Awqaf Delegation Highlights Kuwait's Presence at Sharjah Book Fair

The Kuwait Public Authority for Awqaf (Awqaf Secretariat), represented by the Department of Studies, Information, and Documentation (Awqaf Science Library), is participating with an official delegation headed by Mrs. Leena Faisal Bin Saleh Al-Mutawa, Director of the Department, in the activities of the 45th edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair. Held at the Expo Centre Sharjah (located in the Al Khan area on Al Taawun Street) under the patronage and in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, the event runs from November 4 to November 15, 2026.

On this occasion, Al-Mutawa stated that the participation of the State of Kuwait, represented by the Awqaf Secretariat, reflects its cultural weight, particularly in the fields of endowment sciences. She noted that the fair serves as a valuable opportunity to introduce visitors to the State of Kuwait's role and leadership in culture and enlightenment across the Islamic world. This is especially significant given that the Awqaf Secretariat is designated as the coordinating state for Islamic countries' efforts in the field of endowments worldwide, pursuant to a decision made at the 6th Conference of Ministers of Awqaf in Islamic Countries, held in the Indonesian capital, Jakarta, in 1997.

Al-Mutawa explained that the Secretariat is participating with approximately 127 endowment-related publications, representing part of its scientific and cultural output. The aim is to spread the culture of endowments among interested individuals and specialists, as well as to explore avenues of cooperation with institutional and cultural entities visiting the pavilion. She emphasized the Secretariat's commitment to annual participation in this event due to its high distinction and the extensive presence of prominent Arabic and international publishing houses.

Kuwaiti Diplomatic Presence

Within the framework of diplomatic support for the State of Kuwait's participation in the fair, the Awqaf Secretariat's pavilion was honored by a visit from Dr. Munawer Abdul Latif Al-Otaibi, from the Kuwaiti Diplomatic Mission to the United Arab Emirates.

Dr. Al-Otaibi reviewed the key endowment publications on display and the various aspects of the Secretariat's participation. He commended the Secretariat's outstanding efforts in promoting endowment culture and highlighting the bright cultural and civilizational role of the State of Kuwait. He expressed his thanks and appreciation to the delegation of the Awqaf Secretariat, led by Mrs. Leena Al-Mutawa, for their distinguished efforts in representing the nation honorably, emphasizing the importance of such participations in enhancing Kuwait's cultural presence and building bridges of knowledge communication between peoples.

Student Engagement with "Qutoof Al-Khair Stories"

The Secretariat's pavilion also witnessed notable interest and a large influx of student groups from schools across the United Arab Emirates. The students explored the purposeful children's stories displayed at the pavilion, which are embodied in the "Qutoof Al-Khair" project and its digital platform affiliated with the Awqaf Science Library. The collection includes a selection of distinguished winning stories from the Kuwait International Competition for Authoring Children's Stories in the Field of Awqaf, Charitable, and Voluntary Work. The project aims to instill the values of endowment, righteousness, social solidarity, and the love of giving in younger generations through an engaging and educational storytelling style.

It is worth noting that the Sharjah International Book Fair is considered one of the largest book fairs globally. Established in 1982 to embody an ambitious vision aimed at building a reading community and spreading knowledge and enlightenment, the 12-day event at the Expo Centre Sharjah forms a cultural and literary spectacle gathering millions of books and a broad international audience. It is ranked as the third-largest book fair in the world and holds memberships in international organizations along with recognition from the International Publishers Association.

Location and Operating Hours of the Awqaf Secretariat Pavilion

Al-Mutawa concluded her statement by welcoming all visitors to the Awqaf Secretariat's pavilion at the fair to gather around useful words and share perspectives on endowment sciences. The Secretariat welcomes those interested in visiting its pavilion at the Expo Centre Sharjah in Hall 2 – Stand No. F5, from November 4 to November 15, 2026, daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM, except on Friday, when hours are from 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM.