Sharjah Festival Of African Literature Opens January 14 To Showcase Diverse Narratives

The Sharjah Festival of African Literature will return from 14th to 18th January at University City in Sharjah. Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, the event will spotlight African literature and deepen cultural exchange between the Arab world and African countries.

The festival, organised by the Sharjah Book Authority under directives from H.H. Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, will focus on African writing as a major global literary tradition. The programme will examine social transformation and collective memory, giving visitors access to diverse African narratives and critical ideas.

"SFAL reflects the global cultural role Sharjah has earned as an inclusive international hub that views literature as a shared human space beyond borders and classifications," H.H. Sheikha Bodour said. H.H. Sheikha Bodour stated that Sharjah treats this cultural role as a long-term responsibility for the emirate.

According to H.H. Sheikha Bodour, this commitment is becoming central within world literature. It supports cultural diversity and raises the level of local writing through international dialogue. It also backs translation efforts, increases visibility for writers and publishers, and presents literature as a key tool for global awareness.

The latest edition builds on the festival’s launch, which drew more than 10,000 visitors. Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of Sharjah Book Authority, said that the festival provides a distinctive platform to explore African literary experiences, engage with them critically, support translation and publishing, and generate knowledge that reflects the depth and influence of this literature.

The festival plans to deepen African literature’s presence within the Arab cultural scene. It will encourage dialogue among authors, publishers, academics and readers to create durable cultural and intellectual links. Activities will include panel discussions on literature, identity and memory, plus workshops tailored for children and young people.

Visitors will also find artistic and musical performances, African culinary experiences and an art exhibition at University City. Organisers will release full details of invited guests, speakers and programme themes closer to the event dates, as preparations continue for the January gathering in Sharjah.

With inputs from WAM