Sharjah officially opened its participation as the first Arab Guest of Honour in the history of the Warsaw International Book Fair 2026, in the presence of Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA). The fair, taking place at the National Stadium in Warsaw until 31 May, brings together publishers, writers and cultural institutions from across the world.
The opening ceremony was attended by HE Włodzimierz Czarzasty, Marshal of Sejm of the Republic of Poland; HE Marta Cienkowska, Poland’s Minister of Culture and National Heritage; Dorota Malinowska-Grupińska, Chairwoman of the Warsaw City Council; and Małgorzata Kidawa-Błońska, Marshal of the Polish Senate.
Held under the theme “Two Civilisations. One Language of Letters,” Sharjah’s participation highlights Emirati and Arab culture through literature, poetry, visual arts and cultural dialogue. During her address, Her Highness Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi conveyed the greetings of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and reaffirmed Sharjah’s commitment to cultural exchange and dialogue through books and knowledge.
Sharjah’s programme at the fair includes 35 cultural events featuring panel discussions, poetry evenings and children’s workshops hosted across the fairgrounds, the University of Warsaw and public libraries. The emirate is also presenting musical performances by the Sharjah National Band at the Warsaw National Theatre.
The Sharjah pavilion brings together 21 cultural, academic and media institutions, alongside 36 Emirati writers, poets, academics and artists, as well as 15 Polish participants. Participating entities include the Sharjah Book Authority, House of Wisdom, University of Sharjah, American University of Sharjah, Emirates Writers Union, Emirates Publishers Association and Sharjah Publishing City.
As part of the cultural programme, the “Tasawurat” (“Visions”) project brings together artists and designers from the UAE and Poland to create works inspired by Arabic and Polish poetry, exploring themes related to humanity, nature and identity.
The opening day also featured the IKAR Publishing Season Awards ceremony organised by the fair, where Polish author Professor Stefan Chwin received the Ikar Award in recognition of his literary and cultural contributions.
This year’s Warsaw International Book Fair features more than 1,200 cultural and professional events, reinforcing its role as a platform for international cultural and publishing exchange.
