Sharjah Institute for Heritage draws large crowds at SIBF 2025

Books that offer novel perspectives on heritage
Authors and academics signing books gave the pavilion more depth on an academic and creative level. Their creations brought new insights and significant contributions to the subject of heritage, fostering a festive atmosphere that mirrored the enduring significance of books and cultural heritage in societies' collective consciousness.

Maryam Al Mazrouei: SIH provides unique content
Author Maryam Al Mazrouei signed her book Al Mataya: Stories of Memories yesterday. Inspired by her personal experiences in real life, she added that the book takes readers on a voyage through the world of camels. "I am proud of my partnership with the Sharjah Institute for Heritage," she said, adding that since 2016, they have consistently supported me and assisted me in publishing a number of my works. Al Mazrouei went on to say that the institute is unique because of its meticulous selection of valuable, unique content and its continuous documentation efforts with UNESCO, which give scholars and authors great assurance that Emirati legacy is in capable hands.

Ateeq Al Qubaisi: Enriched literature and preserved folk heritage
The Sharjah Institute for Heritage was commended by poet Ateeq Al Qubaisi, who signed his book Figures and Verses, for its work publishing heritage research and conserving Nabati poetry. "By providing researchers and poets with opportunities to document folk heritage, the institute has enhanced the literary scene and library," he stated. Speaking about his book, he clarified that it provides critical readings of the works of great poets with the goal of making their meanings more understandable to the contemporary reader. Al Qubaisi, who advises on folk literature at the institute, said he is pleased to continue working with them, adding that their partnership helps preserve the UAE's literary legacy.

Khalifa Al Tunaiji: Key role in recording history
"It is an honour to maintain this ongoing collaboration with the Sharjah Institute for Heritage, whose efforts in documenting the history of the central region are deeply appreciated," said author Khalifa Al Tunaiji, who wrote Falaj Al Dhaid, in his thank-you note to the institute. This is our ninth joint book under this project, and it would not have been possible without the help of Dr Abdulaziz Al Musallam, Chairman of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage; Dr Muna Buannama, Director of Content and Publishing; and the hard-working staff of the institute. It is a unique publication that preserves the memory of people and places in Sharjah.

Publishing as a link between identity and legacy
The festivities on Thursday came to a close with a focus on cultural publishing as an important tool for preserving Arab and Emirati legacy and as a powerful link between heritage and national identity. The Sharjah Institute for Heritage continues to fulfil its mission of establishing heritage culture as the foundation of sustainable cultural development in Sharjah and the United Arab Emirates by actively participating in the expo.

Book signings on Friday
As part of the institute's continuous efforts to support Emirati and Arab scholars and emphasise the diversity of heritage at the local and regional levels, the book signing program continues today, Friday, with a new selection of prestigious works, such as The Hunting Overseer in Egypt by Samar Mahmoud; Tales of Folk Proverbs by Khamis Al Matroushi; and Stars and Seasons by Ibrahim Al Jarwan.