Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF)

Under the theme ‘Between You and a Book’ the 44th Edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair offers 12 days of panel discussions, talks, and interactive workshops with a lineup of authors, creators, and publishers. There’s also a full cultural programme of artistic, theatrical, and live performances. In total, SIBF will have 1,200 events and books from 2,350 publishers and exhibitors from 118 countries

The Republic of Greece, previously announced as this year’s official Guest of Honour, will deliver a programme centred around “edutainment,” including book signings, interactive workshops, and performances.

Said Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, chair of the organising Sharjah Book Authority: “We take pride in the fair’s role as a global platform that places Arab culture at the centre of the human knowledge landscape. This year’s theme, ‘Between You and a Book’, underscores that the relationship between people and books is a continuous and reciprocal journey, where readers not only discover new knowledge but also uncover something new about themselves. They also come to understand that books serve as a bridge that fosters communication between cultures and empowers individuals and societies to shape a more enlightened future.”

Highlights:

Cultural programme Over 300 events, including panel discussions, workshops, and readings that highlight a wide range of creative. Pre-booked workshops in both Arabic and English feature topics such as thriller writing, editing techniques, and “therapeutic writing”

Pop-Up Academy 24 interactive sessions led by influencers and specialists across literature, media, art and technology.

Poetry Pharmacy Visitors receive personalised ‘prescriptions’ of poetry, delivered in specially designed bottles with bilingual Arabic and English label

Podcast Station A first for SIBF – a selection of well-known Arabic podcast programmes including Asmar from Saudi Arabia, Karakpodcast from Oman and Kirsi Al Ithnayn from the UAE.

Poetry café A series of poetry evenings in multiple languages, including Arabic, English, Greek, Russian, Urdu, Punjabi, Tagalog, and Malayalam.

Thriller Festival The fourth edition of the Thriller Festival (a collaboration with Thriller Festival New York) runs 8-11 November. Fans can engage thriller specialists including authors, literary agents, and screenwriters.

Cookery Corner  The Cookery Corner brings together global flavours and cultural storytelling through 42 events led by 15 chefs from 14 countries.

SIBF runs 5 to 16 November, open daily 10am to 10pm (Fridays 4pm to 11pm).