Sharjah – Imagine a giant, luminous library filled with books of every genre: thrillers, mysteries, romance, science fiction, cultural and historical volumes, biographies, and timeless classics all resting on towering glass shelves.
In the lobby, there’s an experiential display of 3D architectural models, sculptural art, music, and calligraphy, paying homage to Sharjah’s cultural journey.
This inspiring atmosphere greeted us as we stepped into the iconic House of Wisdom for the exclusive launch of Sharjah: The Capital of Culture.
The book captures the 210 000-year-old history of the Mleiha region, tracing Sharjah’s archaeological and artistic legacy through vivid storytelling and imagery.
Each chapter offers readers a visual and narrative journey across the Emirate, its heritage, architecture, sustainability, education, culture, craftsmanship, and innovation.
Destinations such as the Heart of Sharjah, House of Wisdom, Sharjah Mosque, and Mleiha National Park feature prominently, alongside milestones like the inscription of the Faya Palaeolandscape as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the globally renowned Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF), the Sharjah Biennial, and the creation of Sharjah Publishing City, the world’s first free zone dedicated to the publishing industry.
The book also celebrates Sharjah’s many international recognitions: UNESCO Cultural Capital of the Arab Region (1998), Capital of Islamic Culture (2014), and World Book Capital (2019).
Among the distinguished guests was Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), whose recent appointment as UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Education and Book Culture confirms Sharjah’s commitment to education and cultural exchange.
Speaking at the launch, Her Highness described Sharjah as “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 (publishers of the book Sharjah: The Capital of Culture), speaks to 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.
His Excellency Ahmed Obaid Al Qaseer, CEO of Shurooq, shared that the Sharjah: The Capital of Culture journey started two years ago with a vision to “showcase the soul of Sharjah through books.”
He explained: “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.”
Following the event, guests were treated to a guided tour of the House of Wisdom.
One section, the Wisdom Vault, drew particular fascination.
It preserves a collection of rare and “special” books, some over a century old, kept under meticulous conditions to ensure their longevity.
Senior Administration Coordinator Uche Anthony Abor, who led the tour, explained: “We are not allowed to touch any of the books. Some are brittle, some are over 100 years old.
“To handle them, we (authorised personnel only) must wear gloves and make special preparations.
“We had to retrofit the room; the fire alarm is different, the air-conditioning system is different, and the glass is UV-protected.”
He added that the House of Wisdom’s mission extends beyond preservation.
“Our goal at the House of Wisdom is to disseminate knowledge, however possible,” stated Abor.
“That’s why we have workshops and exhibitions, as well as a curated fabrication lab.
“Yes, we love that a book should remain in one’s hand for as long as possible, but there has to be a balance.
“These books are valuable, so while not everyone can physically access them, we digitise them to make their content available to the public.”
When asked what lessons African countries can take from the House of Wisdom in preserving their own heritage collections for future generations, Abor highlighted Sharjah’s visionary approach to cultural leadership.
“African leaders can take from His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi that building nations begins with the book,” said Abor..
“We have rare books in Africa, there’s no doubt about that, but what we do with them is what matters.
“It’s about vision.
“His Highness’ vision created this (making reference to the House of Wisdom).
“If we have visionary leaders who are willing to focus on what matters and push the vision forward, we can achieve the same.”
Another exciting feature of the House of Wisdom is its thoughtfully designed spaces for different readers.
There are dedicated sections for children and teenagers, filled with picture books, fantasy novels, poetry, and traditional literature, as well as a Little Readers area where young book lovers can lose themselves in the adventurous world of stories.
The House of Wisdom also includes a women-only section, comfortably furnished with bunk beds, inviting visitors to read in peace or enjoy a well-deserved power nap.
All of this is housed within the House of Wisdom, a space designed to inspire learning through people, interactions, and experiences.
Sharjah: The Capital of Culture is currently available in English only, with an Arabic version underway.
The book is being distributed through the House of Wisdom, the Sharjah International Book Fair, and online, with plans to feature it in museums worldwide.
The book launch and the guided tour of the House of Wisdom form part of the Sharjah International Book Fair, currently taking place at the Sharjah Expo Centre, until November 16.
Sharjah: The Capital of Culture is currently available in English only, with an Arabic version underway.
The book is being distributed through the House of Wisdom, the Sharjah International Book Fair, and online, with plans to feature it in museums worldwide.
