“Kitab” magazine highlights Bodour Al Qasimi’s book

The article, written by the magazine’s editor-in-chief Ali Al Amri, placed the work within “liminal writing,” combining diverse realms from stone inscriptions and archaeology to visions and dreams. Al Amri noted that Sheikha Bodour employs this style to harmonise multiple dimensions—external and inner, material and spiritual—ranging from the language of stone to meaning, and encompassing inscriptions, history, myth, dreams, mystical reflection, imagination, and the voice of the earth.

From ancestors to contemporary reflection

The review highlighted that the book traces the lives of ancestors across desert terrains, reflecting their enduring presence in both individual and collective memory.

Magazine’s January issue highlights

The 87th issue of Kitab, published by the Sharjah Book Authority for January, included a survey on the decline of Arab literary criticism. It also featured interviews with Kenyan writer Paul Kipchumba, Dutch orientalist Gert Jan van Gelder, Emirati poet Ahmed Al Asim, Egyptian poet and translator Dr Sara Hamed Hawas, and Emirati novelist Nadia Al Najjar.

Editorial vision and cultural project

In the issue’s editorial “First Word”, CEO of the Sharjah Book Authority and editor-in-chief Ahmed bin Rakaad Al Amri reflected on the achievements of Sharjah’s cultural project, noting its five-decade-long growth under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. He emphasised that the project continues to build cultural bridges globally, guided by the ruler’s vision of the book as a companion, a cultural ambassador, and a bridge between cultures.

He added that the Authority’s work reflects the directives of Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi and her vision for enhancing cultural dialogue, especially for marginalised or overlooked cultures, encouraging them to share their heritage through major events.

Book reviews and international coverage

The new issue included reviews of books in Arabic, Spanish, and French, along with translations into Arabic, and published studies on authors from Argentina, Egypt, the UK, Bulgaria, France, and Portugal.

Cultural bridges with Poland

In his column “Raqeem”, Ali Al Amri wrote an article titled “The Polish Appointment”, discussing Arab-Polish cultural relations and highlighting Bulgaria’s upcoming celebration of Sharjah as Guest of Honour at the Warsaw International Book Fair in May. He noted the importance of reviving old cultural bridges and building new ones with the global human community.