The Sharjah Book Authority has opened nominations for the Sharjah International Book Fair Awards 2026, offering a total prize fund of AED 625,000 across 10 categories. Writers, researchers and publishers can submit entries until August 31, with winners set to be announced during the opening ceremony of the 45th Sharjah International Book Fair.
Sharjah: The Sharjah International Book Fair Awards 2026 are now open for nominations, giving authors, publishers, researchers and literary professionals the opportunity to compete for a total prize fund of AED 625,000. Organised annually by the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), the awards celebrate excellence in writing, publishing and intellectual achievement while reinforcing Sharjah’s reputation as one of the world’s leading centres for books and culture.
Nominations will remain open until August 31, and the winners will be announced during the opening ceremony of the 45th edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) later this year.
What are the Sharjah International Book Fair Awards?
The awards recognise exceptional contributions to literature and publishing across Emirati, Arab and international categories. They honour authors producing outstanding creative and academic works, alongside publishing houses that have made significant contributions to the industry.
The initiative reflects the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, to promote reading, research and cultural excellence. It also supports the ongoing efforts of Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority, to strengthen Sharjah’s position as a global publishing hub.
Which award categories are available?
The programme features four main award groups covering 10 individual categories.
The Sharjah Award for Emirati Books carries the largest prize pool of AED 300,000. It includes awards for Best Emirati Novel, Best Emirati Academic Book, Best Emirati Creative Literature Book (Poetry) and Best Emirati First Novel.
The Sharjah Award for the Best Arabic Novel offers AED 150,000, shared equally between the winning author and publisher. The award recognises original novels that combine literary quality with thoughtful engagement on contemporary Arab issues.
For English-language publications, the Sharjah Award for the Best International Book provides AED 100,000, divided equally between Fiction and Non-Fiction categories.
Meanwhile, the Sharjah Publisher Recognition Award offers AED 75,000, rewarding the Best Local Publishing House, Best Arabic Publishing House and Best International Publishing House.
Who can apply and what are the eligibility rules?
The awards cover books published during 2025 and 2026. The only exception is the Best Emirati Creative Literature Book (Poetry) category, which accepts works published between 2024 and 2026.
Applicants must complete the online nomination form, print the application and submit three copies of the nominated book to the Sharjah Book Authority before 31 August.
How can applicants submit their entries?
The Sharjah Book Authority has made the nomination process available through its dedicated online awards platform, where applicants can review eligibility requirements and complete their submissions before sending the required printed copies.
By recognising excellence across literature and publishing, the Sharjah International Book Fair Awards 2026 continue to encourage creativity, support knowledge production and strengthen Sharjah’s standing as one of the world’s foremost destinations for culture, books and publishing.
