On November 4, 2026, the 45th Sharjah International Book Fair was inaugurated, featuring the launch of the Arab Comprehensive Encyclopedia in Sciences, Literature, Arts, and Media. This project, involving over 1500 specialists worldwide, aims to document sciences, literature, arts, and provide explanations in Arabic. The encyclopedia's first 143 volumes are on display at the fair, alongside the Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language.
The encyclopedia is a collaborative effort of 1140 researchers from various disciplines and 157 committees, working together to collect, review, and present scientific material in Arabic. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council member and Ruler of Sharjah, announced the launch, stating that the encyclopedia will be completed in its print and electronic versions by next year. The project serves students across various disciplines.
The encyclopedia is divided into four sections: sciences, literature, arts, and media. The sciences section, comprising 44 fields, is part of the encyclopedia's complete plan. This section is further categorized into five areas: linguistic sciences, literary arts, jurisprudential sciences, human sciences, and applied sciences. The General Secretariat of the Arabic Language Council in Sharjah is overseeing the project.
In conjunction with the encyclopedia's launch, Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi also announced the establishment of the Harun Al-Rashid Prize in Sciences, Literature, Arts, and Media. This annual international prize will honor four individuals who have contributed significantly to Arabic language research and knowledge. The prize aims to recognize scholars, writers, thinkers, and creators who have produced outstanding works in Arabic.
The Sharjah International Book Fair, running from November 4 to 15, 2026, features various cultural and literary events. The fair has also seen the recognition of Moroccan researcher and critic Dr. Saeed Yaktine as the Cultural Personality of the Year. Additionally, the Catalan publishing house "Carwan" was awarded the Sharjah Translation Prize "Trjuman" for 2026 for its translation of "One Thousand and One Nights" into Catalan.
The Sharjah Translation Prize is one of the most valuable literary awards globally, worth 1.4 million UAE dirhams. It is awarded to the best translation of an original Arabic book into a foreign language. The prize ceremony took place during the book fair's opening event, highlighting the significance of translation and cultural exchange.
The launch of the Arab Comprehensive Encyclopedia and the Harun Al-Rashid Prize demonstrates Sharjah's commitment to promoting Arabic language, literature, and culture. These initiatives aim to support researchers, students, and scholars in their pursuit of knowledge and to encourage the development of Arabic language and literature.
Key points
- The Arab Comprehensive Encyclopedia is a collaborative project involving over 1500 specialists worldwide.
- The Harun Al-Rashid Prize will honor four individuals annually for their contributions to Arabic language research and knowledge.
- The Sharjah International Book Fair features various cultural and literary events, including the launch of the encyclopedia and the prize.
Reporting sources
- Radio Monastir · Radio Monastir
