The activities of the second edition of the Sharjah Literature Festival  concluded earlier this week amid a distinguished public turnout and the participation of a select group of Emirati thinkers, writers, publishers, creatives, artists, and media professionals. The festival followed a week rich in intellectual sessions, poetry evenings, artistic creativity, and diverse cultural and entertainment activities.

Held under the gracious patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, and under the guidance of Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Founder and Honorary President of the Emirates Publishers Association and Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority, the festival was launched on 5 January under the theme “A Community Woven by Tales.”

The festival stands as one of the most prominent cultural initiatives reflecting a commitment to enriching Sharjah’s cultural landscape and solidifying the UAE’s position as a leading hub for literary and cultural creativity.

On this occasion, His Excellency Rashid Al Kous, Executive Director of the Emirates Publishers Association, commended the success of the festival’s second edition, extending his profound gratitude to Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi for her continuous support and pioneering efforts in empowering the publishing industry and the presence of Emirati literature. He emphasised that Her Highness’s vision was the cornerstone of the festival’s success and its solidification as an effective platform for enhancing cultural dynamism, promoting a culture of reading, and supporting emerging Emirati literary and creative talents. He also underscored the festival’s role in providing a valuable platform to empower Emirati publishers and expand the reach of their publications to readers.

He said: “The second edition of the festival reaffirms our commitment to supporting literary and intellectual movements and to promoting a culture of reading across all segments of society.” He added: “This edition was designed to serve as a genuine platform for dialogue and creativity, bringing together refined literary experiences and promising young talents, delivering a clear message that literature is a bridge for intellectual and cognitive communication between generations.”

He further noted that the strong public turnout reflects the festival’s growing stature on Sharjah’s annual cultural events calendar, stating: “We are proud of what we have achieved in this edition and remain committed to continuing our efforts to elevate the festival, positioning it as a global platform for creativity and knowledge—one that encourages readers and creatives alike and opens new doors for sustainable cultural exchange.”

He also extended his gratitude to University City in Sharjah, the strategic partner of the event, for its support and dedicated efforts that played a significant role in the success of the festival’s second edition.

The 2026 edition was distinguished by the diversity of its programme, which brought together poetry evenings, intellectual seminars, creative workshops, as well as musical and theatrical performances. It also featured a book fair and new literary releases with the participation of 42 Emirati publishing houses, in addition to reading sessions and curated shopping experiences, all of which attracted wide public engagement.

As it concludes its second journey, the Sharjah Literature Festival fortifies its vision of celebrating Emirati creativity, supporting literature and creatives, and opening avenues for dialogue between generations and cultures. It remains an annual platform through which stories are woven—at its core, a noble message that establishes culture and literature as unifying forces capable of strengthening identity and promoting the values of knowledge and civilisational dialogue.