Over the past five years, the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) has redefined the role of book fairs, awarding over AED 16 million in prizes and grants to establish itself as a leading force on the global cultural map.
Under the visionary guidance of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, SIBF has evolved into a dynamic platform that honours distinguished authors, translators, and publishers, setting new standards for publishing excellence and intellectual discourse, reinforcing the emirate’s leading status as a unique hub and centre for literary and cultural innovation.
Sharjah Books awards and grants have received over 17,900 applications from writers, creators, translators, and publishers across the UAE, the wider Arab region, and internationally, honouring the finest works and publishing houses, as well as recipients of the Translation Grant Fund and the prestigious Sharjah Translation Award, ‘Turjuman’.
Turjuman: AED 7 million to advance Arabic literature worldwide
Over the past five years, the Turjuman Award has dedicated AED 7 million to promoting Arabic literature internationally by incentivising publishers to translate exceptional works by Arab authors into other languages. With 289 applications spanning 16 countries and languages, the award has established itself as a significant force in global literary translation. Each year, AED 1.4 million is awarded, including AED 100,000 for the translator, while 70% of the remaining funds go to the foreign publisher and 30% to the original Arabic publisher.
SIBF Awards: AED 3 Million in Prizes and Entries from 45 Countries
With a total prize fund of AED 3,125,000 to date, the SIBF Awards span a range of prestigious categories, including the Sharjah Award for Emirati Books, Best Arabic Novel, Best International Book, and Publisher Recognition Award. Over the past five years, these awards have attracted 3,540 participants from 45 countries, establishing the fair’s opening ceremony as a landmark event in the global cultural calendar, where distinguished authors and publishers are honoured for their contributions to literature and publishing.
The Sharjah Award for Emirati Books dedicates AED 300,000 annually across four categories, fostering the development of local literary and academic talent and enriching the UAE’s literary heritage. The award includes the Best Emirati First Novel category valued at AED 50,000, which celebrates emerging Emirati authors, alongside Best Emirati Novel, Best Emirati Academic Book, and Best Emirati Creative Literature Book, underscoring Sharjah’s commitment to supporting and honouring homegrown literary excellence.
The Best Arabic Novel award, valued at AED 150,000 and split between the author and publisher, recognises novels that exemplify originality and creative depth in theme and style. It celebrates works offering critical and innovative insights into Arab realities and challenges, supporting diverse voices in contemporary Arabic literature.
The Best International Book award, totalling AED 100,000, is divided into Best International Fiction Book and Best International Non-Fiction Book. It recognises English-language works across genres and honours books that explore various aspects of life, society, and history.
Publisher Recognition Award
The Publisher Recognition Award encourages excellence in publishing. The annual AED 75,000 prize is divided into three categories: Best Local Publisher, Best Arab Publisher, and Best International Publisher, each receiving AED 25,000. This award honours publishers demonstrating innovation and commitment to advancing the publishing industry.
Since 2019, the SIBF Translation Grant Fund has awarded AED 5.9 million to support Arabic and international translation projects, receiving over 14,105 applications and approving 1,115 grants ranging from USD 1,500 to 4,000. The fund enables publishers to cover full or partial translation costs, strengthening cultural exchange and reinforcing Arabic literature’s global significance.
The upcoming 43rd edition of SIBF, set for November 6–17, will feature over 2,520 publishers and exhibitors from 112 countries and welcome 400 renowned authors from the Arab world and beyond. With more than 1,357 activities for all ages and interests and over 250 speakers from 63 countries, this year’s fair promises a vibrant celebration of literature and culture.
