28-31 May 2026
PGE Narodowy Stadium

Arabic Language Academy in Sharjah

The Arabic Language Academy in Sharjah is a leading scholarly institution dedicated to serving and promoting the Arabic language locally and globally. The Academy focuses on advancing linguistic and lexicographical studies, producing major scientific projects such as the Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language, and fostering academic research and international partnerships.

Majed Al Houli, Public Relations Manager
m.alhouli@alashj.ae

American University of Sharjah (AUS) and AUS Press

American University of Sharjah (AUS) was founded in 1997 by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Sharjah. Sheikh Sultan articulated his vision of a distinctive institution against the backdrop of Islamic history and in the context of the aspirations and needs of contemporary society in the UAE and the Gulf region.

Founded in 2025, AUS Press is the publishing house for the American University of Sharjah. AUS Press aims to connect academia and knowledge seekers around the globe by drawing on the university’s rich research output and by sustaining and supporting the rich cultural heritage of Sharjah, the United Arab Emirates, and the larger Arab world to publish impactful scholarly and creative works in the arts, sciences, humanities, and social sciences. From local to regional to global perspectives, AUS Press publications will offer fresh insights, enrich cultural understanding, and imagine brighter futures.

Fatima AlMugarrab AlMheiri, Strategy & Planning Specialist, AUS
fatimam@aus.edu

Jehanne Moharram, Senior Acquisitions Editor, AUS Press
jmoharram@aus.edu

Department of Culture

The Department of Culture in Sharjah is one of the main establishments of the Sharjah cultural, creative, intellectual and enlightening project, which was established by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council, Ruler of Sharjah, as an Arab and international base, which adapted culture as its main title, to move towards the future, where its basic basis is the human being and the respect for his being, thought and creativity.

The Department of Culture was established after His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi has issued the Emiri Decree No. (20) on April 30, 1981, which affirm the establishing of the “Cultural Department,” which was later known as the “Department of Culture and Media,” until the title was changed to the Department of Culture by Emiri Decree No. 13/2017, in order to enhance the exerted cultural effort and to ensure the escalation and expansion of the creative cultural work base to reach citizens everywhere. Since its establishment, the Department was keen to achieve this through a genuine Arab Islamic culture that influences and is influenced by the human culture in its comprehensive and broad concept.

Through continuous improvement and development of its operational strategies and organizational plans, the Department of Culture seeks to maintain a series of festivals, forums, and regular cultural events throughout the year. This is achieved through various local directorates working to realize the vision of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, including: the Administrative Affairs Directorate, along with its Eastern Region branch, which includes: the Khor Fakkan, Kalba, Dibba Al-Hisn, and Wadi Al-Helou offices; in addition to the Theater Directorate; the Studies and Publishing Directorate; the Media Department; the Public Relations Department; the Information Technology Department; the Accounting Department; and the Purchases Department.

The Department of Culture focuses on the cultural and media aspects in the Emirate of Sharjah, where its tasks and roles have expanded and grown by defining the higher and fundamental goals that it seeks to achieve, and developing annual programs to achieve those goals, which are:

Prioritizing cultural work in accordance with actual needs is a long-term strategy, in addition preserving national culture and arts, and providing activities and programs that work to instill Arab and Islamic values ​​and that contribute to creating a national personality capable of giving. As well as, expanding the frameworks and horizons of knowledge in a way that serves the goals of development in its comprehensive social, economic and political perspective, preserving and promoting heritage, developing research efforts, exploring antiquities and preserving what has been discovered, as well as cooperating with local, Arab and international cultural agencies and institutions to serve the goals of the cultural work.

The Sharjah Department of Culture organizes festival activities and permanent forums held throughout the year, at the local, Arab and international levels, including: the Sharjah Narrative Forum, which is organized in an Arab country with each new edition, the Kalba Festival for Short Plays, the Sharjah Calligraphy Biennial, and the poetry houses festivals in the Arab world, which are held in the following countries: Jordan, Egypt, Sudan, Tunisia, Morocco and Mauritania.

