Bodour AlQasimi attends ‘Sharjah: The Capital of Culture’ launch

This marks the second collaboration between Shurooq and Assouline, following the successful release of “Mleiha: Ancient Treasures of the UAE” in 2024. The landmark publication chronicled the 210,000-year-old history of the Mleiha region and celebrated Sharjah’s archaeological and cultural legacy. Together, the two works highlight Shurooq’s commitment to documenting the emirate’s identity through art, history, and storytelling.

The partnership between Shurooq and Assouline reflects a shared belief in the power of culture and storytelling to foster understanding, creativity, and human connection. Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi’s recent appointment as UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Education and Book Culture further reinforces this shared vision, highlighting Sharjah’s ongoing commitment to promoting culture, education, and innovation as cornerstones of sustainable development and global dialogue.

The exclusive launch event, held at Sharjah’s iconic House of Wisdom, was a multisensory celebration of Sharjah’s rich heritage and creativity; and guests were immersed in an experiential journey showcasing intricate 3D architectural displays and sculptural art installations; soundscapes inviting interactive exploration; as well as live Emirati craftsmanship, music, calligraphy, and Michelin star culinary artistry. This fusion of sensory experiences embodied the depth and vibrancy of Sharjah’s cultural identity, celebrating the emirate as a global centre of knowledge, creativity, natural wonder, and heritage preservation.

Culture as the foundation of progress

Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi emphasised that Sharjah’s cultural journey is a living dialogue between past and future, where knowledge becomes light, creativity becomes language, and culture serves as a bridge that connects hearts and minds across the world. She noted that every initiative born in Sharjah, including this collaboration with Assouline, reflects the emirate’s belief that progress flourishes when identity and innovation move together, and when art and intellect illuminate the path toward a more inspired and connected world.

Speaking at the event, Ahmed Obaid Al Qaseer, CEO of Shurooq, said: “This book stands as a distinguished representation of Sharjah’s vision, where culture, heritage, and knowledge form the pillars of progress. It reflects the emirate’s ongoing journey of development under the guidance of its leadership and highlights Shurooq’s role in translating this vision into landmark destinations that embody authenticity and innovation. Through our second collaboration with Assouline, we reaffirm our commitment to presenting Sharjah’s cultural and developmental achievements to the world, and to continuing our mission of promoting sustainable growth rooted in identity and purpose.”

Prosper Assouline, Co-founder of Assouline Publishing, commented: “Working on Sharjah: The Capital of Culture was a true honor. Sharjah is a city that deeply cherishes its rich heritage, art, and culture, while embracing modern experiences that reflect its vibrant spirit.”

A cultural launch reflecting Sharjah’s identity

Within the architectural beauty of Sharjah’s House of Wisdom, the launch unfolded as an experiential journey through the book’s seven narrative chapters: architecture, art, education, environment, literature, museums, and craftsmanship. VIP guests including dignitaries, cultural leaders, and media icons, were immersed in an interactive and curated environment; showing artistic expression; alongside the heritage and cultural depth Sharjah is globally known for.

Sculptural art installations curated in collaboration with the Sharjah Art Foundation enriched the ambiance, celebrating Sharjah’s role in contemporary art while honoring its cultural roots. Live demonstrations of Emirati crafts by Irthi, featuring traditional weaving and embroidery such as Talli and Safeefah, offered authentic insight into heritage preservation.

The cultural ambience was elevated by an interactive calligraphy performance by Oday Ibrahim Al Shalah, who seamlessly blended classical Arabic script with contemporary artistic expression. Complementing the experience, culinary creations by Chef Meera Al Naqbi, the first Emirati Michelin-starred chef in both the UAE and Croatia, offered guests an authentic taste of Sharjah’s rich gastronomic heritage, completing the multisensory journey with elegantly crafted Emirati flavors.

The grand reveal of the first edition book was the ultimate highlight, positioned as both a collectible masterpiece and a symbol of Sharjah’s cultural legacy; and the evening also inspired conversation among writers, artists, and visionaries, reinforcing Sharjah’s commitment to knowledge, creativity, and cultural dialogue.

The event was attended by a number of prominent figures and representatives from government and cultural entities in the Emirate of Sharjah, including His Excellency Sheikh Fahim bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Department of Government Relations in Sharjah; His Excellency Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of the Sharjah Book Authority; His Excellency Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority; and Eisa Yousif, Director General of Sharjah Archaeology Authority; along with several partners and representatives of cultural and media institutions from the UAE and beyond.

A literary and visual journey through Sharjah’s story

The “Sharjah: The Capital of Culture” chronicles the emirate’s transformation into a bridge between history and modernity. Through a combination of world-class photography, detailed research, and thoughtful narrative, the book highlights how Sharjah continues to balance heritage preservation with innovation and progress.

Each chapter of this luxury publication presents a unique perspective on how Sharjah has developed its cultural ecosystem; and features destinations such as Heart of Sharjah, House of Wisdom, Sharjah Mosque, and Mleiha National Park. It also covers various significant milestones Sharjah has achieved through the years such as the recent inscription of Faya Palaeolandscape as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the globally renowned Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF), Sharjah Biennial, as well as Sharjah Publishing City, the world’s first freezone dedicated to publishing and adjacent industries. The book also documents Sharjah’s many international recognitions, including UNESCO Cultural Capital of the Arab Region (1998), Capital of Islamic Culture (2014), and World Book Capital (2019).

“Sharjah: The Capital of Culture” is both a literary archive and a visual tribute to an emirate that continues to inspire through its pursuit of knowledge and cultural dialogue. The book is available for purchase at the House of Wisdom in Sharjah, on Assouline.com, and through select international bookstores and boutiques.