Archiving the Past in Emirati Manuscript Gallery

The Emirati Book Fair (EBF), a first-of-its kind event in the country, is showcasing the Emirati
Manuscript Gallery (EMG) under its umbrella. The gallery displays the literary heritage of the
UAE and is a visual documentation of 80 Emirati authors’ handwritten manuscripts, featuring an
impressive archive, that unveils the secrets of their aesthetics.

The gallery that is part of Emirati Book Fair’s debut edition, that is being organised by the
Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) in cooperation with the Emirates Writers Union (EWU) and is
witnessing the participation of 25 Emirati publishing houses.

The gallery comprises inspiring handwritten manuscript by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin
Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah. It also unveils the
handwritten publications of Emirati authors, poets and novelists. These works shed light on the
founding fathers of the country’s literature movement, as well as, document the creativity of
authors who belonged to the earlier generation of Emirati writers.

The SBA which aims to organise this fair annually, seeks to boost and promote local content
including books, novels, historical titles and other publications through this event. The EBF is
not only showcasing thousands of titles written by Emirati authors but is also hosting several
discussion panels by many Emirati intellectuals.