In addition, the department also organizes the UNESCO Award for Arab Culture in Paris, the Sharjah Award for Arabic Poetry Criticism, the Sharjah Desert Theatre Festival, the celebration of World Arabic Language Day at the Sharjah Poetry House, the Sharjah Scout Theatre Festival, the Sharjah Arabic Poetry Festival, the Sharjah Cultural Appreciation Forum (held in various Arab countries), the Khorfakkan Theatre Festival, the Sharjah Nabati Poetry Festival, the Wadi Al-Hilu Days of Traditional Folk Poetry, and the Sharjah Theatre Days.

The department’s activities continue, focusing on Arabic calligraphy through organizing the Arabic Calligraphy Exhibition (Katateeb), which is held at the Calligraphy Square in the heart of Sharjah area, while the House of Poetry offers a workshop on the art of Arabic prosody. In the field of awards, there is the Sharjah Award for Arab Creativity (first edition), which is organized in various Arab countries with each new edition. Also the Department of Culture organizes every year an exhibition featuring the courses output of the Sharjah Calligraphy Center, the Sharjah School Theatre Festival, the Dibba Al-Hisn Festival for the Two-person theater, and the course on the elements of theatrical performance held in Kalba.

It should be noted that the Department of Culture organizes poetry gatherings in Africa, in 9 countries: Chad, Senegal, Guinea, Benin, Niger, Mali, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, and South Sudan.

Moza Ali Khalifa Alshamsi, Executive of International Cultural & Artistic Affairs
Moza@sdc.gov.ae

Dr. Sultan Al Qasimi Centre for Gulf Studies

His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, inaugurated the Dr. Sultan Al Qasimi Centre for Gulf Studies on 26 April 2007.

The Centre is considered unique due to its valuable collections. It is located near University City in Sharjah and houses the private collection of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, which he gathered over a period of 25 years. These collections have been preserved at the Centre and are made available to researchers.

Mohamed Al Ketbi, Head of Collections Department
Alketbi854@gmail.com

Emirates Library and Information Association (ELIA)

The Emirates Library and Information Association (ELIA) is a non-profit, public benefit organization in the United Arab Emirates dedicated to the fields of libraries, information, documentation, archives, and manuscripts. It focuses on supporting, qualifying, and advancing professionals working within this vital sector. The Association was established in 2017 in accordance with Federal Law No. (2) of 2008 concerning public benefit organizations and civil associations.

Through its vision and diverse initiatives, ELIA seeks to strengthen collaboration and coordination among libraries and information centers of all types, while elevating the professional and technical standards of their workforce. It also promotes and supports specialized research and studies, and organizes conferences, seminars, and training programs. In addition, the Association contributes to the development of professional policies and standards, provides technical consultancy to relevant entities, and actively participates in specialized events—keeping pace with best practices and contributing to the growth of the library and information sector, as well as the advancement of the knowledge-based society in the UAE.

Sultan Al Mazrouei, Board Member and Executive Director
S.almazrouei@elia.ae

Emirates Writers Union

The Emirates Writers Union is a public benefit association established in the city of Sharjah on 26 May 1984, with a founding membership of thirty members. This date was later officially designated as Emirati Writer’s Day, which the United Arab Emirates commemorates annually on 26 May. The Union is regarded as one of the leading cultural institutions in the United Arab Emirates, having played, since its establishment, a pivotal role in organizing literary activity, supporting writers and intellectuals, and providing an institutional framework for cultural and creative engagement.

The Union comprises a headquarters in Sharjah and three branches in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Ras Al Khaimah. Through its specialized literary clubs — including the Poetry Club, the Story Club, and the Criticism Club — it organizes seminars, literary evenings, forums, and conferences, in addition to cultural programs that have contributed to strengthening Emirati literary presence across the Gulf and Arab cultural spheres, most notably the UAE Forum for Gulf Creativity and the General Conference of UAE Writers and Authors.

The Union’s membership exceeds four hundred writers, authors, and individuals engaged in cultural affairs, while its publications have surpassed three hundred titles across poetry, short stories, novels, essays, criticism, and studies. The Union previously published Bayt Al-Sard, dedicated to narrative writing, and Qaf, dedicated to poetry. It currently continues to publish its two periodicals: Shu’oon Adabiya, which covers various fields of literature, and Dirasat, devoted to the humanities as a peer-reviewed academic journal.

