From a small cultural gathering to one of the world's leading literary events, the 45th Sharjah International Book Fair celebrates the power of books to connect people, cultures and generations.
Sharjah: The 45th edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) opened on 4 November 2026 at Expo Centre Sharjah, bringing together writers, publishers, artists, intellectuals and book lovers from around the world. Organised by the Sharjah Book Authority under the theme “Made of Stories,” the 12-day celebration continues to strengthen Sharjah's reputation as an international centre for literature, knowledge and cultural exchange.
The 2026 edition features 3,212 publishers and exhibitors from 126 countries, presenting approximately 1.7 million titles. With 1,500 cultural, creative and artistic activities and 106 invited guests from 25 countries, the fair offers a rich programme that goes far beyond bookselling.
A Grand Opening Celebrating Knowledge and Culture
The fair was officially inaugurated on 4 November by His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. The opening ceremony took place in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, and Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority, alongside distinguished cultural representatives and international guests. During the ceremony, the Ruler of Sharjah highlighted the importance of literature, education and cultural dialogue in building stronger societies. His continued dedication to books and learning has played a central role in transforming Sharjah into an internationally recognised cultural destination.
A major highlight was the announcement of the first 143 volumes of the Comprehensive Arabic Encyclopedia of Science, Literature, Arts and Notable Figures, an ambitious project involving more than 1,500 specialists. Sheikh Sultan also announced the Harun Al Rashid Award, an international initiative recognising outstanding contributions to Arabic knowledge and culture. Moroccan literary scholar Dr Said Yaktine was honoured as the fair's Cultural Personality of the Year, recognising his important contribution to Arabic literature and literary criticism.
From a Small Library to an International Cultural Landmark
The story of the Sharjah International Book Fair began long before it became a major international event. In the early 1980s, a group of intellectuals and cultural enthusiasts organised a modest Arab Book Fair inside the library of the Social and Cultural Club, located in a building overlooking Sharjah's Khalid Lagoon. The early initiative was supported by individuals who believed that books and cultural discussions should have a greater place in society. Among those involved were Abdul Hamid Ahmad, Abdullah Al Abbasi and Sudanese intellectual Mohammed Abu Al Qasim Haj Hamad.
The encouraging response from readers led to a larger exhibition at Expo Centre Sharjah, supported by Sharjah's cultural authorities. The initiative eventually developed into the Sharjah International Book Fair, officially established in 1982. Over the following decades, the fair grew through the vision and continuous support of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi. What began as a local gathering gradually attracted publishers, writers and readers from across the Arab world and beyond. Today, the fair represents more than four decades of cultural development. It reflects Sharjah's long-term commitment to making reading, publishing and education essential parts of community life.
Oman Takes Centre Stage as Guest of Honour
One of the special features of the 2026 edition is the participation of the Sultanate of Oman as Guest of Honour, celebrating the country's literary traditions, cultural heritage and contemporary creativity. Oman's participation includes a delegation of 50 cultural representatives, among them 41 writers and poets. Its programme features 15 cultural sessions, six children's workshops and 20 artistic performances.
Visitors have the opportunity to explore Omani poetry, literature, music, traditional arts and cultural heritage through exhibitions, discussions and performances. The programme also introduces audiences to contemporary Omani creative voices. The Guest of Honour presentation highlights the close cultural relationship between the UAE and Oman while creating opportunities for writers, publishers and artists from both countries to connect with international audiences.
A Meeting Place for International Authors and Creative Voices
The 45th edition brings together an impressive range of international and regional literary personalities. Among the featured writers are acclaimed British crime novelist Clare Mackintosh, Nigerian-American speculative fiction author Nnedi Okorafor, Chinese novelist Liu Zhenyun and award-winning translator Daisy Rockwell.
Emirati writers and cultural personalities, including Sultan Al Ameemi, Ali Abu Al Reesh, Dubai Abulhoul and Aisha Sultan, are also part of the wider programme. Through author conversations, panel discussions, book launches, poetry readings and signing sessions, visitors can engage directly with creative minds and discover new perspectives on literature, identity, history and contemporary society. The participation of writers from different backgrounds makes the fair a meeting place for languages, experiences and ideas.
Beyond Books: Creativity, Art and Interactive Experiences
The Sharjah International Book Fair has developed into a vibrant cultural festival where literature meets art, education, technology and entertainment. This year's programme introduces several creative experiences designed for different age groups. The new Poets' Corner offers visitors an opportunity to share their personal memories with poets, who transform these stories into personalised poems in Arabic or English.
For younger visitors, the Future Hands District provides an interactive learning environment where children aged three to seven can explore different professions through imaginative activities. The fair also includes creative writing workshops, acting sessions, theatrical performances, cooking demonstrations and educational activities. The fifth Thriller Festival, held from 7 to 10 November, brings together international crime and mystery writers for conversations about storytelling, suspense and the creative process.These programmes demonstrate how a book fair can become a space for discovery, learning and artistic participation, encouraging people to experience literature in different ways.
Supporting the Global Publishing Industry
Beyond its public celebrations, the Sharjah International Book Fair plays an important role in connecting the international publishing community. The fair provides a platform for publishers, literary agents, translators, distributors and cultural institutions to explore partnerships and introduce new works to global audiences. Professional initiatives surrounding the 2026 edition include the Sharjah Publishers Conference, held from 1 to 3 November, and the Sharjah International Library Conference, held from 7 to 9 November.
These gatherings create opportunities to discuss the future of publishing, translation, digital developments and the changing needs of readers. Through its international activities and cultural partnerships, Sharjah has helped expand the visibility of Arabic literature while encouraging the exchange of books and ideas between different languages and regions.
Sharjah's Cultural Vision: Building a Legacy Through Books
One of the most remarkable aspects of the Sharjah International Book Fair is the vision behind its development. For decades, His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi has supported literature, education, heritage and the arts as essential foundations of society. As a historian, author and cultural advocate, the Ruler of Sharjah has consistently emphasised the importance of preserving knowledge while encouraging new generations to read, research and create.
Under the leadership of Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, the Sharjah Book Authority continues to expand the fair's international presence, strengthen publishing opportunities and introduce programmes that bring literature closer to families and young readers. The fair also reflects the contribution of countless writers, cultural professionals, publishers and organisers who have supported its journey over the years. What began as a small initiative has become an important part of the UAE's cultural identity and an example of how long-term investment in knowledge can create lasting international impact.
A Celebration of Stories That Connect the World
The 45th Sharjah International Book Fair is a reminder that books continue to hold a special place in an increasingly digital world. Every book carries a different experience. Every writer introduces a new perspective. Every reader becomes part of a larger conversation that crosses borders, languages and generations. For children, the fair opens doors to imagination and learning. For writers, it offers a platform to share their voices. For publishers, it creates opportunities for collaboration. For artists and cultural professionals, it demonstrates the close relationship between literature, visual expression and human creativity.
As the 2026 edition continues through 15 November, the fair once again brings the international literary community together in Sharjah. From its humble beginnings overlooking Khalid Lagoon to its present position on the global cultural stage, the Sharjah International Book Fair represents a journey of dedication, vision and shared passion. Forty-five editions later, its greatest achievement is not simply the number of books displayed or countries represented, but the generations of readers, thinkers and creative voices it continues to inspire. And in Sharjah, that story is still being written.
Editorial feature prepared for Art4you Magazine. Based on information from Sharjah Book Authority, Emirates News Agency (WAM), Sharjah Government Media Bureau and Emirates 24|7, with additional independent editorial writing.