Sharjah Blazes a Trail as First Arab Guest of Honour at Warsaw

Post by : Bianca Suleiman

Sharjah's remarkable presence at the Warsaw International Book Fair, as the first Arab Guest of Honour, has marked a significant chapter in the cultural bond between Poland and the UAE.

Throughout four days, Sharjah showcased a dynamic cultural agenda, allowing Polish audiences to explore Emirati literature, heritage, and artistic traditions. This participation aligned with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, who has consistently promoted cultural initiatives, positioning Sharjah as a nexus for culture and knowledge globally.

The activities unfolded beyond the fair's confines at Warsaw's National Stadium, extending to various universities, theatres, and cultural venues, facilitating fruitful cultural dialogue between Emirati and Polish communities.

The initiative featured 35 events and engaged 36 writers, artists, and creative professionals from both the UAE and Poland. A total of 21 cultural and educational institutions contributed, enriching the exchange of ideas.

Leading the Sharjah delegation was Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA). This participation underscored Sharjah’s expanding role in fostering cultural and intellectual exchanges on a global scale.

Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of the Sharjah Book Authority, emphasized that the initiative reflects the Ruler of Sharjah's commitment to cultivation as a foundational element for development and intercultural understanding.

He noted that Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi’s leadership is evolving Sharjah into a global centre for publishing and knowledge, while also amplifying the presence of Emirati and Arab cultures on the international stage.

Al Ameri highlighted that the strong attendance at the Sharjah pavilion exemplifies culture's potential to bridge gaps through meaningful dialogue and understanding. He also acknowledged the Polish public's keen interest in Emirati and Arab literature, heritage, and culture.

According to him, Sharjah's role at such international platforms not only represents the UAE but also showcases the rich, diverse, and historically significant fabric of Arab culture. The fair has also opened new avenues for joint efforts between the UAE and Poland in publishing, translation, and related fields.

Jacek Oryl, Director of the Warsaw International Book Fair, hailed Sharjah's involvement as outstanding, contributing significantly to making this year's fair one of the most memorable.

He commended Sharjah for presenting a thorough cultural schedule that transcended the conventional book fair experience, encompassing literature, publishing, the arts, and academic dialogue, creating a resonant cultural experience for attendees.

Oryl stated that this initiative helped cultivate a deeper appreciation of Emirati and Arab cultures among Polish audiences, thereby fostering new avenues for cultural dialogue and collaboration.

During the event, Sharjah hosted discussions with Emirati and Polish creatives, tackling themes such as fiction, history, and storytelling, demonstrating the unifying power of local narratives across cultures.

Sharjah also engaged with the academic sector through specialized programs at the University of Warsaw. These discussions illuminated the UAE’s cultural landscape, covering theatre, poetry, fiction, and emerging artistic practices, providing students and researchers with valuable insights into contemporary Emirati culture.

Art played a pivotal role in the initiative, featuring a joint exhibition of Emirati and Polish artists. This collaborative showcase fostered a unique cultural dialogue, with Emirati artists drawing inspiration from Polish works and vice versa.

Attendees experienced Emirati traditions through performances by the Sharjah National Band, sharing traditional music and dance. Additionally, Talli embroidery, traditional attire, perfumes, and handcrafted items offered a glimpse into the UAE's rich cultural heritage.

The event also promoted collaboration within the publishing industry, as Emirati and Polish publishers pursued translation and partnership opportunities. During the fair, six Arabic books translated into Polish were featured at the Sharjah pavilion, underscoring the vital role of translation in enhancing cultural understanding and access to Arab literature.

Strong public engagement characterized Sharjah's pavilion, with 280 books sold, reflecting an increasing enthusiasm among Polish readers for Emirati culture and literature, along with growth in the UAE's creative domains.

This successful participation not only fortified Sharjah's status as a significant global cultural center but also reaffirmed its dedication to fostering connections across cultures through literature, the arts, and knowledge sharing.

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