The Union further consolidated its standing within the Arab cultural sphere when its president served as Secretary-General of the General Union of Arab Writers and Authors for two consecutive terms, reflecting the position the Union has attained within institutional Arab cultural work.

Lulua Al Mansoori, Follow-up and Coordination Executive
ceo@ewu.ae

Emirates Publishers Association (EPA)

The Emirates Publishers Association (EPA) is a non-profit organization founded in 2009 by Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, who currently serves as its Honorary President. The EPA’s primary mission is to promote the growth and development of the publishing industry in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It plays a crucial role in supporting and representing Emirati publishers, as well as promoting Emirati intellectual property and publications both regionally and internationally.

The EPA was established with the aim of fostering collaboration within the publishing industry and driving the growth and prosperity of the publishing sector in the UAE. To achieve this, the association organizes various programs and activities that facilitate knowledge sharing between publishers and promote professional skills development through conferences, workshops, seminars, and partnerships. By nurturing publishers, the EPA encourages the creation of exceptional content that aligns with the UAE’s cultural development and strengthens the country’s position on the global cultural stage.

In addition to its efforts within the UAE, EPA actively participates in cultural events and international book fairs to increase the visibility of Emirati publishers in the global market. This not only opens doors to enrich the publishing and translation landscape in the UAE but also contributes to the promotion of Emirati literature worldwide.

By striving for a vision that supports the UAE’s creative economy and enhances the local cultural scene through diverse knowledge products, EPA is actively working to establish Emirati literature as a prominent presence on the global stage.

Neven Asaad, Executive Director Office Manager
n.asaad@epa.org.ae

Emirates Reprographic Rights Management Association (ERRA)

The Emirates Reprographic Rights Management Association (ERRA) is the first collective management organization for reprographic rights protection in the region. It was established in March 2022 under the chairmanship of Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi and is licensed by the Ministry of Economy. Its headquarters is in the Emirate of Sharjah. ERRA aims to protect reprographic rights, which form part of intellectual property rights, in implementation of the UAE Federal Decree-Law No. (38) of 2021 concerning Copyright and Neighboring Rights.

At ERRA, our mission is to support institutions such as yours in complying with these legal requirements by providing comprehensive licensing solutions that are effective in terms of cost and ease of implementation. This ensures compliance with the Decree-Law, particularly with respect to the provisions on “license override” stipulated in Article 22, paragraphs (4) and (8), which require obtaining a license when content is made available for academic use.

ERRA represents the rights of authors and publishers residing in the United Arab Emirates, as well as international rights holders. Our licenses cover a wide range of printed and digital works from thousands of publishers, encompassing millions of titles. This enables the lawful reuse of high-quality academic and literary works, including digital content, under a single licensing agreement.

Hala Al Ali, Rights Holders Relations & Licensing Specialist
h.alali@erra.org.ae

House of Wisdom

House of Wisdom in Sharjah was established under the gracious directive of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, in celebration of Sharjah’s designation as the UNESCO World Book Capital 2019. The establishment aimed to preserve the lasting cultural value of this title and its significance, and to pass it on to future generations, while continuing Sharjah’s journey in advancing knowledge and enriching communities.

Opened on 9 December 2020, House of Wisdom is a modern, future-forward library and a vibrant cultural hub, an open space where reading, learning, and dialogue come together. Bringing people closer to knowledge, it fosters cultural exchange, celebrates shared human heritage, and promotes a lasting culture of curiosity and discovery.

Ali Al Shemmari, Manager, Institutional & International Affairs
ali.shemmari@houseofwisdom.ae

Kalimat Foundation

Kalimat Foundation is a nonprofit organization founded under the patronage of Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi, to uphold the Arab children’s rights to read and access books. It serves the Arab refugee and underprivileged children and those who are visually disabled, by equipping and empowering them with knowledge to build better prospects in learning and better opportunities in adulthood.

