Young readers discover Sultan's lifelong passion for books at SIBF 2026

A golden dagger pawned for 100 rupees to buy books became the starting point for a discussion about reading, family encouragement and Sharjah's cultural heritage, as young readers from Khorfakkan Youth Centre explored The Pawned Dagger by His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, at the 45th Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF 2026).

Held at the Sharjah Public Libraries pavilion, the session featured Mahmoud Abdulhalim, literature and languages instructor at Khorfakkan Youth Centre, and Maryam Al Harmoudi, curator of Sharjah Fort Museum, alongside young participants who shared their impressions of the book.

A passion for reading begins at home

Upon learning what had happened, his father gave him the money to retrieve the dagger and rewarded him with an additional 10 rupees, an example Abdulhalim used to illustrate the importance of family encouragement in nurturing children's reading habits.

He also recalled how His Highness was given a dedicated reading space in his father's majlis, demonstrating the value of a supportive learning environment. Abdulhalim stressed that a book's worth lies in its ideas and lessons, regardless of its length.

He described how the Sharjah Ruler's childhood passion for reading led him to correspond with Al Muayyad Bookshop in Bahrain and arrange payments to obtain books. Abdulhalim said these efforts helped shape His Highness's intellectual development and encouraged young people to make reading a regular habit.

The young participants expressed admiration for the Sharjah Ruler's determination to acquire books, particularly his decision to pawn a valuable dagger. They also discussed how Sharjah Youth Centres support their interests through libraries and activities including reading, drawing, swimming, football and robotics.

Sharjah Fort Library preserves the story

Maryam Al Harmoudi praised the participants' understanding of The Pawned Dagger and encouraged them to visit Sharjah Fort Museum to see the historic library associated with the story.

She explained that the library was established more than a century ago by Sheikh Sultan Bin Saqr Al Qasimi II, the Sharjah Ruler's uncle, whose passion for reading helped inspire His Highness's interest in books.

Al Harmoudi noted that several books in the fort's collection came from Al Muayyad Bookshop in Bahrain, mentioned in the book. The golden dagger is also preserved at the fort, where visitors can see it alongside the historic library.

Drawing on her experience with children's centres, she encouraged young people to continue reading and share their enthusiasm with peers, highlighting the role of such institutions in preparing future generations to preserve and manage Sharjah's cultural and historical heritage.

'Pass the Read'

A recommendation for A Confederacy of Dunces. Another for The Man Who Planted Trees. Nearby, someone has added The Shore. At the Your Sharjah stand at the 45th Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF 2026), visitors are leaving behind more than the names of books they enjoyed; they are passing those recommendations on to readers they may never meet.

Located within the stand, ‘Pass the Read’ invites visitors to write down a book recommendation for someone else to discover. Prompts encourage them to think about books that made them happy or emotional, or titles they believe others should read.

As new visitors arrive, they can browse suggestions left by others and use them as inspiration for what to look for among the fair's many bookstalls. The result is a simple exchange between strangers, with books as the connection.

Among those taking part was 15-year-old Emirati student Jouri Sultan, who said she would recommend Sherlock Holmes.

“This ‘Pass the Read’ is a wonderful idea connecting readers who may never meet in person. I hope someone follows up my recommendation,” she said. “I really enjoyed visiting ‘Your Sharjah’ stand. I think the Sharjah Book Fair is a wonderful place to discover new books and learn new things. It has so many interesting books, fun activities and a great atmosphere.”

The recommendations reflect a broad mix of tastes, from John Kennedy Toole’s Pulitzer Prize-winning comic novel A Confederacy of Dunces to Jean Giono’s classic eco-fable The Man Who Planted Trees, alongside other titles suggested by visitors throughout the fair.

The stand also offers free, walk-in workshops throughout SIBF, giving visitors opportunities to try activities including tote-bag making, engraving and calligraphy. Visitors can also browse Your Sharjah merchandise and souvenirs, including mugs, diaries, pens, brooches, fridge magnets, charms, hoodies and sweatshirts, with selected items available for customisation.