Ruler of Sharjah announces launch of 143-volume Arabic Encyclopedia, Harun Al-Rashid Award, and his new 61-volume historical work as Oman takes centre stage as Guest of Honour
SHARJAH, UAE – November 2026 – His Highness, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, inaugurated the 45th edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) on Wednesday at Expo Centre Sharjah, in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, and Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority.
The fair runs until November 15 and welcomes the Sultanate of Oman as this year’s Guest of Honour.
A Celebration of Culture and Knowledge
In his opening address, H.H. the Ruler of Sharjah welcomed guests from around the world, extending special recognition to Oman. He reaffirmed Sharjah’s longstanding commitment to culture, knowledge, and books, describing literature as a cornerstone of human development and a vital bridge between peoples and cultures.
H.H. also welcomed distinguished guests including Luís Filipe Reis dos Santos, Director-General for Books, Archives, and Libraries in Portugal; Dr. Henrique Leitão, Vice-President of the Lisbon Academy of Sciences; and Dr. Balaji Shenoy, Director of the Archives Department for the Government of Goa.
Major Announcements: Encyclopedia and Award
In a significant announcement, H.H. unveiled the “Comprehensive Arabic Encyclopedia of Science, Literature, Arts and Notable Figures,” revealing the first 143 volumes of what is set to become a major Arab knowledge reference available in both print and digital formats.
The project currently involves more than 1,500 specialists from around the world and is expected to be completed next year. H.H. directed those in charge to hasten their efforts and hire additional staff to complete the entire project by next year.
H.H. also announced the establishment of the Harun Al Rashid Award for Sciences, Literature, Arts, and Notable Figures, a new international prize that will annually honour four distinguished scholars, researchers, and creatives for their contributions to Arabic knowledge and culture.
“I’ve thought a lot about what name to give to the Award in the context of Arab history. The name I’ve settled on is one, of course, that we can all agree on: a man who did a tremendous service to the progress of the sciences, the literature, and the arts, and whose name is still with us from the 2nd century AH right through to today. So, I’m very pleased to be able to announce the launch of the Harun al-Rashid Award,” H.H. said.
H.H. added: “Harun al-Rashid was a unique figure, one whom some historians have treated unfairly and with prejudice; however, now is the time to give due weight to the significance of his contributions to the entire world. This award will serve as a tribute to outstanding scholarly achievement, an encouragement to continue research and writing, and a message to all who serve the cause of knowledge: that their efforts are deeply valued and held in high regard.”
New Historical Work Unveiled
H.H. further unveiled his latest historical work, “The Portuguese in the Indian Ocean: Annals of History from 1497 CE – 1750 CE,” published in 61 volumes in Arabic and English. The publication documents the Portuguese presence across the Indian Ocean region and is the culmination of 37 years of archival research, document collection, translation, and historical verification.
Honouring Excellence: Cultural Personality and Turjuman Award
H.H., accompanied by Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi, honoured Moroccan scholar Dr. Said Yaktine, naming him the fair’s Cultural Personality of the Year, in recognition of his contributions to Arab literature and culture.
H.H. also presented the 2026 Turjuman Award 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 Sharjah Book Authority’s award is the world’s largest translation prize of its kind, valued at AED 1.4 million.
Following the ceremony, H.H. signed copies of his latest historical work and the Comprehensive Arabic Encyclopedia, and launched the encyclopedia’s official website, making its details accessible to the public.
Sheikha Bodour: “It Starts with a Story”
In her address, Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi emphasised that this year’s theme, “It Starts with a Story,” embodies the role that stories play in shaping the memories and identities of individuals.
She spoke of Sharjah’s close relationship with books and the emirate’s cultural project, which is based on the principle that knowledge is immensely valuable and human development is paramount. That project has developed over the years into a fully integrated ecosystem of cultural, educational, and research institutions serving the community.
She highlighted H.H. the Ruler of Sharjah’s experience in historical research and documentation, noting his dedication to going into the archives to unearth historical facts. She underscored his vision to turn his passion for learning and books into educational and cultural institutions and knowledge-based projects.
She pointed out that the success of the fair came as a result of long-term vision and continuous support from H.H. for books and publishers, so that the exhibition became a global platform for cultural dialogue and knowledge exchange.
Sheikha Bodour concluded by expressing her sincere appreciation to the Ruler of Sharjah for his vision and efforts to promote knowledge and establish institutions of culture and education, adding that Sharjah has become a world example of investing in human potential through science, culture, and books.
Cultural Personality of the Year
In his speech accepting the title, Dr. Said Yaktine expressed his pride at being honoured by the Ruler of Sharjah, describing it as a very special honour that underlines Sharjah’s position as the permanent capital of Arab culture.
He stressed that this recognition is a tribute to some 50 years of his work in the field of the Arabic language and culture, as well as to Moroccan and Arab writers who have been at the forefront of promoting dialogue, tolerance, and unity.
Oman as Guest of Honour
Speaking on behalf of the Guest of Honour, Sayyid Saud bin Hilal bin Hamad Al Busaidi, Minister of Culture, Sports and Youth of Oman, said the Sultanate’s participation provides an opportunity to strengthen cultural ties, showcase Oman’s rich literary and cultural heritage, and expand cooperation in publishing, translation, research, and the creative industries.
H.H. the Ruler of Sharjah later cut the ribbon and toured the Omani pavilion, where he was received with traditional Omani folk chants. He viewed the various cultural events, activities, and publications on display, all aimed at showcasing Omani heritage and the Sultanate’s literary and intellectual achievements. H.H. also received several gifts from the Omani Ministry of Culture, including a set of encyclopedias and several historical books.
