Sharjah Book Fair 2026 showcases 12 historical manuscripts from United Arab Emirates University, revealing centuries of scholarship in medicine, law and theology while highlighting the importance of preserving intellectual heritage.
SHARJAH: Visitors to the Sharjah Book Fair 2026 can explore centuries of intellectual history through 12 historical manuscripts displayed by United Arab Emirates University (UAEU). The collection features works covering medicine, law and theology, offering a rare opportunity to discover how scholars recorded, shared and preserved knowledge long before modern publishing.
Presented at the 45th Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF 2026), the manuscripts introduce visitors to historical scholarship while highlighting the importance of safeguarding written heritage for future generations.
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What makes these 12 historical manuscripts significant?
The collection represents different fields of knowledge that shaped intellectual and cultural traditions over centuries.
Unlike modern printed books, historical manuscripts contain handwritten texts that reveal how information was documented, organised and transmitted across generations.
Their distinctive handwriting, textual arrangements and physical materials also offer insights into the periods in which they were produced.
Hamda Al Shamsi, a library specialist at UAEU, explained why these works remain valuable.
“Books are not only sources of information; they are also witnesses to the periods in which they were produced. These manuscripts allow visitors to encounter the history of knowledge through the original written works, and to appreciate how ideas and scholarship have been passed from one generation to another,” she said.
Why are visitors interested in ancient manuscripts?
According to Al Shamsi, the exhibition has encouraged visitors to ask questions about the manuscripts’ age, subjects and historical importance.
Some are particularly interested in understanding how these documents survived across generations, while others are fascinated by the range of scientific, legal and religious subjects represented.
The display offers visitors an opportunity to connect with historical knowledge through original written materials rather than modern reproductions or digital records.
How universities help preserve cultural heritage
The UAEU exhibition at Sharjah Book Fair 2026 also highlights the responsibility of academic institutions in collecting, documenting and protecting historical materials.
By presenting manuscripts in a public setting, the university is making parts of its collection accessible to audiences beyond academic researchers.
Al Shamsi said the initiative aims to encourage a deeper appreciation of intellectual heritage.
“Taking part in SIBF allows us to share part of the university’s collection with people from different backgrounds and age groups. We hope that visitors will leave with a greater appreciation of manuscripts and an understanding that preserving these works means protecting an important part of our intellectual and cultural heritage,” she said.
Impact to expect
The exhibition could encourage greater interest in manuscript preservation, historical research and cultural education across the UAE. It may also inspire younger generations to explore the region’s intellectual traditions and recognise the importance of protecting original written works.
Sharjah International Book Fair 2026
Organised by the Sharjah Book Authority, the fair runs from November 4 to 15 at Expo Centre Sharjah under the theme ‘Made of Stories’, with Oman as Guest of Honour.
The event brings together 3,212 publishers and exhibitors from 126 countries, showcasing more than 1.7 million titles.
