Sharjah Heritage Institute at the 2026 Cairo Book Fair

Post by : Bianca Suleiman

The Sharjah Institute for Heritage (SIH) is set to take part in the 57th Cairo International Book Fair, which will occur from January 21 to February 3, 2026, at the Egypt International Exhibition Centre in New Cairo. This prestigious event is characterized by significant participation from governmental entities and publishers from both Arab and international backgrounds.

According to Dr Abdulaziz Al Musallam, the Chairman of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage, this initiative illustrates SIH's ongoing commitment to being actively present at the Cairo International Book Fair—a prominent cultural gathering in the Middle East that draws nearly two million visitors annually.

Dr Al Musallam elaborates that SIH’s involvement underscores its mission to safeguard both tangible and intangible aspects of cultural heritage, linking it seamlessly with contemporary life through research, publications, and various cultural activities. The Institute routinely organizes and engages in heritage exhibitions, festivals, and events on both local and global scales.

He emphasized the significant impact of SIH in enhancing the heritage landscape by supporting researchers, fostering heritage studies, and reinforcing Emirati and Arab libraries with specialized literature, journals, and periodicals.

Dr Al Musallam also remarked on the Government of Sharjah’s deep commitment to foster a love for books, knowledge industries, and reading, in alignment with the vision established by His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah.

At their pavilion, the Sharjah Institute for Heritage will exhibit over 1,000 cultural heritage publications aimed at increasing awareness and preserving vital heritage knowledge.

Additionally, the Institute will introduce a cultural program featuring panel discussions on:

• The intertwined cultural heritage of the Emirati and Egyptian peoples

• Exploring the functions and challenges faced by heritage publications

• The representation of Egyptian heritage within SIH’s publications

• The prospects of specialized institutional publishing

The program will also feature heritage reading sessions, in collaboration with the Book Club, alongside book-signing events for newly launched titles.