Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority, officially inaugurated the first Sharjah Literature Festival.
The festival, held under the esteemed patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, celebrates Emirati storytelling. With the theme “Emirati Tales Inspire the Future,” it aims to showcase creativity while reinforcing the UAE’s cultural leadership globally.
Notably, the festival features nine core themes exploring literature and culture. Furthermore, it fosters dialogue among local literary and cultural leaders. By supporting Emirati publishers, it also strengthens the UAE’s publishing industry.
Sheikha Bodour Highlights Sharjah Literature Festival
While addressing the event, Sheikha Bodour expressed pride in Sharjah’s growing cultural legacy. She remarked, “The Sharjah Literature Festival opens a new chapter in Sharjah’s cultural journey.
“The theme, ‘Emirati Tales Inspire the Future,’ highlights the richness of our storytelling tradition and its inspiration for future generations. Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, this festival reflects Sharjah’s dedication to nurturing creativity, exchanging ideas, and celebrating literary excellence.”
She also emphasized the festival’s vibrant activities. She said, “The inauguration blended Arabic calligraphy and poetic narration beautifully, reflecting the universal power of words and their artistry.
“As I toured the festival, I witnessed its engaging workshops, live music, and Emirati publishers’ showcases. Meeting the creative minds behind this event was truly inspiring.”
Sheikha Bodour concluded by highlighting Sharjah’s role as a cultural beacon. She added, “This event strengthens our position as a hub for literature and builds bridges toward a more creative future.”
A Fusion of Arts and Literature
The opening ceremony, presented by author Sheikha Al Mutairi, featured an enchanting mix of visual and musical arts. Emirati artist and calligrapher Abdullah Alastad performed live Arabic calligraphy on stage. Meanwhile, poet Zigzag Ghanem recited captivating Arabic verses, celebrating the beauty of words and culture.
Sharjah Literature Festival
The festival runs until January 21, offering a variety of engaging events inspired by its theme. A major highlight is the book fair, featuring 41 Emirati publishers showcasing their latest works. Over five days, authors, publishers, and literature lovers will gather to celebrate Emirati stories and cultural heritage.
