Ramina Books rings in New Year with literary celebration in Sharjah

SHARJAH, United Arab Emirates –

Ramina Books marked the start of the New Year with a vibrant celebration of literature and the creative minds behind it, hosting a cultural evening on Sunday, 28 December, at the House of Wisdom in Sharjah. The event brought together writers, poets, and artists published by the press, creating an atmosphere where diverse voices, languages, and artistic expressions could intersect.

The programme featured a rich tapestry of poetry readings, literary presentations, intellectual interventions and musical performances, drawing a large audience of readers, writers and cultural figures. The evening highlighted the press’s commitment to fostering dialogue and cross-cultural exchange through literature.

Abdullah Mezar, Executive Director of Ramina Books, opened the event with remarks emphasising the role of the book as a shared space for dialogue and understanding. Reflecting on 2025, Mezar noted the press’s participation in regional and international book fairs, the expansion of its translation programmes, and the launch of new publishing initiatives. He described the House of Wisdom as an emblematic venue, symbolising the press’s dedication to literature as a humanistic space that bridges cultural and linguistic divides.

Mezar highlighted Ramina Books’ ongoing multilingual publishing project, which encompasses both original works and translations aimed at connecting literatures across languages. Over the past year, the press has broadened its translation activity from and into Arabic, particularly into English, Kurdish, Bosnian, and Turkish, enabling access to a wider and more diverse readership.

Significant partnerships were also forged throughout 2025 with public and private institutions in publishing, printing, and translation. Among the press’s notable initiatives was the launch of the Cholbir Prize for Kurdish Lexicographical Studies, established in memory of the late researcher Bilal Hassan. Looking ahead, Mezar announced that 2026 will see the introduction of specialised publishing series focused on African literature, sports literature, art and architecture, and Syriac-language publications.

The evening itself was punctuated by memorable literary readings. Syrian poet Fawaz Qadri, based in Germany, shared excerpts from his collection “The Lover’s Biography, the Biography of Place,” recently translated into Kurdish by Ramina Books. Syrian poet Jamil Dari, living in the UAE, also read selections from “I Have No Wing,” published in both Arabic and Kurdish.

Syrian-Ukrainian writer Catherine Yahya presented an intimate reading from her memoir “I Was Still a Child When I Grew Up,” reflecting life shaped by dual cultural and geographical experiences and by the enduring presence of war. Rather than depicting conflict directly, the narrative explored how war permeates language, belonging, and identity through everyday experiences and memory.

Poet Suad Suleiman then performed extracts from “Inscriptions on the Cross,” a novel by writer and visual artist Ismail Al Rifai. The work examines the intersection of art, memory, and human suffering through the lens of a painter whose creative practice embodies revelation rather than mere aesthetics. Drawing on imagery of the Euphrates and a ruined city, the novel explores fragility, loss, and the redemptive possibilities of art and writing.

The evening also included a presentation of “All Things Are Devoid of Philosophy: Spiritual Confessions in the Age of Reason” by Iraqi-American author Mashhad Al Allaf. Blending autobiography with philosophical reflection, the book navigates questions of perception, meaning, and lived experience, tracing intellectual formation across Iraqi and international contexts.

Musical performances enriched the event further. Bahraini artist Hasan Hujairi performed oud compositions that weave together musical composition, sound art, and cultural research, exploring the evolution of musical narratives over time. Artist and translator Lawin Sheikho performed on the baglama and sang in Arabic and Kurdish, complementing the evening’s literary explorations with musical storytelling.

The programme concluded with an open discussion between authors and audience, underlining the importance of cultural gatherings as spaces for intellectual exchange and human connection. Attendees were then invited to explore the exhibition “The Dice Player” by Mahmoud Darwish, currently on display at the House of Wisdom.

The event was not just a celebration of literature; it was a testament to the enduring power of the written word, translation and artistic collaboration to foster understanding across cultures as Ramina Books moves into 2026.