Ahmed Al Ameri: Sharjah’s Warsaw Guest of Honour highlights growing European interest in Emirati culture

H.E. Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), said Sharjah’s participation as Guest of Honour at the Warsaw International Book Fair 2026 represents an important milestone in the emirate’s ongoing efforts to strengthen cultural dialogue and expand the international reach of Emirati and Arab literature. He noted that the participation reflects the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, who has placed culture, books and knowledge at the centre of Sharjah’s development journey, establishing them as powerful tools for dialogue, mutual understanding and human advancement. Al Ameri added that Sharjah’s international cultural presence is closely aligned with the UAE’s growing role as a global centre for cultural exchange and knowledge production. Through sustained investment in publishing, translation and creative industries, the UAE has built a model that promotes openness, collaboration and meaningful engagement with cultures around the world. He also highlighted the role of Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of SBA, in advancing Sharjah’s international cultural partnerships and strengthening the global presence of Emirati and Arab publishing. Her Highness Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi efforts, he said, have contributed to expanding opportunities for publishers, writers and translators while creating new pathways for cultural exchange across international markets. Al Ameri said the strong turnout and engagement throughout the fair reflected growing interest among Polish and European audiences in Emirati and Arab culture. He noted that Sharjah’s participation as the first Arab Guest of Honour in the history of the Warsaw International Book Fair demonstrated the increasing relevance of cultural dialogue in building lasting connections between societies. Throughout the fair, Sharjah’s cultural and professional programme created meaningful opportunities for engagement between readers, publishers, academics, artists and cultural institutions, he noted. The strong attendance at panel discussions, poetry readings, artistic performances and professional meetings highlighted the enduring ability of books and culture to bring people together and foster deeper understanding across borders. He added that the programme offered Polish and European audiences a contemporary and authentic introduction to the richness, diversity and creative vitality of Emirati and Arab culture, while creating valuable opportunities for professional exchange across the publishing sector. Concluding his remarks, Al Ameri said the outcomes of Sharjah’s participation in Warsaw extend far beyond the fair itself. He expressed confidence that the relationships established during the event will lead to new collaborations in publishing, translation, education and cultural exchange, further strengthening ties between the UAE and Poland and contributing to deeper cultural engagement between the Arab world and Europe.