Sharjah heritage titles take centre stage in Cairo

Sharjah’s cultural publishing push is being highlighted at one of the Arab world’s most prominent literary gatherings, with more than 1,000 publications showcased by the Sharjah Institute for Heritage at the 57th edition of the Cairo International Book Fair, opening on January 21 and running until February 3, 2026.

Sharjah Institute for Heritage is presenting a wide-ranging catalogue that reflects decades of research into Emirati and Arab intangible heritage, spanning oral traditions, folk arts, social customs, maritime culture, desert life and traditional knowledge systems. The pavilion at the Egypt International Exhibition Centre positions Sharjah’s heritage scholarship alongside regional and international publishers, drawing attention to the emirate’s sustained investment in documentation and cultural preservation.

Organisers of the fair expect strong footfall from academics, publishers and the general public, continuing Cairo’s role as a focal point for Arab publishing and intellectual exchange. The event, now in its 57th edition, has evolved into a key marketplace for books while also serving as a forum for debates on identity, language, and the future of cultural industries in the region.

Officials from the Sharjah Institute for Heritage said the participation aligns with Sharjah’s broader cultural strategy, which emphasises safeguarding heritage while making it accessible through high-quality publications. The institute’s catalogue includes peer-reviewed academic studies, encyclopaedic reference works, field research reports and bilingual titles designed to reach readers beyond the Arab world. Many of the works are the product of long-term documentation projects involving researchers, folklorists and community practitioners.

The institute’s pavilion is also intended as a platform for dialogue with publishers and cultural institutions from Egypt and elsewhere. Cultural exchange agreements, translation discussions and collaborative research initiatives are part of the agenda, reflecting a growing emphasis on cross-border cooperation in heritage studies. Egyptian scholars have long been influential in Arab folklore research, and Sharjah’s presence at the fair underscores the mutual interest in sharing methodologies and archival resources.

Cairo International Book Fair has expanded its international profile over the past decade, with Gulf publishers playing a more visible role. Sharjah’s participation builds on its standing as a regional publishing hub, reinforced by initiatives such as the Sharjah International Book Fair and a network of cultural institutions dedicated to literature, arts and heritage. The emirate has positioned cultural diplomacy as a core pillar of its global engagement, using books and heritage research as tools to foster understanding.

Among the titles on display are works that document traditional poetry forms, musical expressions and seasonal rituals, alongside studies of craftsmanship, architecture and food heritage. Several publications focus on safeguarding endangered practices, echoing international efforts led by organisations such as UNESCO to protect intangible cultural heritage. The institute has increasingly framed its work within these global conversations, emphasising community participation and ethical documentation.

The Cairo fair also offers an opportunity to reach younger audiences. Educational titles and illustrated books aimed at children and students form part of the Sharjah selection, reflecting a strategy to transmit heritage knowledge across generations. Digital publishing and archival technologies are another emerging theme, with the institute exploring ways to complement print editions through multimedia platforms and online databases.

Cultural analysts note that the presence of specialised heritage publishers at large book fairs signals a shift in the publishing landscape, where academic and cultural content is being presented to wider audiences rather than confined to niche circles. This trend is evident in Cairo, where heritage, history and identity have become prominent themes amid broader debates about globalisation and cultural continuity.