In the historic city of Bologna—known for its timeless architecture and centuries-old literary traditions—an Arabic story was being written not in ink, but in action. At the 2025 edition of the Bologna Children’s Book Fair, the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) turned a simple exhibition pavilion into a vibrant cultural stage, broadcasting the creativity, vision, and global ambition of Arabic publishing to the world.
For four remarkable days, Sharjah did not just take part—it led, inspired, and redefined how Arabic children’s literature is seen and celebrated on the international stage. From translation agreements to artistic collaborations, and from powerful workshops to strategic publishing conversations, SBA’s participation wasn’t just another entry in the fair’s schedule. It was a declaration of intent. A message to the world: Arabic literature is rich, evolving, and ready to cross every border.
From the Heart of the UAE, A Mission Rooted in Culture
Sharjah’s growing global role is no coincidence. It is the fruit of a long-term vision set in motion by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah. His belief in the power of books as the most enduring vessels of knowledge and cultural dialogue has made Sharjah a name synonymous with literature, education, and intellectual development—not just in the UAE, but across the Arab world and beyond.
That vision is now carried forward by Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of SBA and one of the publishing world’s most respected voices. With her leadership, Sharjah’s cultural mission has moved from national prominence to international influence. SBA’s presence at the Bologna fair is a reflection of her strategy: go where the world gathers, and take Arabic stories with you.
Not Just a Pavilion, But a Portal to the Arab Imagination
Walking into Sharjah’s pavilion at the fair was like stepping into a storybook of possibilities. It was not merely a display of books—it was a live experience of what Arabic children’s literature could become when nurtured with creativity and global collaboration.
One of the most talked-about elements was a powerful workshop led by Italian illustrator Eva Montanari. Using charcoal and fingerprint techniques, she guided an international group of artists and attendees to co-create a flowing visual narrative of living creatures. Each figure, each line, told a tale of coexistence—both artistic and cultural. This interactive session was not just about art; it was about building connections through shared creativity.
Adding to the magic was another hands-on session by illustrator Irene Penazzi, who invited participants to create visuals using natural elements like leaves and dried fruit. These workshops captured what the entire Sharjah effort stood for: that the simplest materials, like stories, become extraordinary when touched by imagination and shared between cultures.
Sharjah’s Signature: Investing in Literature with Purpose
Beyond the creativity and color, Sharjah brought something deeper to the table—its institutional strength and strategic infrastructure. Through its presence in Bologna, the SBA promoted key initiatives that support the literary ecosystem in real and lasting ways.
One of these was the Sharjah Children’s Book Illustrations Exhibition, now in its 13th edition, which continues to discover and nurture illustration talent from around the world. The fair also offered a preview of the 2026 edition and an open invitation to international artists to participate, reflecting Sharjah’s inclusive and forward-thinking approach.
Just as notable was the highlight on the International Award for Arabic Children’s Literature. Organized in partnership with the UAE Board on Books for Young People (UAEBBY) and e&, this award doesn’t just reward talent—it builds momentum. It honors excellence among Arab writers, illustrators, and publishers, while also introducing Arabic stories to new global audiences. It is a strong statement of confidence in the power of young Arab voices.
Translation: The Bridge Between Cultures and Continents
Central to SBA’s strategy in Bologna was translation. Not only as a literary tool, but as a cultural philosophy. Through the Sharjah Literary Agency, the authority presented a curated catalogue of Arabic children’s books ready for translation. These weren’t just beautiful stories—they were carefully selected cultural assets with the potential to travel.
The agency held talks with international publishers from Italy, France, Spain, and beyond, fostering translation agreements and licensing deals. The ultimate goal? To ensure that Arabic literature is not confined to borders or language but becomes part of the universal reading experience of children worldwide.
This ambition is reinforced by the Turjuman Award and SBA’s Translation Grant, both of which were showcased in Bologna. The Turjuman Award honors the best translations of Arabic literature into other languages, while the grant funds key translation projects. Together, they form a powerful mechanism to make Arabic storytelling accessible and influential on a global scale.
Sharjah Publishing City: Where Stories Become Global Enterprises
As part of its comprehensive approach, SBA also spotlighted the Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone (SPCFZ)—a groundbreaking project that blends cultural vision with economic opportunity. Introduced to international guests at the fair, SPCFZ was presented as the world’s first free zone fully dedicated to publishing.
This is not just about offering office space—it’s about giving global publishers a home in the UAE, a gateway into the MENA region, and a launchpad to scale internationally. From licensing and company formation to logistics and printing, SPCFZ is designed to be a one-stop ecosystem for creative businesses. In Bologna, it attracted strong interest from European and Asian publishers seeking to expand their footprint in the Arab world.
Sharjah’s Cultural Calendar Keeps the Flame Alive
Sharjah’s involvement in Bologna is part of a much larger cultural rhythm. Throughout the year, the emirate hosts a range of landmark events that keep literature at the forefront of public life. The Sharjah International Book Fair—ranked among the world’s top book events—brings together millions of readers, publishers, and authors annually. The Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival inspires young minds with books, performances, and learning.
On the professional side, Sharjah hosts the Publishers Conference, Booksellers Conference, International Library Conference, and the newly launched Animation Conference—all of which elevate the business and artistry of storytelling. These are not just events; they are knowledge exchanges, policy platforms, and networking spaces that reinforce Sharjah’s international relevance.
A Global Journey, Powered by UAE Values
What made Sharjah’s presence in Bologna so compelling wasn’t just its books or workshops. It was the values embedded in its work: curiosity, generosity, vision, and a belief in the future. These values are deeply rooted in the UAE’s cultural ethos—a country that, in just over 50 years, has transformed from a desert frontier into a knowledge-powered society.
In Bologna, Sharjah showed the world that Arabic literature is not just about the past—it is a living, breathing force shaping global literary futures. It demonstrated that Arabic stories can entertain and educate, inspire and provoke thought, and—most importantly—connect us all, regardless of where we come from.
The Future of Arabic Literature Begins Here
As the final day of the Bologna Children’s Book Fair came to a close, Sharjah didn’t just leave with empty displays. It left with new partnerships, creative collaborations, translation deals, and, most importantly, a stronger global platform for Arabic literature.
In the hearts of those who visited the pavilion, joined the workshops, or discovered a new Arabic book for the first time, a story had begun. One that may be read in Italian, Spanish, French, or English—but which will always trace its roots back to Sharjah.
