Rare Arab navigation manuscripts and centuries-old seafaring records are on display at Sharjah International Book Fair 2026. House of Wisdom and Oman Across Ages Museum have joined forces to showcase the scientific contributions of Ahmad ibn Majid, historic maritime trade routes and the shared cultural heritage of the UAE and Oman.
SHARJAH: Rare Arab navigation manuscripts, historic nautical poems and centuries-old maritime records are drawing attention at Sharjah International Book Fair 2026, where House of Wisdom is celebrating the remarkable seafaring legacy of Arab explorers.
Presented in collaboration with Oman Across Ages Museum, the exhibition, titled Legacy of Arab Navigation: Ahmad ibn Majid and the Science of Seafaring, explores how Arab sailors used astronomy, geography and practical knowledge to navigate oceans and connect civilisations.
The showcase coincides with Oman’s participation as Guest of Honour at the 45th edition of the book fair, highlighting the longstanding maritime connections between the UAE and Oman.
What rare maritime manuscripts can visitors discover?
Among the exhibition’s highlights are three historic manuscripts from Oman Across Ages Museum, documenting the navigational knowledge passed down through generations of Arab sea captains.
These works belong to the Al-Rahmaniyyat tradition, which recorded observations about maritime routes, coastal landmarks, astronomy and sailing techniques.
One significant exhibit is The Treasure of Secrets in the Science of the Seas, written by Omani sea captain Nasser bin Ali Al Khadhouri.
The manuscript became the first Omani work inscribed on UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register in 2017.
Visitors can also explore manuscripts featuring illustrations of sailing vessels, geographical coordinates and detailed information about historic ports.
Together, these Arab navigation manuscripts reveal how practical observations helped sailors navigate challenging sea routes long before modern technology.
How did Ahmad ibn Majid shape maritime history?
The exhibition places particular emphasis on Ahmad ibn Majid, the renowned 15th-century Arab navigator, scholar and geographer from Julfar.
Known for his contributions to maritime science, Ibn Majid documented techniques involving stars, winds, sea currents and navigational routes.
A major attraction is The Poems and Epistles of Ibn Majid, a manuscript dated 1771 containing 15 nautical poems, seven of which remain unpublished.
The display also features historical publications and a documentary video exploring his life and contributions.
Interactive activities bring maritime history alive
Beyond the manuscripts, younger visitors can enjoy creative activities inspired by Omani culture, including personalised travel journal workshops.
House of Wisdom is also hosting children’s workshops covering astronomy, mapmaking, maritime engineering and exploration.
Impact to expect
The exhibition could strengthen cultural cooperation between the UAE and Oman while encouraging younger generations to explore the region’s scientific achievements. By making Arab navigation manuscripts accessible to wider audiences, the initiative also promotes appreciation of traditional knowledge and its influence on global trade and cultural exchange.
The Sharjah International Book Fair continues at Expo Centre Sharjah until November 15, 2026, bringing together 3,212 publishers and exhibitors from 126 countries.