Fatima Al Shamsi, Assistant Manager – Marketing
Fatima@kalimatfoundation.ae

Kalimat Group

Kalimat Group is considered one of the leading publishing institutions in the region, committed to development through innovation within a stimulating creative environment that attracts the best talents in the industry.

The Group is dedicated to supporting the Emirate of Sharjah’s journey toward spreading knowledge and fostering creativity in the educational process. In addition to producing high-quality books, many of which have received international literary awards; Kalimat Group invests in public initiatives and charitable projects through its non-profit arm, Kalimat Foundation.

Driven by its belief in the power of the written word and its role in promoting intellectual and cultural exchange among young people worldwide, the Group works on implementing initiatives and campaigns that support authors and promote a culture of reading, particularly in communities facing difficult circumstances and in refugee areas.

Since its establishment, Kalimat has expanded into Kalimat Group, a parent company that encompasses four publishing imprints. It has extended its distribution network to more than 16 countries and has published over 600 books, many of which have won Arab and international awards. The Group has also published more than 120 books by some of the most prominent authors in the Arab world and beyond, and over 70 of its original Arabic titles have been translated into other languages.

Ahmed Al Ali, General Manager, Kalimat Group
ahmed.a@kalimat.ae

PublisHer

PublisHer is a global platform dedicated to the recognition and advancement of women in the publishing industry. Created in 2019 by Bodour Al Qasimi (founder and CEO of Kalimat Group, UAE, former president of IPA International Publishers Association), its mission is to create spaces for female publishing professionals to connect, learn and support each other through mentorship programmes, networking events and initiatives.

These programs have been developed with the support of leading women in international publishing to empower women while addressing the ongoing imbalances in the international book industry. As of the start of 2026, PublisHer has participated in and hosted events in 19 countries around the world, with many new destinations soon to be announced. PublisHer has continued its development into new areas of operation and earlier this year launched a tiered membership program, providing key online resources to support women in their global publishing careers, maximizing their potential.

Linda Paul, Head of Programs and Partnerships
linda@womeninpublishing.org

Sharjah Archaeology Authority

The Department of Archaeology in Sharjah was established in 1986 under the name “Department of Archaeology and Heritage,” operating under the umbrella of the Department of Culture and Information. Its mandate was to oversee all archaeological and heritage sites across the Emirate of Sharjah, ensure their protection, and supervise as well as collaborate with foreign archaeological missions working in the emirate.

In 1992, His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, issued Law No. (1) on Archaeology in the Emirate of Sharjah. This law addressed all matters related to archaeology and archaeological sites, including their protection, regulation, and the prevention of illegal trade and smuggling of archaeological artifacts.

Later in 1992, the Department of Archaeology in Sharjah established a local archaeological mission to carry out excavations at various sites and coordinate with foreign missions. The mission was led by Dr. Sabah Jassim and included several members of the local team.

In 1995, the “Department of Archaeology” was formally established to assume responsibility for archaeological sites in the emirate, organize excavation activities, oversee publication and documentation processes, and coordinate with relevant government entities.

In 2016, Emiri Decree No. 57 of 2016 was issued, establishing the Sharjah Archaeology Authority. This reflects the vision of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah regarding the importance of archaeology as living cultural evidence and enduring historical records that tell the story of a resilient people who persevered despite challenging environmental conditions, contributing significantly to human history and civilization.

Khaled Al Hamed, Head of Protocol
k.alhamid@saa.shj.ae

Sharjah Book Authority (SBA)

Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) is a leading global publishing and cultural institution, established under the vision and patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, whose enduring commitment to books and knowledge continues to shape its mandate. Chaired by Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, SBA connects international publishers, booksellers, and markets through flagship platforms including the largest book fair in the world, Sharjah International Book Fair, and Sharjah Booksellers Conference, which convened over 661 industry professionals in 2025. Through its initiatives, SBA advances rights exchange, expands the global reach of Arabic literature, and contributes to a more connected and commercially sustainable global publishing ecosystem.

