Oman Named Guest of Honour at the Sharjah International Book Fair 2026
In a celebration of literature, culture, and intellectual exchange, the Sultanate of Oman has been officially designated as the Guest of Honour at the upcoming 45th edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) 2026 — one of the Arab world’s most prestigious and influential cultural events.
A Prestigious Cultural Recognition
The announcement was made on 19 February 2026 by H.H. Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA). Oman was selected in recognition of its deep-rooted contributions to Arab literature, thought, and cultural heritage, as well as its longstanding intellectual presence across the Gulf and wider Arab cultural landscape.
Sheikha Bodour emphasized that the selection reflects not just literary accomplishments, but also the shared cultural, linguistic, and historical bonds between Oman and the United Arab Emirates. She noted that hosting Oman as Guest of Honour is a celebration of the depth of Arab and Gulf culture and a tribute to the nation’s vibrant literary traditions.
Strengthening Cultural Ties
The formal designation followed the signing of an agreement between Said bin Sultan bin Yarub Al Busaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth for Culture of the Sultanate of Oman, and Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of the Sharjah Book Authority.
In his remarks, Al Busaidi highlighted how the honour builds on strong cultural partnerships between Oman and the UAE. He noted that the two nations share a common vision to promote cooperation across various sectors, particularly in culture and the arts, reinforcing long-standing social, historical, and intellectual ties.
A Comprehensive Cultural Programme
Oman’s Guest of Honour programme at SIBF 2026 is expected to be extensive and multifaceted, showcasing the Sultanate’s cultural richness and creative achievements across numerous fields. The programme will highlight:
- Literature and fiction from leading Omani authors.
- Poetry and prose reflecting the nation’s artistic heritage.
- Theatre, visual arts, and music representing Oman’s dynamic creative scene.
- Discussions, readings, and artistic events that engage visitors with both historical and contemporary cultural narratives.
A dedicated Omani pavilion at the fair will feature prominent Omani writers, thinkers, and publishers, offering audiences the chance to explore the nation’s literary history alongside its modern narratives.
Platform for Global Exchange
According to Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, the Guest of Honour tradition is rooted in the visionary approach of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, who has placed culture and the book industry at the heart of Sharjah’s development agenda. Under this vision, SIBF has evolved into a global platform for dialogue — bringing together writers, publishers, intellectuals, and readers from across the globe.
The Guest of Honour pavilion is more than a showcase — it serves as a dynamic space for cultural exchange, partnerships, and collaboration, where publishers and writers can forge new professional connections, explore translation opportunities, and expand the international reach of Arab literature.
Significance for Omani Literature
For Oman, this recognition at SIBF 2026 represents a significant milestone in elevating its cultural identity on the international literary stage. By presenting its literary achievements and cultural heritage to a global audience, the Sultanate aims to broaden understanding of its artistic contributions and enhance the global presence of Omani writers and creatives.
The programme also supports the local publishing sector by creating channels for cooperation with Arab and international publishers, helping Omani books and intellectual works reach new markets and diverse readerships.
About the Sharjah International Book Fair
The Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) is an annual event held in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. First launched in 1982, it has grown into one of the largest and most influential book fairs in the world, attracting millions of visitors and thousands of publishers from dozens of countries. Organized by the Sharjah Book Authority, the fair hosts book launches, author dialogues, cultural programmes, workshops, and industry conferences to promote literacy, culture, and publishing worldwide.