The "Sharjah Literature Festival" returns for its second edition in 2026 with an expanded and comprehensive programme. It features a distinguished blend of cultural and entertainment experiences, offering visitors the opportunity to explore the richness of Emirati literature and its icons. The festival aims to pave the way for future generations to continue this journey of creativity and enrich the cultural landscape in the United Arab Emirates and the region.

The festival's agenda jointly organised by the Emirates Publishers Association and the Sharjah Book Authority under the theme "A Community Woven by Tales" — will run from 5 to 11 January at the University City Hall Square in Sharjah. It features a series of cultural, artistic, and entertainment events and performances that reflect the festival’s mission to highlight the Emirati literary and creative landscape. By fostering a fertile cultural environment, the festival transforms literature into a bridge connecting the past, the present, and future aspirations, further establishing Sharjah’s position as a beacon of thought, culture, and civilization.
Through its programme, the festival continues to support publishers and creative artisan entrepreneurs, aiming to enable them to showcase their work to a wide audience. This contributes to bolstering the creative industries within Sharjah and the United Arab Emirates.
 
A distinguished group of prominent figures enrich the festival
This year, the festival welcomes the participation of an elite group of Emirati figures in the fields of literature, poetry, thought, art, media, culinary arts, and sports. Among them are the writer Afra Mahmoud, Media Personality Bader Alawadhi, as well as Lawyer Salha Al Basti. Also participating are the Writer Sara Galadari, Art Curator Shamma Al Zaffin, Writer Latifa Al Najjar, Author Fatima Al Breiki, Media Professional Alia Al Mansoori.

Furthermore, the event attracts poets Amal Alsahlawi, Ahmed Alasam, Najat Al Dhaheri , and Ali Bin Abdan, alongside content creator Abdulla Allouz, Chef Islam Aljabali , Artist Mohammed Yousif, and Astrophotographer Yousef Al Qasimi. In the field of musical arts and singing, the festival hosts Singer Almaydee, Guitarist Hoor Almarzooqi, Pianist Ahmed Al Hashimi, the "Oud Duo" band, the "One Interrupted and Friends" band, and a theatrical troupe comprising members of the Sharjah Capability Development.

Book fair and innovative products
Emirati literary production will be a cornerstone of the event, as the seven-day festival features a book fair with the participation of 42 Emirati publishing houses. These publishers will present a diverse range of local titles catering to various age groups, enriching the overall visitor experience. This presence reaffirms the status of Emirati literature as an integral part of the local and regional cultural landscape.

The festival also features innovative stores showcasing and selling curated  creations that blend modern aesthetics with traditional Emirati craftsmanship. Local entrepreneurs will offer unique pieces, including crochet items, accessories, decorative ornaments, and personalised gifts such as keychains, small bags, and candles with scents inspired by ancestral perfumes, among others.
 
Culture and entertainment
On the festival's main stage this year, visitors can expect a vibrant programme that blends culture, heritage, and entertainment. It includes a series of panel discussions covering diverse topics such as "Ancient Civilisation in Mleiha", "The Rules of Writing for Children", "Electronic Games", "Art and Music", "Sports and Society", "Street Photography", "Stargazing and Astrophotography", and " The Table That Connects Us ". This is in addition to poetry and social evenings that celebrate the art of verse and its close connection to the community, alongside theatrical, musical, and vocal performances, and interactive storytelling sessions. Furthermore, there will be a daily storytelling corner for children with "Sayedat Al Hekayat".
 
Workshops
The festival’s programme extends to a series of workshops that immerse participants in the worlds of art with fine artist Magdy El Kafrawy, "Visual Art Using Artificial Intelligence" with artist Ahmed Ba Fadhl, and "Comic Characters" with artist Aysha Al Hamrani. Other workshops  include creative designs for bookmarks with Hadeel Jniyah , Arabic calligraphy with calligrapher Abdullah Al Astad, Content Creation and video editing workshop with Saif Salem, and stamp making with Jasim Al Naqbi, alongside dedicated workshops for candle making, photography, and culinary arts.
 
Experiences for everyone
In its second edition in 2026, the Sharjah Literature Festival offers integrated and exceptional experiences that combine intellect, creativity, and entertainment to suit all visitors, both young and old. The event agenda can be viewed, and registration for events can be completed, via the official website or by following the festival's official social media accounts.

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