Over 50 writers and creators from 17 countries open windows to the novel, poetry, heritage, and arts at Sharjah International Book Fair

The 45th edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair will host more than 50 writers and creatives from 17 Arab countries, participating in a cultural program that brings together diverse experiences in the novel, poetry, literary criticism, theater, arts, and cultural and historical studies.

The program allows the public to meet writers, thinkers, and artists from different generations and creative schools, to learn about their works and insights, and to engage in dialogues on the evolution of Arabic literature and its relationship with society, identity, memory, and cultural transformations, from November 4 to 15, 2026, at Expo Sharjah Center.

UAE participation: The list of participants from the United Arab Emirates includes Dr. Sultan Al-Omaimi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Union of UAE Writers and Authors, whose literary project combines the novel, short story, and research into Nabati poetry and folk heritage. His works include "P.O. Box 1003" and "One Room Is Not Enough." He is joined by novelist, short story writer, and poet Ali Abu Al-Rish, who has an extensive experience in the UAE novel.

Also participating is novelist Reem Al-Qamali, who draws inspiration from history, archaeology, and local memory in her works, including "Sultanate of Hormuz," "Dilmun Statue," and "Rose’s Diaries," the latter of which was shortlisted for the International Prize for Arabic Fiction in 2022. Novelist Nadia Al-Najjar is also taking part; her writings span novels, short stories, and children’s literature, with works such as "Mada’in Al-Hanafah," "The Dal Trilogy," and "Touch of Light," which was shortlisted for the International Prize for Arabic Fiction in 2025.

Novelist and short story writer Fathia Al-Nimr is also participating; her works address social and humanitarian issues and transformations in UAE society. Writer, journalist, and publisher Aisha Sultan, founder and director of "Waraq Publishing House," whose writings focus on place, memory, and travel literature, is also among the participants. Additionally, writer, journalist, and novelist Nasser Al-Dhaheri, who has contributed to narrative, travel literature, and cultural journalism, will take part.

In the realm of poetry and heritage, Dr. Shahab Ghanem, poet and translator who has contributed to translating poetry between Arabic and English, will attend, along with Ibrahim Al-Hashimi, poet, researcher, and CEO of the Sultan bin Ali Al Owais Cultural Foundation. Also participating is Fahad Al-Mamari, a specialist in documenting UAE folk heritage and studying Nabati poetry, proverbs, and sayings, as well as Dr. Ahmed Khouri, researcher and cultural historian interested in preserving and documenting heritage artifacts.

The UAE presence extends to theater and the arts, with the participation of Dr. Habib Gheloum, actor, director, and playwright who has contributed to the UAE theater movement, and visual artist and writer Nasser Nasserallah, who combines painting, writing, and comics in his work. He is the founder and creative supervisor of the "Corniche" comics project.

Also participating are Dr. Suad Al-Shamsi, writer, novelist, and the first UAE female aviation engineer, whose works address social and humanitarian issues, and Aisha Al-Ajlan, whose writings span short stories, novels, children’s literature, theater, and media studies.

The program also hosts writer and novelist Adel Al-Sumaiti, specializing in crime and thriller literature, and novelist Najla Al-Shamsi, who blends social, psychological, and mystery themes in her works. Writer Ibrahim Al-Marzouqi, author of police novels and thrillers, including "Falyoum" and "Yuthania," is also participating.

Writer, novelist, and poet Mohammed Al-Habsi, whose publications span literature, history, and heritage, will take part, along with writer, novelist, and media personality Saleh Al-Bahar, author of the novel "The Moan of the Flute." Young novelist Rakan Al-Kaabi, who writes fantasy and imagined epic worlds, is also participating; his works include "Land of Eternity: A Path We Were Forced To Take."

Prominent Arab names and award-winning authors: In addition to the UAE participants, the exhibition hosts a select group of Arab writers and artists, including Egyptian artist Khaled El-Sawy, and Kuwaiti novelist Saud Al-Sanousi, winner of the International Prize for Arabic Fiction for "Saq..."

The list includes Lebanese novelist Najwa Barakat, and Sudanese novelists Amer Tag al-Sir, whose works have appeared on the shortlists of the International Prize for Arabic Fiction, and Hammur Adda, winner of the Naguib Mahfouz Medal for Literature for “Shawq al-Darwish.” It also features Saudi novelist Amira al-Thunayan, recipient of the Naguib Mahfouz Medal for Literature.

Also participating are Iraqi novelist Azhar Jirjis, whose novels have been shortlisted for the International Prize for Arabic Fiction; Jordanian writer Sanaa Shaalan, who combines creative writing with academic research; and Tunisian writer and critic Nizar Chakroun.

The guest list also includes Libyan novelist Aisha Ibrahim; Yemeni writer and poet Marwan Al-Ghafouri; Mauritanian writer Dr. Mohamed Ould Aziza; Bahraini poet Iman Asiri; Omani writer Sharifa Al-Toubi; Syrian writer Zalfa Qatouh, author of “While the Lemon Trees Grow”; Jordanian writer Mufleh Al-Adwan, whose works explore heritage, place, and popular memory; Palestinian writer and actress Dana Dajani, who blends poetry with performing arts; and Syrian writer Islam Abu Shaker, author of “Ground Glass.”

From Egypt, the participating writers are novelist Nora Nagy, author of “Bint al-Basha” and “Atyaaf Camelia”; novelist and playwright Ahmed Al-Malwani; and writer Nahla Dawood.

From Kuwait, attendees include novelist and poet Fawziya Al-Salem; writer and academic Dr. Aliya Shaib; and poet Huda Ashkanani. From Lebanon, novelist Iman Hamidan, author of “Wild Strawberries,” will participate.

Moroccan participation includes novelist Abdelmajid Sabata, author of “File 42,” which was shortlisted for the International Prize for Arabic Fiction, and writer Issa Nasseri. From the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, critic and academic Dr. Hassan Al-Nuaimi will take part. From Iraq, novelist and short-story writer Diaa Jabili and critic Khudhair Al-Zaidi will participate.