Sharjah International Book Fair opens with Oman as Guest of Honour

His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, has inaugurated the 45th Sharjah International Book Fair.

Running until November 15 at Expo Centre Sharjah, this year's edition features Oman as Guest of Honour and brings together publishers, writers and cultural figures from around the world.

At the opening ceremony, the Sharjah Ruler announced the launch of the Comprehensive Arabic Encyclopedia of Science, Literature, Arts and Notable Figures, unveiling its first 143 volumes.

More than 1,500 specialists are working on the project, which is expected to be completed next year.

He also announced the Harun Al Rashid Award, a new international prize that will recognise four outstanding contributors to Arabic knowledge and culture each year.

Sheikh Sultan also unveiled his latest historical work, a 61-volume publication documenting the Portuguese presence in the Indian Ocean between 1497 and 1750, following 37 years of research.

Moroccan scholar Dr. Said Yaktine was named the fair's Cultural Personality of the Year, in recognition of his contributions to Arab literature and culture.

Meanwhile, the 2026 Turjuman Award was presented to Catalan publishing house Karwán for its translation of selected stories from 'One Thousand and One Nights' into Catalan by translator Margarida Castells Criballés.

The award, administered by the Sharjah Book Authority, is one of the world's highest-value translation prizes, valued at AED 1.4 million.

This year's fair carries the theme 'It Starts with a Story', highlighting the role of books and literature in connecting cultures and shaping communities.

افتتاح الدورة الـ45 من معرض الشارقة الدولي للكتاب

Inaugurating the 45th edition of Sharjah International Book Fair pic.twitter.com/DGQF7tulqd

— HH Sheikh Dr. Sultan (@HHShkDrSultan) November 4, 2026