the second edition builds on its promise to become a cornerstone event in the UAE’s cultural calendar.
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