One of the world’s largest book fairs opened its doors in Sharjah on Wednesday. The 45th edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair runs at Expo Centre Sharjah until November 15 under the theme “Made of Stories”.
Bigger than planned
The scale has grown since the first announcements. The Sharjah Book Authority, which organises the fair, says the final line-up includes 3,212 publishers and exhibitors from 126 countries, presenting 1.7 million titles across many languages and genres. That is higher than the roughly 2,700 exhibitors from 124 countries cited when the programme was unveiled in October. The authority also announced around 1,500 cultural and artistic events and 106 writers, artists and intellectuals from 25 countries.
Oman takes centre stage
This year’s Guest of Honour is Oman. Organisers say the Omani programme includes 15 cultural sessions, six children’s workshops and 20 artistic performances, giving visitors a view of the sultanate’s writers, thinkers and artists. Sharjah’s own recent cultural outreach adds context. In May, the emirate became the first Arab Guest of Honour at the Warsaw International Book Fair, and in June the UAE was a guest of honour at the Beijing Book Fair.
New experiences for visitors
Organisers have leaned into the “Made of Stories” theme with two new attractions. “Poets’ Corner” lets visitors share a personal story and have it turned into a poem in Arabic or English. Khaleej Times adds that “Future Hands District” is an interactive space that introduces children to different professions.
The wider programme mixes author talks, children’s workshops, theatre and live cooking demonstrations. Among the guests, Gulf News reports that Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan is expected to attend, alongside authors from several countries.
Industry and recognition
Beyond the public programme, the fair is an important trading floor for the publishing industry. The Sharjah International Library Conference will take place from November 7 to 9, organised with the American Library Association. Prizes also feature. The Sharjah Book Authority has said ten awards worth a combined AED 625,000 will be announced at the opening ceremony, covering Emirati books, Arabic novels, international books in English and publisher recognition.
The Ruler of Sharjah, Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, has previously said the second instalment of his Comprehensive Arabic Encyclopaedia would be presented at this year’s fair, a notable moment for Arabic scholarship.
Getting there
Transport has been a priority after busy previous editions. The Initiatives Implementation Authority and the Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority say several roads serving Expo Centre Sharjah are ready, including access routes around Al Corniche Road and Al Ittihad Road. The authorities say the aim is to improve traffic flow and make the venue easier to reach.
The Sharjah Book Authority will run daily bus services from Dubai and Ajman, free boat transport from two stations in Sharjah, and extra free parking with shuttle connections to the venue. Khaleej Times reports that the Dubai-Sharjah ferry is also an option, with fares starting at Dh15.
Tips for first-time visitors
- Plan around weekday mornings if you prefer quieter halls, since evenings and weekends tend to draw larger crowds.
- Use the free shuttles and boats rather than driving to the venue.
- Check the fair’s official programme for author sessions, children’s activities and cooking demonstrations before you go.
- Bring a list: with more than a million titles on show, a short wish list helps.
Why it matters
Book fairs can feel like relics in a digital age. Sharjah’s keeps growing. It has become a meeting point for publishers selling rights, authors reaching new readers and families looking for a cultural day out. The emirate has long treated books as part of its development strategy, and this edition’s mix of Arabic literature, international publishing and children’s programming reflects that approach.
For residents, the fair offers a rare chance to browse an enormous range of titles, from Arabic poetry to international fiction, in one place. It also gives families a low-cost way to spend the next twelve days.
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