(SIH) Strengthens Its Global Presence and Opens New Horizons for International Partnerships in Warsaw
Reflecting the growing international stature of Sharjah's cultural vision, the Sharjah Institute for Heritage participated in the 2026 Warsaw International Book Fair as part of the Emirate of Sharjah's official delegation, with Sharjah serving as the Guest of Honour at the fair's fifth edition. The Institute's participation went beyond showcasing the UAE's rich cultural heritage, aiming to reinforce its role as an active cultural ambassador while creating new avenues for international cooperation in safeguarding, preserving, and transmitting cultural heritage to future generations.
The Institute took part in the Sharjah Pavilion during the fair, held from 28 to 31 May in the Polish capital under the theme "Two Civilisations... One Alphabet." The participation highlighted the UAE's vibrant cultural presence and strengthened the international profile of Emirati heritage within a comprehensive cultural programme featuring 21 cultural, academic, and media institutions, 36 Emirati writers, artists, and academics, and more than 1,200 cultural and professional events.
Emirati Heritage at the Heart of the Cultural Scene
The Sharjah Institute for Heritage showcased a distinguished collection of its specialised publications on cultural heritage, while introducing visitors to its initiatives dedicated to safeguarding intangible cultural heritage. The Institute also highlighted its ongoing efforts to document Emirati folk heritage and transmit it to younger generations through innovative approaches that successfully combine authenticity with modernity.
Visitors experienced a living expression of Emirati culture through traditional hospitality, authentic handicrafts, and folk performing arts, providing a unique opportunity to explore the UAE's cultural identity and appreciate the inherited knowledge and skills that have shaped Emirati society across generations.
Traditional Crafts and Folk Arts Tell the Story of Identity
The participation also featured Emirati craftswomen presenting live demonstrations of traditional handicrafts closely linked to the local environment, offering Polish audiences an authentic and interactive insight into the UAE's cultural heritage.
Meanwhile, the Sharjah National Folk Arts Ensemble captivated visitors with vibrant performances of Al Ayala, Liwa, and Noban, creating an immersive cultural experience that reflected the richness and diversity of Emirati performing arts while strengthening cultural dialogue with international audiences.
A Cultural Vision Beyond Exhibition
His Excellency Dr Abdulaziz Al Musallam, Chairman of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage, affirmed that the Institute's participation in this prestigious international event aligns with Sharjah's cultural vision, which regards heritage as a bridge for civilisational dialogue and a cornerstone of cultural identity.
He noted that Sharjah's selection as Guest of Honour at the Warsaw International Book Fair reflects the Emirate's distinguished cultural standing and its sustained commitment to promoting Arab culture globally. He added that the Institute was keen to present a comprehensive picture of Emirati heritage and demonstrate its role in fostering mutual understanding among peoples.
Dr Al Musallam further stressed that the fair provided an important platform for cultural dialogue and the exchange of expertise with international institutions, contributing to the development of contemporary approaches to preserving and transmitting cultural heritage in line with global developments.
New Partnerships for Heritage Preservation
On the sidelines of the fair, the Institute's delegation held a series of professional meetings with leading Polish heritage institutions.
Among them was the POLONIKA National Institute for Polish Cultural Heritage Abroad, where discussions focused on opportunities for cooperation in scientific documentation, knowledge exchange, and the development of joint programmes dedicated to transboundary cultural heritage.
The delegation also met representatives of the Polish Ministry of Culture and National Heritage to explore prospects for collaboration in safeguarding intangible cultural heritage and exchanging institutional expertise in heritage management and cultural preservation.
Further meetings were held with the National Institute of Cultural Heritage (NID), Poland's leading authority in heritage protection and digital documentation. Discussions centred on potential cooperation in digitalisation, heritage databases, professional training, and the exchange of best practices in safeguarding both tangible and intangible cultural heritage.
From Cultural Presence to Institutional Cooperation
The Institute's participation in Warsaw demonstrated that its presence extended far beyond a conventional cultural showcase. Rather, it represented a strategic step towards establishing sustainable institutional partnerships in research, documentation, conservation, digitalisation, and public awareness, in line with Sharjah's vision of transforming its international cultural engagement into lasting opportunities for civilisational dialogue and the global promotion of Emirati culture.
The Sharjah Institute for Heritage's participation in the 2026 Warsaw International Book Fair marked a significant milestone within the wider framework of Sharjah's role as Guest of Honour—becoming the first Arab Guest of Honour in the history of the fair. This achievement further underscores the international recognition of the UAE's cultural project and its ability to present Arab culture at its finest on Europe's leading cultural platforms.