Sharjah, 9th July, 2026 — The Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) has announced the opening of nominations for the Sharjah International Book Fair Awards 2026, offering a significant prize fund of AED625,000 across 10 awards. These prestigious awards recognize exceptional achievements in writing and publishing while spotlighting Emirati and Arab talent. The awards are designed to support distinguished books both locally and internationally.
The categories for these awards encompass a diverse range, including novels, studies, poetry, and foreign books, with a special emphasis on honoring local, Arab, and international publishing houses. Interested participants have until 31st August to submit their nominations through https://sibf.com/ar/awards. The winners will be revealed during the opening ceremony of the 45th edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair.
This initiative reflects the vision of H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, in celebrating creative and intellectual achievements. It aims to inspire a new generation of writers, publishers, and researchers. Under the leadership of H.H. Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of SBA, the awards align with SBA’s mission to establish Sharjah as a global hub for books and publishing and a nurturing environment for creators, publishers, and translators worldwide.
The SIBF Awards are divided into four main categories: the Sharjah Award for Emirati Books, the Sharjah Award for the Best Arabic Novel, the Sharjah Award for the Best International Book, and the Sharjah Publisher Recognition Award. These categories cover works published in 2025 and 2026, with a special provision for the Best Emirati Creative Literature Book (Poetry), which includes works from 2024, 2025, and 2026.
The Sharjah Award for Emirati Books highlights local literary and intellectual contributions, with a total prize fund of AED300,000. AED100,000 each is allocated for Best Emirati Novel and Best Emirati Academic Book, and AED100,000 is shared equally between Best Emirati Creative Literature Book (Poetry) and Best Emirati First Novel.
The Sharjah Award for the Best Arabic Novel offers a prize of AED150,000, split equally between the author and publisher. This award honors Arabic novels that combine originality and innovation, tackling human, social, and Arab themes with a coherent creative vision.
The Sharjah Award for the Best International Book carries a total prize of AED100,000, equally distributed between Best International Fiction Book and Best International Non-Fiction Book. It acknowledges both imaginative literary works and serious intellectual, research-based publications.
Finally, the Sharjah Publisher Recognition Award acknowledges exceptional publishers who enhance the publishing industry with culturally and intellectually rich publications. This category carries a total prize of AED75,000, with AED25,000 each awarded to the Best Local Publishing House, Best Arab Publishing House, and Best International Publishing House.
The SBA encourages writers, researchers, publishers, and translators to participate in these awards, which have become a cornerstone for recognizing creativity and knowledge while reinforcing Sharjah’s status as a global destination for culture, books, and publishing.
Team V.DIR-EM-UAE
