The presence of the University of Sharjah (UoS) was strongly felt throughout the 44th edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF)with thought-provoking seminars, lectures, workshops, and publications by members of its community. The University of Sharjah’s participation in the fair included sessions that explored applied research in the humanities and social sciences, the role of the family in fostering national identity among children, and the impact of social media on family interactions.

The University’s Research Institute of Humanities and Social Sciences (RIHSS) played a leading role by organizing a series of academic seminars that underscored the value of applied research and showcased case studies enriching both academic inquiry and societal development. The University’s participation also included several book-signing events, among them a signing by Dr. Najla Abdalla Albannai, Senior Laboratory Support Specialist at the College of Communication. Dr. Albannai signed her book Autobiographical Mapping of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, which documents the ruler’s life and achievements through innovative mind-mapping techniques.

Prof. Faker Al Gharaibeh, Director of RIHSS, collaborated with the Emirates Creative Association to host a seminar titled “Creativity and Innovation in the Humanities,” aimed at fostering creative thinking and building researchers’ capacities in the field. He emphasized that the University’s presence at the fair reinforces its academic mission and underscores the role of the humanities and social sciences in sustainable development and social awareness.

Dr. Asma Alsaadi, Director of Center for Family and Child Studies (CFCS), highlighted the center’s focus on contemporary family issues, particularly the role of Emirati families amid rapid digital transformation. She noted that the fair offered a crucial platform for engaging with the public, experts, and institutions, while showcasing the University’s research output and academic excellence.

Within the “Cultural Café” program organized by the Sharjah Advisory Council, Dr. Manal Mirza, Assistant Professor at the College of Law, participated in a panel titled “The Citizen’s Voice: From Observation to Law,” alongside prominent council members and legal scholars. The session attracted academics, intellectuals, and enthusiasts alike, fostering discussion on citizen engagement and legal awareness.

Members of the UoS community also delivered specialized seminars on the family’s role in nurturing and instilling their children’s sense of national identity, featuring Dr. Alaa altaii, Associate Professor of sociology, and explored the influence of social media on family interactions with contributions from Dr. Omaima abouelkheir, Associate Professor at the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences. These discussions emphasized the family’s foundational role in shaping identity, values, and the future of emerging generations.

The University of Sharjah pavilion drew growing crowds eager to access its latest academic and scientific publications, books authored by UoS faculty, and a variety of specialized periodicals catering to diverse age groups. This initiative reflects the University’s commitment to supporting research, publishing, and knowledge dissemination to benefit both the academic community and society at large.

UoS students also participated actively, with visits designed to nurture their passion for reading. They explored the fair’s exhibitions, engaged with both Arabic and international publications, and joined events led by distinguished writers and creatives. The University’s presence concluded with several book signings, including Be a Friend to Yourself by Farah Maurouf, Research Assistant at the Research Institute of Humanities and Social Sciences, which offers practical guidance for self-help and personal growth. Additionally, Dr. Amal Al-Nuaimi signed her book Factors Influencing Youth Attitudes toward Intellectual and Violent Extremism in UAE Society, published by the Sociologists Association.

Through these engagements, the University of Sharjah reinforced its position as a hub of knowledge, creativity, and societal impact, combining rigorous research with cultural outreach to inspire both the academic community and the public.