Sharjah has strengthened its international cultural outreach by donating a portable Arabic-language library to Poland, reinforcing the role of books as tools for cultural continuity, identity, and linguistic preservation among Arab communities living abroad.
The initiative, led by the Kalimat Foundation, was presented during Sharjah’s participation as Guest of Honour at the 2026 Warsaw International Book Fair. Through the donation, the foundation aims to expand access to Arabic literature while supporting young readers who seek meaningful connections to their heritage through language and storytelling.
The library was gifted to Marhaba Bolanda, a Wroclaw-based non-governmental organisation focused on education and cultural engagement within Poland’s Arab community. In particular, the organisation provides Arabic and Polish language instruction, making it a fitting home for the collection.
Books as Cultural Bridges Across Borders
The donation forms part of the Kalimat Foundation’s ongoing “Pledge a Library” initiative, which seeks to place Arabic books in communities where access to mother-tongue literature remains limited. As a result, the programme continues to position reading as a vital component of cultural preservation and creative development.
Speaking during the presentation ceremony, Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Founder and Chairperson of the Kalimat Foundation, highlighted the enduring significance of Arabic-language books for young readers living outside the Arab world.
“For Arab children growing up far from home, a book in Arabic is more than a story, it is a bridge to their heritage, their identity, and their roots”, said Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi as Sharjah gifted a library in Poland.
“Through Pledge a Library, we want to ensure that distance is never a barrier to that connection.
“Reading shapes the way children think, imagine, and understand the world around them, and it is our responsibility to place the right books in their hands, wherever in the world they may be.”
Consequently, the initiative extends beyond literacy into the broader realm of cultural diplomacy, where books serve as vehicles for memory, belonging, and artistic expression.
Supporting Community Learning and Cultural Identity
The library was officially presented at the National Library in Warsaw during a ceremony attended by children and families from Marhaba Bolanda. During the event, Sheikha Bodour met six children from the organisation, who created their own miniature libraries as part of an activity celebrating reading and personal book collections.
Sufian Kayyali, Chairman of the Board at Marhaba Bolanda, emphasized the significance of the donation for the local community.
“This gift means the world to our children and to our community. When a child opens a book in Arabic here in Poland, they feel seen and valued. Their language matters, their culture matters.
“The library from Kalimat Foundation will be treasured by the families we serve, and it gives Marhaba Bolanda a powerful new resource to carry our mission forward. We are deeply grateful to Her Highness Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi and the Foundation for their generosity and for believing in what we are building here.”
Following the ceremony, the library moved to the Hello Poland Center, where it will remain accessible to families and students on a long-term basis.
Meanwhile, the initiative aligns with the Kalimat Foundation’s wider mission to promote equitable access to books and knowledge. Alongside supporting Arabic-language literacy, the foundation continues to develop accessible publishing programmes for children with visual disabilities, ensuring that reading remains available regardless of geography, language barriers, or physical ability.
As Sharjah expands its cultural presence across Europe, projects such as this demonstrate how literature, education, and design-led learning environments can strengthen connections between communities while preserving cultural identity for future generations.