With such dynamic conversations at NDWBF 2025, the UAE and India further solidified their literary and cultural ties, reaffirming their commitment to fostering artistic dialogue and global storytelling
As part of the growing cultural collaboration between Sharjah and India, prominent Emirati authors engaged in thought-provoking discussions on heritage, literature, and cross-cultural connections at the New Delhi World Book Fair 2025 (NDWBF), Emirates News Agency WAM reported.
The event, organized by the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) and India’s National Book Trust (NBT), in association with the Emirates Publishers Association (EPA), highlighted the deep-rooted historical and artistic synergies between the UAE and India.
The literary sessions brought together leading voices from the UAE to explore diverse themes, ranging from poetry and cinema to language and representation. Renowned poet Dr. Shihab Ghanem delved into the role of translated poetry in fostering intercultural dialogue during his session, “Building Cultural Bridges Through Poetry Translation.” He emphasized how poetry, when translated effectively, serves as a powerful tool for enhancing mutual understanding between civilizations.
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As a key institution in India’s literary landscape, the National Book Trust (NBT) continues to promote reading culture through its diverse publications, literary festivals, and youth programs, particularly through its National Centre for Children’s Literature (NCCL)
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Beyond national borders, NBT amplifies India’s literary presence through translations, international book fairs, and professional development initiatives for writers and publishers
The intersection of cinema and cultural exchange was a focal point in Nasser Ahmed Al Yaqoubi’s session, “Cinema Without Borders: A Cultural Dialogue Between the UAE and India.” The writer and director examined how films can transcend geographical and linguistic barriers, narrating shared stories that resonate with both Emirati and Indian audiences. A documentary screening further illustrated cinema’s role in bridging cultural narratives.
Exploring the literary representation of India in Emirati fiction, author Mohsen Suleiman led a discussion on “The Indian Character in Emirati Stories.” He highlighted how Indian characters in UAE literature symbolize the country’s multicultural fabric and reflect the historical coexistence of diverse communities. Similarly, Dr. Aisha Al Ghais shed light on the linguistic influence of India on Emirati society in her session, “Indian Vocabulary in Emirati Society.” She traced the integration of Indian-origin words into the Emirati dialect, showcasing the enduring cultural exchange between the two nations.
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