emirates7 - Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority and Honorary President of the Emirates Publishers Association, officially inaugurated the first edition of the Sharjah Literature Festival. The festival, held under the esteemed patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, is themed "Emirati Tales Inspire the Future." It aims to showcase the literary creativity of Emiratis while reinforcing the UAE’s standing as a vibrant center for literature and culture.
Featuring nine key themes that cover diverse aspects of literature and culture, the festival offers a dynamic space for sharing ideas among local literary and cultural leaders. It also serves as a valuable opportunity to support Emirati publishers and enhance the UAE’s publishing industry.
Sharjah — A Hub for Culture and Creativity
Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi expressed her pride in launching the festival in Sharjah, a city known for its cultural, literary, and creative legacy. She remarked, "The Sharjah Literature Festival celebrates our shared stories and serves as a platform to nurture Emirati creativity. By bridging the past and the present, it highlights the transformative role of literature in inspiring progress and fostering cultural dialogue. These stories will resonate beyond the UAE, building bridges of understanding and imagination."
The festival's opening ceremony, hosted by author Sheikha Al Mutairi, featured a fusion of visual and musical arts that celebrated the power of words and culture. Emirati artist and calligrapher Abdullah Alastad presented a live Arabic calligraphy performance, while poet Zigzag Ghanem recited captivating Arabic poetry celebrating the beauty of art and language.
A Cultural and Entertainment Showcase
Running until 21 January, the festival offers a wide range of literary, cultural, and entertainment activities. A key feature is the book fair, which runs for the full duration of the event and includes 41 Emirati publishers displaying their latest works.
The festival invites visitors to explore the rich tapestry of past and present Emirati stories through engaging sessions, discussions, local poetry, and traditional Emirati melodies. It also presents 20 cultural programs, eight workshops, and five musical performances each day. Attendees can enjoy shopping at five outlets and dining at over 10 diverse restaurants.
Inspiring Future Generations
The festival reflects Sharjah’s commitment to being a cultural beacon, facilitating communication with other cultures. It celebrates the Emirati literary scene and emphasizes that "Emirati Tales" are vital to shaping the future cultural aspirations of the emirate. The event inspires future generations both locally and regionally.
Bringing together literary figures from across the UAE, the festival fosters creative dialogue and innovation in literature, aligning with Sharjah’s broader vision of promoting literature and culture as key pillars of societal development.
For more information on the festival's full programme, visit its website [here](https://slf.thaqafa.gov.ae) and check out its social media channels.
Featuring nine key themes that cover diverse aspects of literature and culture, the festival offers a dynamic space for sharing ideas among local literary and cultural leaders. It also serves as a valuable opportunity to support Emirati publishers and enhance the UAE’s publishing industry.
Sharjah — A Hub for Culture and Creativity
Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi expressed her pride in launching the festival in Sharjah, a city known for its cultural, literary, and creative legacy. She remarked, "The Sharjah Literature Festival celebrates our shared stories and serves as a platform to nurture Emirati creativity. By bridging the past and the present, it highlights the transformative role of literature in inspiring progress and fostering cultural dialogue. These stories will resonate beyond the UAE, building bridges of understanding and imagination."
The festival's opening ceremony, hosted by author Sheikha Al Mutairi, featured a fusion of visual and musical arts that celebrated the power of words and culture. Emirati artist and calligrapher Abdullah Alastad presented a live Arabic calligraphy performance, while poet Zigzag Ghanem recited captivating Arabic poetry celebrating the beauty of art and language.
A Cultural and Entertainment Showcase
Running until 21 January, the festival offers a wide range of literary, cultural, and entertainment activities. A key feature is the book fair, which runs for the full duration of the event and includes 41 Emirati publishers displaying their latest works.
The festival invites visitors to explore the rich tapestry of past and present Emirati stories through engaging sessions, discussions, local poetry, and traditional Emirati melodies. It also presents 20 cultural programs, eight workshops, and five musical performances each day. Attendees can enjoy shopping at five outlets and dining at over 10 diverse restaurants.
Inspiring Future Generations
The festival reflects Sharjah’s commitment to being a cultural beacon, facilitating communication with other cultures. It celebrates the Emirati literary scene and emphasizes that "Emirati Tales" are vital to shaping the future cultural aspirations of the emirate. The event inspires future generations both locally and regionally.
Bringing together literary figures from across the UAE, the festival fosters creative dialogue and innovation in literature, aligning with Sharjah’s broader vision of promoting literature and culture as key pillars of societal development.
For more information on the festival's full programme, visit its website [here](https://slf.thaqafa.gov.ae) and check out its social media channels.