Sharjah’s House of Wisdom has marked Emirati Writer’s Day with a two-day programme bringing together authors, publishers and readers in a bid to deepen public engagement with the UAE’s literary scene and widen the reach of home-grown writing.The programme at the cultural centre featured panel discussions, literary activities, a mini exhibition of publications, and book-signing sessions designed to connect writers directly with audiences. The event placed particular emphasis on young adult literature, publishing diversity and the role of storytelling in preserving cultural memory.
Held under the banner of Emirati Writer’s Day, observed annually on 26 May, the programme reflected Sharjah’s wider investment in books, reading and cultural production. The date marks the founding of the Emirates Writers Union in 1984, an institution that has played a central role in supporting authors and strengthening the presence of UAE literature across Arab cultural circles.
Marwa Al Aqroubi, executive director of the House of Wisdom, said the occasion honoured creative voices that had helped shape the country’s cultural landscape and carried its identity, stories and values to new generations through writing. She said writers played an essential role in preserving memory, strengthening the presence of Arabic language and knowledge, and building dialogue with the world.
The first day featured the “Our Writers” initiative, giving visitors access to a curated selection of literary publications and the opportunity to meet participating authors. The format combined a small-scale book fair with an interactive setting, allowing readers to discuss works directly with writers and publishers rather than encountering books only as finished products on display shelves.
Local publishing houses including Kalimat Group, Ghaf Publishing, Austin Macauley Publishers, Menassah Distribution Company, Kuttab Publication and Dar Qessa took part, underscoring the breadth of the UAE’s publishing ecosystem. Their presence also highlighted the increasing role of independent and specialist publishers in expanding the market for Arabic and bilingual works, children’s literature, young adult fiction and contemporary prose.
Book-signing sessions formed a central part of the programme, reflecting the diversity of literary voices and publishing experiences across the country. Such events have become an important feature of the cultural calendar, offering authors greater visibility while helping publishers test reader interest, promote new titles and support longer-term literary careers.
A key session in the House of Wisdom’s “HOW Talks” series, titled “Between Narrative and Identity”, explored young adult literature through the novel “The Story Thief”. Organised in collaboration with Kalimat Group, the discussion coincided with the book’s official launch at the venue and examined how fiction can reflect the concerns, aspirations and questions of younger generations.
The session brought together novelist Nadia Al Najjar, writer and translator Noura Al Khoori, and illustrator Asma Al Hamli, with writer and media professional Eman Al Yousuf moderating the discussion. Their conversation focused on storytelling as a way of shaping awareness, expressing identity and giving young readers narratives rooted in their own social and cultural surroundings.
“The Story Thief”, co-authored by Al Najjar and Al Khoori, formed a practical reference point for the discussion. Its launch at the House of Wisdom placed young adult writing within a broader debate about how the UAE’s literary sector can speak to readers who are growing up amid rapid social, linguistic and technological change.
The event also aligned with Sharjah’s position as one of the region’s most active centres for publishing and literary programming. The emirate has built a dense cultural infrastructure around books, from major fairs and reading initiatives to publishing services, translation projects and specialised programmes for children and young readers.
The House of Wisdom itself has become a prominent venue in that strategy. Conceived as a library and cultural hub, it was developed as part of Sharjah’s legacy after its recognition as UNESCO World Book Capital 2019. Its programming combines reading, exhibitions, talks, workshops and community engagement, reflecting a shift in the role of libraries from repositories of books to public spaces for cultural exchange.
The focus on writers also comes as the UAE’s literary sector seeks to balance heritage, language preservation and global engagement. Authors are increasingly working across genres that include children’s books, historical fiction, memoir, translation, fantasy, young adult novels and experimental prose, while publishers are exploring wider distribution channels and regional partnerships.
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