Sharjah takes Arab culture beyond borders

It is within this context that Sharjah has expanded its presence as guest of honour at major international book fairs, using those platforms to introduce Emirati and Arab culture to new audiences, languages and publishing industries. Through translated books, sector meetings, literary events and cultural programmes, the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) has positioned these appearances as part of a wider strategy for cultural exchange.

As UNESCO marks the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development on 21 May, Sharjah’s international participation offers a practical example of how cultural exchange is shaped through publishing and translation. From São Paulo and Guadalajara to Bologna, Seoul, Thessaloniki and Warsaw, the emirate has carried Emirati and Arab literature into different cultural environments while strengthening links between publishers, translators and literary institutions.

Recent publishing data also points to growing international interest in translated fiction. Figures released by Nielsen on behalf of The Booker Prizes show that translated novels are finding a particularly strong readership among younger audiences in the United Kingdom. Readers aged between 25 and 34 accounted for 24.9 per cent of translated fiction purchases in 2022, up from 21 per cent in 2021. The 13 to 24 age group ranked second, meaning readers under 35 represented almost half of all purchases of translated fiction, at 48.2 per cent.

The figures underline an increasing openness among younger readers to literature emerging from different languages and cultures, reinforcing the importance of translation and international publishing initiatives.

Sharjah’s recent guest of honour programmes have reflected that emphasis on literary circulation. In São Paulo, SBA presented 40 Emirati titles translated into Portuguese. In Bologna, it showcased 17 Arabic-Italian translations of Emirati children’s books. At the Guadalajara International Book Fair, the authority presented 66 Emirati titles alongside 15 Arab books translated into Spanish. A further 10 titles were translated into Greek for Thessaloniki, while six Polish translations are being prepared for Sharjah’s participation in Warsaw.

The significance of these participations also lies in their role within the international publishing and rights market. In Warsaw, SBA said the participation aims to expand cooperation between publishers and writers and to support translation between Arabic and Polish. The director of the Warsaw International Book Fair described Sharjah’s presence as an opportunity to strengthen ties between publishing professionals on both sides.

At the Guadalajara International Book Fair, Sharjah participated in an event featuring a rights centre with 57 literary agents and 75 professional meeting tables, offering Emirati and Arab literature exposure not only to readers but also to publishers and agents introducing books into new markets and languages.

Sharjah’s participation extends beyond presenting books alone. In the upcoming Warsaw International Book Fair, 21 cultural institutions are taking part in the guest of honour programme alongside more than 36 Emirati writers and creators and 15 Polish participants through a programme featuring 35 cultural events and 18 heritage music performances.

In Seoul, that institutional element was reflected in a five-day programme featuring 33 events, including workshops, book signings and discussions involving Emirati and Korean writers. The participation also coincided with the announcement of Sharjah as the regional headquarters of the King Sejong Institute, the organisation responsible for promoting the Korean language and culture internationally.

Across each host city, Sharjah has adapted its cultural programme to suit different audiences, publishing markets and linguistic contexts. Rather than replicating a single format, the emirate has used each appearance to build new cultural and professional connections through literature, translation and dialogue.