The Chief Executive Office
CEO@sharjahbookfair.com

Sharjah Broadcasting Authority

Since the launch of Sharjah TV on February 11, 1989, we have upheld a slogan that remains our guiding principle: “Into your homes we enter, as trustees.” We are the guardians of our heritage and the pulse of our community. From the very beginning, we aspired to be a leading media platform that showcases cultural and civilizational diversity in our smiling emirate, Sharjah. Together, we continue this journey, growing stronger day by day through your presence. In 2000, Sharjah Radio expanded its reach, further strengthening our commitment to the trust we carry. By 2006, Sharjah Sports Channel was launched, specialized in athletic affairs across the emirate, broadcasting local and international events and tournaments. In 2007, Sharjah Channel 2 joined our services, broadcasting in non-Arabic languages (English, French, Urdu, and Persian) to present the tolerant teachings of Islam based on moderation.

Following this expansion in the audio-visual sector, it became essential to launch an entity that encompasses all these channels, stations, and services. Thus, the Sharjah Media Corporation was established in 2009, maintaining full integrity in delivering the media message to every home.

The dedicated work of this institution continued through its citizens and residents, united by their love for Sharjah and the UAE, and a passion for media work rooted in a noble mission. We expanded our services to the Eastern Region with the launch of “Sharjah Eastern Channel” from Kalba, highlighting the heritage, culture, and professions of the local people and celebrating their achievements. In 2015, “Sharjah Central Channel” from Al. Dhaid joined the ranks, specializing in promoting authentic desert culture, its traditions, and unique characteristics.

We have strived to convey the teachings of our religion and the Holy Quran through Sharjah Holy Quran Radio, kept pace with local and international news through our News Center, and entertained listeners with the beauty of “Sharjah Radio – Pulse of Kuwait.” We added a modern touch to the creative scene in the emirate and the country with “Pulse 95 Radio,” broadcasting in English. Furthermore, we embraced new media developments through the “Maraya” platform and various social media accounts. To crown our ambitions for media evolution, the Sharjah Broadcasting Authority was inaugurated in 2019, serving as the umbrella for all the channels, stations, and services we provide to our audience.

We take pride in our vision and strive to enhance the role of local media with professionalism and excellence, becoming a leading government entity that develops the media sector and fosters innovation. Regardless of how much we evolve and how many channels we add, we remain committed to our core values: supporting national identity, strengthening family cohesion, and deeply rooting Arab and Islamic cultural values. From the beginning to the end, we follow the path set by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, who established our roadmap with the slogan we started with and continue to uphold: “Into your homes we enter, as trustees.”

Khalid Allay, Governmental Communication Executive
Khalid.Mohamed@sba.net.ae

Sharjah Institute for Heritage

The Sharjah Institute for Heritage is a leading cultural institution dedicated to safeguarding, preserving, and documenting both tangible and intangible cultural heritage at the local, regional, and international levels. Through its diverse programs, research initiatives, and cultural activities, the Institute plays a vital role in raising awareness of cultural heritage and ensuring its transmission to future generations. It also serves as a dynamic platform for knowledge exchange and international collaboration in the field of cultural heritage preservation.

Amna Al Zarooni, Head of International Relations Department
amna.alzarooni@sih.gov.ae

UAE Board on Books for Young People (UAEBBY)

UAEBBY, a non-profit organisation, is the national section in the United Arab Emirates of the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY). The UAEBBY is a part of a global network of people from around the world who pledged to provide books for children and to promote a culture of reading. UAEBBY seeks to reinforce global awareness through children’s literature and to provide books of high literary and artistic standards. UAEBBY works towards improving the literary scene by supporting and training authors as well as illustrators who are interested in children’s literature.

Eman Mohamed, Programs and Awards Manager
Eman.m@uaebby.org.ae

University of Sharjah

The University of Sharjah (UOS), established in 1997, is a private, national, co-educational university situated in the University City, Sharjah, in the United Arab Emirates. UOS is a comprehensive academic institution with a distinctive learning style and a global vision. The university has proven that with proper leadership, a young university can compete with its more senior peers. UOS now includes 15 colleges, offering over 127 diverse academic programs. All programs are accredited by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research. In addition to some programs that have attained international accreditation.

Abdelrahman Shehada, Team Leader
ashehada@sharjah.ac.ae