Media Center

The Sharjah Heritage Institute is participating in the activities of the 35th edition of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, being held from 13 to 18 September, with a prominent cultural and knowledge-driven presence highlighting its rich experience in publishing, documentation and heritage preservation. The Institute is showcasing to visitors a selection of its growing portfolio of heritage publications, which has surpassed 1,250 titles covering a diverse range of topics related to Emirati, Arab and global heritage.

The Institute’s participation in this major cultural event reflects its vision of making the book a bridge for knowledge and intercultural communication, as well as a platform for introducing Emirati heritage and highlighting its presence on the cultural scene. At the same time, the Institute remains open to the cultures of the world through publications exploring the heritage of different peoples and cultures, alongside works translated into Arabic, offering Emirati and Arab readers a broad window onto the experiences and cultural achievements of others.

1,250 Titles… A Specialized Heritage Library

At the fair, the Institute’s pavilion presents a selection of its latest publications as part of an integrated publishing project that, over just a few years, has contributed to building a specialized heritage library covering diverse fields of cultural heritage, both tangible and intangible. Its collection includes a wide range of books, studies, research papers, series, dictionaries, thesauri, journals and periodicals, making it an important knowledge resource for researchers, academics and heritage enthusiasts.

The Institute’s publications span numerous fields, including folk tales, oral narratives, customs and traditions, folk arts, dialects, maritime heritage, traditional crafts and other elements of heritage that form essential components of Emirati and Arab cultural memory.

The Institute also places particular emphasis on translation and knowledge-based publishing related to global cultures, based on its conviction that heritage preservation does not mean isolation from the world. Rather, it entails presenting heritage through authentic and well-grounded perspectives while remaining open to the experiences and cultures of different peoples, thereby promoting cultural dialogue and knowledge exchange.

Al-Musallam: Books Are a Living Memory and a Bridge for Cultural Dialogue

His Excellency Dr Abdulaziz Al Musallam, Chairman of the Sharjah Heritage Institute, affirmed that the Institute’s participation in the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair reflects its belief that books are among the most important vehicles for preserving cultural memory and transmitting it from one generation to another. He noted that the Institute’s publications exceeding 1,250 titles reflect a sustained journey of research, documentation and publishing, while underscoring its commitment to building a specialized heritage library that serves as a reference for researchers, academics and those interested in the diverse fields of heritage.

Dr Al-Musallam added that the Institute approaches publishing as a cultural project that goes beyond documenting the past to generating knowledge, fostering creativity and enriching the Emirati and Arab cultural landscape. He explained that the diversity of its publications, covering Emirati, Arab and global heritage, together with the translation of a number of works into Arabic, opens new windows onto other cultures and strengthens intercultural dialogue. At the same time, it presents Emirati heritage through authentic perspectives and well-grounded approaches that combine knowledge, creativity and engaging content.

From Dictionaries and Thesauri to Series and Journals

The Institute’s published collection encompasses a broad range of journals, periodicals and books documenting various aspects of cultural and heritage work in the Emirate of Sharjah and across the UAE. Collectively, these publications constitute a valuable knowledge record documenting the Institute’s efforts and projects in the service of heritage and culture.

This diverse body of work has also contributed to strengthening the presence of Emirati heritage in the Arab library and making it accessible to researchers and heritage enthusiasts. It presents heritage topics through approaches that combine academic accuracy with engaging presentation, making heritage books more accessible to contemporary readers and younger generations.

Institute Publications… An Invitation to Discover Heritage

The Sharjah Heritage Institute’s participation in the 35th edition of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair provides visitors with an opportunity to explore its latest publications and acquire specialized books, research studies and peer-reviewed academic journals that highlight the Institute’s scholarly contribution and its ongoing cultural and knowledge-based project in preserving, publishing and promoting heritage.

The Abu Dhabi International Book Fair continues through 18 September, bringing together a wide range of cultural institutions, publishing houses, creatives and researchers. The fair continues to serve as a prominent platform for books, knowledge and cultural dialogue, while the participation of the Sharjah Heritage Institute underscores the status of heritage as a living component of Emirati identity and a vital source of creativity and knowledge