The Sultan bin Ali Al Owais Cultural Foundation will participate in the 45th Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF 2026) with a three-day rich intellectual programme, as part of its active cultural presence and leading role in supporting Arab literary criticism and the evolution of the GCC’s contemporary literature.
The Sharjah Book Fair will take place at Expo Centre Sharjah from November 4 to 15, 2026, bringing together leading publishers, writers, critics and cultural figures from around the world.
The Foundation’s participation reflects its commitment to enriching literary criticism, opening prospects for dialogue on contemporary literary issues and promoting a deeper understanding of developments in Gulf literature across different genres. The programme will feature prominent Arab academics and critics who will examine the changing landscape of literary criticism, fiction and poetry through analytical discussions and critical perspectives.
The Foundation will open its programme on Friday, November 6, with a seminar titled “Arab Contributions to Modern Literary Criticism”, presented by renowned Moroccan critic and academic Dr Said Benkrad. The session, scheduled from 8.30pm to 9.30pm at the Thought Hall, will provide a comprehensive overview of the development of literary criticism in the Arab world, examining selected critical approaches and practical examples that have helped shape modern critical thought.
On day 2 of its programme, the Foundation will organise a symposium, titled “The Contemporary Novel in the Arabian Gulf”, presented by Bahraini literary critic Dr Fahd Hussain, on Saturday, from 6pm to 7pm at the Thought Hall. The discussion will trace the evolution of the Gulf novel over the past three decades, highlighting its growing presence in Arab and international literary circles. It will also explore major artistic and thematic transformations and the genre’s contribution to the current contemporary literature.
The Foundation will conclude its programme on Sunday, November 8, with a lecture titled “Contemporary Poetry in the Arabian Gulf”, delivered by Omani poet and critic Dr Mubarak Al Jabri. The lecture, taking place from 6pm to 7pm at Forum Hall 1, will examine the development of Gulf poetry since the second half of the 20th century, focusing on its artistic and intellectual transformations. It will also address the distinguished presence it achieved; while highlighting artistic and intellectual transformation in the contemporary poetry and key critical challenges it faces in light of the diversity of poetic experiences and their trends
The 45th Sharjah International Book Fair will run from November 4 to 15, bringing together 2,673 publishers and exhibitors from 124 countries for a rich programme featuring 1,500 cultural and creative events. The 2026 edition will feature Oman as the Guest of Honour, represented by a delegation of 50 cultural figures, including 41 writers and poets. The Omani programme will include 15 cultural sessions, musical and artistic performances, and workshops for children, celebrating the country’s literary and cultural heritage.
