Oman named Guest of Honor at Sharjah International Book Fair 2026
Oman has been appointed Guest of Honor for the 45th Sharjah International Book Fair 2026, which opened on Wednesday in Sharjah. The designation highlights the deep cultural ties between Oman and the UAE and applies to all visitors and participants of the fair throughout its duration.
In this story
At a glance
- What changes
- Oman designated Guest of Honor at the 45th Sharjah International Book Fair 2026
- Timing
- Fair opened on Wednesday
- Who is affected
- All visitors and participants of the Sharjah International Book Fair 2026
The details
- Takes effect
- Wednesday
Guest of Honor Designation
At the opening ceremony of the 45th Sharjah International Book Fair, the Emirati authorities announced that the Sultanate of Oman will serve as Guest of Honor for the 2026 edition. Minister Saud bin Hilal Al-Busaidi, Minister of Culture, Sports and Youth, highlighted the appointment as a reflection of the deep brotherly ties and historic relationship between Oman and the United Arab Emirates.
Omani Participation Overview
The Omani pavilion brings together 25 entities representing government bodies, civil‑society organisations and private institutions. Seventeen Omani publishing houses will also exhibit their titles, showcasing the richness of Omani literature and heritage. Participation is coordinated by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth in partnership with the Ministry of Media, the Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs, and the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism.
- 25 Omani entities are present in the pavilion
- 17 Omani publishing houses will display their works
Cultural Programme Highlights
A dedicated cultural programme includes twenty‑eight events organized by Omani scholars, writers and artists. The schedule features intellectual lectures, historical discussions, poetry evenings, musical performances, folk‑art showcases, seminars, workshops and panel debates covering a wide range of literary and cultural topics.
These activities aim to promote Omani cultural heritage to an international audience and strengthen cultural exchange within the Gulf region.
- 28 events covering lectures, poetry, music and folk arts
- Sessions address both historical and contemporary cultural themes
What this means for travellers
Trip planning
- Visitors should check the Omani pavilion schedule to fit the 28 cultural events into their fair itinerary
- The presence of 25 Omani entities may increase foot traffic around the pavilion, so allocate extra time for visits
Cost and documents
- No additional fees are required to attend Omani events; existing fair tickets remain valid
- Travelers do not need extra documentation beyond standard entry requirements for the UAE
What you need to do
- Monitor the Sharjah Book Fair website for updates on Omani event timings and venue details
- Consider booking accommodation early, as the guest‑of‑honor status may attract larger crowds
Who this affects
-
International fair visitors
They can experience the expanded Omani cultural programme presented at the fair
What to do Attend Omani pavilion events and explore the featured publications
-
Omani cultural institutions and publishers
They are officially participating as part of Oman’s Guest of Honor role
What to do Present their programmes and engage with the international audience
-
Researchers and scholars of Gulf literature
The Omani literary sessions provide primary sources and expert discussions
What to do Plan attendance at relevant lectures and panel discussions
-
Tourists visiting Sharjah during the fair
The guest‑of‑honor status adds a wider range of cultural attractions
What to do Incorporate Omani events into their travel itinerary
-
Media covering the fair
Oman’s role as Guest of Honor creates newsworthy content and interviews
What to do Report on Omani activities and interview participating representatives
Frequently asked questions
Is Oman a guest of honor at the Sharjah International Book Fair 2026?
Yes, Oman has been appointed Guest of Honor for the 45th edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair 2026, a role announced at the opening ceremony and reflecting strong cultural ties between the two Gulf states.
When did the Sharjah International Book Fair 2026 start?
The 45th Sharjah International Book Fair 2026 opened on Wednesday, as reported in the opening ceremony, and will run for the scheduled duration of the event. Exact calendar dates are listed on the fair’s official website.
How many Omani entities are participating in the fair?
Twenty‑five Omani entities, including government bodies, civil‑society organisations and private institutions, are represented in the Omani pavilion, alongside seventeen Omani publishing houses that will showcase their titles throughout the exhibition.
What types of Omani cultural events are included in the programme?
The Omani programme features twenty‑eight events such as intellectual lectures, historical talks, poetry evenings, musical performances, folk‑art showcases, seminars, workshops and panel discussions, covering a broad spectrum of cultural and literary topics.
Which Omani ministries are involved in the Sharjah Book Fair participation?
Participation is coordinated by Oman’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth together with the Ministry of Media, the Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs, and the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, all contributing to the pavilion’s activities.
Where can I find the schedule for Omani events at the fair?
The detailed schedule for Omani events is published on the Sharjah International Book Fair official website and in the printed programme distributed at the venue, where each activity’s date, time and location are listed.
