Sharjah Ruler Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi has allocated AED 4.5 million to purchase new books showcased at SIBF 2026, expanding public and government library collections while supporting publishers and improving access to knowledge across the emirate.
SHARJAH: Sharjah’s public and government libraries are set to receive thousands of new reading opportunities after His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, directed the allocation of AED 4.5 million to purchase the latest publications showcased at the 45th Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF 2026).
The initiative will bring new books covering science, literature, education and other fields into the emirate’s libraries, helping students, researchers and readers access a broader range of knowledge and international publications.
How will Sharjah’s libraries benefit from the grant?
The funding will allow public and government libraries to acquire new titles from publishers participating in SIBF 2026, ensuring their collections remain relevant to changing educational and cultural interests.
Beyond expanding the availability of books, the initiative aims to strengthen libraries as accessible spaces for learning, research and community engagement.
The AED 4.5 million allocation will also provide direct financial support to participating publishers, contributing to the continued development of the regional and international publishing industry.
Sheikha Bodour highlights the importance of accessible knowledge
Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority, emphasised the connection between supporting publishers and ensuring that books reach readers.
She highlighted how the initiative would help Sharjah’s libraries refresh their collections with publications representing different cultures, languages and academic disciplines.
The grant reflects Sharjah’s broader cultural strategy, which places books, translation, publishing and libraries at the centre of community development.
By encouraging reading and widening access to reliable knowledge resources, the emirate continues to invest in educational opportunities for present and future generations.
What makes Sharjah International Book Fair 2026 significant?
Held from November 4 to 15 at Expo Centre Sharjah, the 45th edition brings together 3,212 publishers and exhibitors from 126 countries.
Visitors can explore more than 1.7 million titles across numerous subjects, making the event an important international gathering for readers, authors and publishing professionals.
Organised under the theme ‘Made of Stories’, the fair features over 1,500 cultural, creative and artistic events, with 106 writers and artists from 25 countries participating.
The Sultanate of Oman joins this year’s edition as Guest of Honour, further promoting cultural exchange and literary cooperation.
Impact to expect
The AED 4.5 million investment is expected to strengthen Sharjah’s knowledge infrastructure by expanding access to diverse books and educational resources. Students, researchers and families stand to benefit from updated library collections, while publishers gain additional support for their work. The initiative also reinforces Sharjah’s position as a regional centre for reading, publishing and cultural development.
