The Polish capital of Warsaw is honoring the culture of the UAE and the Arab world by choosing the emirate of Sharjah as the guest of honor at its International Book Fair for 2026, which will be held from May 28 to 31. This decision is a recognition of the emirate's cultural standing, its global project to support the knowledge industry, and its role in building bridges of human communication and civilizational dialogue between peoples and cultures.
The Warsaw International Book Fair is one of the most prominent and oldest cultural events in Poland and Europe. It was launched in the capital, Warsaw, in 1959 and has become the most important event in the Polish publishing sector.
The announcement was made during the "Sharjah International Book Fair" after a cooperation agreement was signed between the "Sharjah Book Authority" and the "History and Culture Foundation," the organizer of the Warsaw International Book Fair.
Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority, said: "Sharjah's selection as the guest of honor at the Warsaw International Book Fair is a new affirmation of its status as a world capital of books and knowledge, and an active and influential cultural center that plays its part in connecting the East and West through word, thought, and creativity. At the same time, it marks a new milestone in the journey of advancing knowledge, led by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, to make Arab culture present and active on the global human stage and a platform for constructive dialogue between civilizations."
Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of the Sharjah Book Authority, said: "Sharjah's selection as the guest of honor at the Warsaw International Book Fair is an acknowledgment of the inspiring vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, who has made books and knowledge a means to enhance human communication. Therefore, the Sharjah Book Authority will prepare a comprehensive program for the upcoming participation to highlight the emirate's cultural experience and boost the presence of Emirati and Arab creativity in the European scene."
Jacek Orlowski, Director of the Warsaw International Book Fair and Vice President of the History and Culture Foundation, said: "Cooperation between Poland and the UAE has taken on a new and inspiring dimension in recent years, especially with Sharjah, which attaches great importance to culture. Its presence in Warsaw will give a boost to establishing lasting ties between writers, publishers, agents, and readers from the two countries, in addition to being a tribute to the Emirati literature that Sharjah represents."
