Presented by the Sharjah Institute for Heritage, the performances formed part of Sharjah’s wider cultural programme at the fair, introducing visitors to traditional Emirati chants, dances, and musical expressions rooted in the UAE’s coastal, mountain, and desert communities.

Presented by the Sharjah Institute for Heritage, the performances drew large crowds both inside and outside the fairgrounds, where visitors gathered to watch traditional dances and musical displays inspired by the UAE’s coastal, mountain, and desert traditions.

What began as a performance quickly evolved into a wider cultural exchange. Visitors paused to ask performers about traditional instruments, clothing, and chants, while many filmed and shared the performances across social media platforms. 

Dressed in traditional white attire, members of the Sharjah National Band performed synchronised folk routines closely associated with celebrations and communal gatherings across the UAE, offering audiences a rare encounter with living Emirati traditions in the centre of Warsaw.

The heritage programme extended beyond the fair itself, with performances staged across public squares and open-air venues throughout the Polish capital. By bringing Emirati folk arts into the city’s daily rhythm, Sharjah expanded its cultural presence beyond the exhibition halls and introduced wider audiences to the traditions, music, and collective expressions that continue to shape Emirati identity today.

The performances form part of Sharjah’s wider Guest of Honour programme at the Warsaw International Book Fair 2026, which includes literary discussions, artistic events, and professional meetings designed to present a broad and contemporary picture of Emirati and Arab culture.

Through books, heritage, performance, and dialogue, Sharjah’s participation continues to highlight the emirate’s long-standing investment in culture as a platform for international exchange and mutual understanding.