Unveils first 143 volumes of Arabic encyclopaedia; announces Harun Al Rashid Award
SHARJAH: His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, inaugurated the 45th edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) on Wednesday at Expo Centre Sharjah. The fair will run until November 15.The inauguration ceremony was attended by Sheikh Sultan Bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, and Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority, along with distinguished guests and representatives from the international cultural community.The Ruler visited the Omani pavilion, with Oman being the Guest of Honour at this year's fair. He was welcomed with traditional Omani folk performances and viewed exhibitions, publications and cultural activities highlighting the Sultanate's heritage and literary achievements. He also received a collection of encyclopaedias and historical books from the Omani Ministry of Culture.
Arabic encyclopaedia launched
A major highlight of the inauguration was the launch of the first 143 volumes of the Comprehensive Arabic Encyclopaedia of Science, Literature, Arts and Notable Figures by Sheikh Sultan.The ambitious project, which will be available in print and digital formats, involves more than 1,500 specialists and experts from around the world. It is expected to be completed next year. Sheikh Sultan directed the project team to accelerate its work and recruit additional specialists to ensure its timely completion.He also announced the establishment of the Harun Al Rashid Award for Sciences, Literature, Arts and Notable Figures, an international award that will annually honour four distinguished scholars, researchers and creative personalities for their contributions to Arabic knowledge and culture.Describing Harun Al Rashid as a historical figure whose contributions to the advancement of science, literature and arts deserved greater recognition, Sheikh Sultan said the award would encourage research, writing and outstanding scholarly achievements.
61-volume historical work unveiled
The Ruler also unveiled his latest historical publication, *The Portuguese in the Indian Ocean: Annals of History from 1497 CE to 1750 CE*. Published in 61 volumes in Arabic and English, the work documents Portuguese presence across the Indian Ocean region.The publication is the culmination of 37 years of archival research, document collection, translation and historical verification.
Moroccan scholar named Cultural Personality of the Year
Moroccan scholar Dr Said Yaktine was honoured as the Cultural Personality of the Year 2026 in recognition of his contributions to Arab literature and culture.
Receiving the honour, Yaktine expressed pride at being recognised by the Ruler of Sharjah, describing it as a special distinction that reflected the emirate's position as a leading centre of Arab culture. He said the recognition also acknowledged nearly five decades of his work in Arabic language and culture.The 2026 Turjuman Award was presented to Catalan publishing house Karwán for its translation of selected stories from *One Thousand and One Nights* into Catalan by translator Margarida Castells Criballés. The award, presented by the Sharjah Book Authority, carries a prize of Dh1.4 million.
'It Starts with a Story'
Addressing the opening ceremony, Sheikha Bodour said this year's theme, 'It Starts with a Story', reflected the role of stories in shaping individual memories and identities.She described Sharjah's cultural journey as one built on books, knowledge and education, supported by a long-term vision that has evolved into an integrated network of cultural, educational and research institutions.She highlighted Sheikh Sultan's commitment to historical research, documentation and the preservation of knowledge, as well as his initiatives to make education and culture accessible to all. She also referred to major projects, including the Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language, as examples of the emirate's continued investment in Arabic language and knowledge.She said Sharjah's international cultural standing was the result of decades of dedicated work and a firm belief in the role of culture in strengthening identity, promoting dialogue and fostering coexistence.Speaking on behalf of the Guest of Honour, Sayyid Saud Bin Hilal Bin Hamad Al Busaidi, Oman's Minister of Culture, Sports and Youth, said the Sultanate's participation offered an opportunity to showcase its rich literary and cultural heritage and strengthen ties with the international cultural community.He added that the fair would help expand cooperation in publishing, translation, research and the creative industries.
