SHARJAH, United Arab Emirates — The Sharjah Book Authority has opened nominations for the 2026 Sharjah International Book Fair Awards, with Dh625,000 in total prizes set across 10 categories.
Writers, researchers and publishers can submit entries until Aug. 31. Winners will be announced at the opening ceremony of the 45th Sharjah International Book Fair later this year.
The awards recognize Emirati, Arab and international work in areas including novels, academic research, poetry and English-language books. They also honor local, Arab and international publishing houses.
Organizers said the program is intended to celebrate literary and intellectual achievement while encouraging new talent in writing, research and publishing.
The initiative reflects the vision of Sharjah’s ruler, Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, and supports the work of Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority, to strengthen Sharjah’s position as a global center for books and publishing.
The Sharjah Award for Emirati Books carries Dh300,000 in total prizes. It includes Dh100,000 each for the best Emirati novel and best Emirati academic book, while the best Emirati poetry book and best Emirati first novel will each receive Dh50,000.
The Sharjah Award for the Best Arabic Novel carries Dh150,000, split evenly between the author and publisher. The category is intended for original Arabic fiction that combines literary quality with engagement on issues affecting the Arab world.
The Sharjah Award for the Best International Book is open to English-language titles and offers Dh100,000 in total. It is divided between fiction and non-fiction categories.
The Sharjah Publisher Recognition Award carries Dh75,000, with Dh25,000 each going to the best local, Arab and international publishing houses.
Eligible books must have been published in 2025 or 2026, except for the poetry category, which accepts works published between 2024 and 2026.
Applicants must complete the online nomination form, print it and submit three copies of the nominated book to the Sharjah Book Authority before the deadline.
The authority invited authors, researchers, publishers and translators to take part, saying the awards continue to promote creativity and knowledge while reinforcing Sharjah’s role in the regional and global publishing scene.
