Sharjah: The activities of the second edition of the Sharjah Literature Festival concluded earlier this week with strong public attendance and the participation of Emirati thinkers, writers, publishers, creatives, artists, and media professionals. The week-long programme featured intellectual sessions, poetry evenings, and a range of cultural, artistic, and entertainment activities.
According to Emirates News Agency, the festival was held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, and under the guidance of H.H. Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Founder and Honorary President of the Emirates Publishers Association (EPA) and Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority. The event was themed 'A Community Woven by Tales' and aimed at enriching Sharjah's cultural landscape while supporting the UAE's status as a hub for literary and cultural creativity.
Rashid Al Kous, Executive Director of the EPA, praised the festival's second edition and thanked H.H. Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi for her support of the publishing sector and Emirati literature. He noted that her vision was key to the festival's success, describing it as a platform that promotes reading, supports emerging Emirati talent, and helps publishers expand the reach of their works.
Al Kous also highlighted that the strong public turnout reflects the festival's growing presence on Sharjah's cultural calendar. He expressed gratitude to University City in Sharjah, the event's strategic partner, for its support. The 2026 edition included poetry evenings, seminars, workshops, musical and theatrical performances, as well as a book fair and new releases featuring 42 Emirati publishing houses, alongside reading sessions and curated shopping experiences.
The festival aims to continue celebrating Emirati creativity, supporting writers and creatives, and encouraging dialogue across generations and cultures.
