Sharjah Department of Culture Announces Annual Programme of Permanent Festivals and Forums
The Sharjah Department of Culture has announced its annual programme of permanent festivals and forums, running from September 2026 through August 2027.
According to Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Owais, Chairman of the Sharjah Department of Culture, "The organisation of more than 40 festivals and forums at the local, Arab, and international levels reflects the vital and sustainable role that Sharjah plays in enriching the cultural, intellectual, and creative landscape. This embodies the approach established by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, in reinforcing the role of culture as a source of continuous contribution and supporting creativity and creative talents, in a way that strengthens Sharjah’s position as an active force in the Arab and international cultural landscape."
Al Owais explained that this diverse cultural programme reaffirms Sharjah’s continued vision of embracing talents and creative projects and providing spaces and platforms that enable them to gain greater exposure and engage with diverse cultural experiences.
Through its wide range of activities, the programme provides a vibrant cultural space that enables Arab intellectuals and creatives to maintain an active presence and offers them renewed opportunities to present their experiences and works and engage with audiences through festivals, poetry evenings, seminars, and theatrical performances.
"This cultural movement is further strengthened by a range of awards presented by the Department of Culture across various literary and creative fields, contributing to encouraging emerging talents and advancing creative practices. It also honours cultural figures who have left a significant mark on the cultural landscape and contributed through their work and achievements to its enrichment and development. This activity gains its true momentum from growing public attendance and remarkable engagement with the events."
The Department of Culture’s first event will be the Sharjah Narrative Forum on 8th September, with Jordan serving as a new Arab destination for its 22nd edition. The forum will bring together a broad range of Jordanian and Arab participants to discuss various issues related to the short story, particularly as the new edition is held under the theme “The Short Story: From the Imagination of Writing to Reception.” This will be followed by the 13th Kalba Short Play Festival.
October will see the launch of the 12th Sharjah Calligraphy Biennial, held under the theme “Balance,” opening the door to new international experiences in Arabic calligraphy. This will be followed by the eighth Marrakech Festival for Moroccan Poetry.