English Decolonization via UAE Book Fairs: PhD Insights on Pedagogy and ESL Learners

Recent research from Global Studies University (GSU) Sharjah highlights a transformative approach to English language teaching in the United Arab Emirates. PhD candidate Kate Qazi's work on English decolonization via UAE book fairs offers fresh insights into how major cultural events like the Sharjah International Book Fair and Abu Dhabi International Book Fair influence pedagogy for English as a Second Language (ESL) learners. Presented at the 30th TESOL International Conference in Dubai, her paper underscores the need for culturally responsive teaching methods in UAE higher education institutions.

UAE universities, such as UAE University and Khalifa University, increasingly prioritize ESL proficiency amid English-medium instruction dominance. With over 57,000 new students enrolling in 2024-2025, many require robust language support. Qazi's study bridges book fairs' cultural showcases with classroom practices, advocating for decolonized strategies that empower learners' identities.

🌍 The Rise of UAE Book Fairs as Cultural Powerhouses

The United Arab Emirates hosts some of the world's largest book fairs, drawing millions annually. The Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF), held each November, featured 2,350 publishers from 118 countries in 2025, with extensive educational programs including workshops for students. Similarly, the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF) in 2025 attracted participants from 96 nations, emphasizing translation and youth engagement.

These events transcend commerce, serving as platforms for literary exchange. SIBF's 750+ workshops covered creative writing and cultural discussions, attended by thousands of UAE school and university students. ADIBF's children's zones and community initiatives promote reading, directly impacting ESL development by exposing learners to diverse narratives.

• SIBF 2025: Over 1,200 events, including student-focused sessions on storytelling.
• ADIBF 2025: Free access for hundreds of thousands, bridging literature and arts.
• Combined attendance: Millions, fostering bilingual literacy.

For ESL students in UAE colleges, these fairs provide immersive experiences, blending Arabic heritage with global English texts.Explore UAE higher education opportunities.

Understanding English Decolonization in ESL Contexts

English decolonization involves shifting from colonial-era teaching models—rooted in British or American norms—to inclusive pedagogies honoring local languages and cultures. In the Gulf, where English-medium instruction prevails, this addresses 'domain loss' in Arabic, as noted in comparative studies of UAE and Saudi Arabia.

ESL learners, often Emirati or expatriate students in UAE universities, navigate identity tensions. Research shows prolonged English exposure heightens cultural preservation concerns. Decolonization promotes hybrid approaches: integrating Arabic literature, translanguaging (mixing languages naturally), and context-specific materials.

Qazi's framework positions book fairs as catalysts, revealing how increased Arabic representation counters Eurocentric biases in ESL curricula.

Kate Qazi's PhD Research: Methodology and Core Insights

Developed in GSU Sharjah's Theory and Methods I course, Qazi's study analyzes two decades of UAE book fair data. Treating fairs as Field Configuring Events (FCEs)—temporary hubs reshaping industries—she maps trends in Arabic content visibility.

Key insights include evolving publisher participation: from Western dominance to balanced Arab-global mixes. This influences ESL pedagogy by modeling confident, culturally anchored English use. Strategies proposed: Incorporate fair-inspired texts into syllabi, encourage learner-led discussions on local-global intersections.

Presented February 7-8, 2026, at American University in Dubai, amid AI-inclusive ELT discussions, her work aligns with GSU's interdisciplinary PhD in Global Studies.

Book Fairs as Field Configuring Events for ESL Pedagogy

Field Configuring Events (FCEs) like SIBF and ADIBF configure fields by convening stakeholders, sparking innovations. For ESL, they democratize access: Booths showcase Arabic-English hybrids, workshops teach narrative skills transferable to classrooms.

In UAE higher ed, where 38% expatriates study, fairs combat monolingual biases. Students report heightened engagement when lessons reference fair encounters, fostering ownership over English as a plurilingual tool.Career advice for ESL educators.

Practical Impacts on UAE University Classrooms

UAE universities like Zayed University integrate ESL foundations, but decolonization lags. Qazi's research suggests fair-curated materials: Use SIBF-awarded Arabic-translated works for reading comprehension, discuss ADIBF panels on cultural identity.

Pilots at NYU Abu Dhabi show 20% motivation gains with localized content.

Case Studies: SIBF and ADIBF in Action

Sharjah International Book Fair 2025 hosted student zones with ESL storytelling workshops, aligning with UAE's reading initiatives. Over 10,000 youth participated, many university-bound ESL learners.

ADIBF 2025's Emirati creativity programs empowered nascent authors, influencing pedagogy: UAEU now uses fair-inspired prompts for essay writing.

These cases illustrate fairs' role in bridging extracurriculars and higher ed ESL.Visit SIBF site.

Challenges in Implementing Decolonized ESL Pedagogy

Barriers include curriculum rigidity, teacher training gaps, and English policy mandates. Surveys reveal 70% UAE students value Arabic integration, yet only 40% classes reflect it.

• Teacher resistance to change
• Resource scarcity for hybrid materials
• Assessment focus on standardized English

Solutions: Professional development via TESOL networks, fair partnerships for free resources.

Stakeholder Perspectives and University Responses

GSU Sharjah advisors praise interdisciplinary links. TESOL attendees lauded contextual strategies. UAE Ministry of Education supports via reading programs, aligning with Vision 2031.

Universities like American University in Dubai host similar conferences, signaling momentum.UAE university jobs.

Future Outlook: AI, Fairs, and ESL Evolution

With TESOL's AI theme, tools like adaptive translators can amplify decolonization. Future fairs may feature VR cultural immersions. Projections: By 2030, 80% UAE ESL programs culturally inflected.

Qazi's work inspires scalable models for Gulf higher ed.

Photo by Marija Zaric on Unsplash

Actionable Insights for Educators and Institutions

Attend fairs for materials; redesign syllabi with FCE insights; train via GSU-like programs. Explore higher ed jobs in UAE, rate professors, or career advice to advance decolonized teaching.