Sharjah International Book Fair 2026 Assembles Global Literary Community for Unprecedented Celebration
The 45th edition of the prestigious Sharjah International Book Fair will welcome nearly 2,700 publishers and exhibitors from 124 countries, alongside eminent writers and intellectuals, for a twelve-day exploration of stories and their transformative power.
The 45th Sharjah International Book Fair will unfold from November 4 to 15 at Expo Centre Sharjah, establishing itself as a resplendent gathering of the world’s publishing community. Centred upon the evocative theme ‘Made of Stories’, the fair will convene 2,673 publishers and exhibitors drawn from 124 countries, creating an unparalleled platform for cultural dialogue and professional exchange.
This distinguished edition will welcome 106 writers, artists and intellectuals from 25 countries, presenting a comprehensive programme encompassing 1,500 cultural and artistic events. Oman will be celebrated as Guest of Honour, with 50 participants including 41 writers and poets who will present a multifaceted exploration of Omani literature, heritage and artistic traditions.
Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, Chief Executive Officer of the Sharjah Book Authority, articulated the fair’s profound vision, explaining that ‘Made of Stories’ celebrates how narratives shape memory, identity and understanding across generations, whilst acknowledging humanity’s imperative to create stories for posterity. He emphasised the fair’s continuation of a cultural vision established by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, whose foundational commitment to books and knowledge as instruments of human development remains central to the emirate’s trajectory.
The fair will showcase an impressive assembly of literary talent spanning multiple continents. Emirati participants include Dr. Sultan Al Ameemi, Dr. Habib Ghuloom, Dr. Shihab Ghanem and Aisha Sultan, alongside Arab guests such as Moroccan academic Dr. Said Yaktine and Lebanese novelist Najwa Barakat. International figures will include British novelist Clare Mackintosh, Chinese novelist Liu Zhenyun, Nigerian author Nnedi Okorafor and Indian writer Shenaz Treasurywala.
The fair’s experiential offerings extend considerably beyond traditional exhibitions. ‘Poets’ Corner’ will transform visitors’ personal stories into poetry in both Arabic and English, whilst ‘Future Hands District’ will present an interactive educational environment introducing children to diverse professions. Three theatrical productions requiring advance booking will include the exclusive premiere of the musical ‘When Memories Sing’ and interactive family experiences.
The fifth edition of the Thriller Festival, held from November 7 to 10 in collaboration with Capital Crime London and Thriller Festival New York, will assemble more than 12 specialists including crime and mystery writers, literary agents and screenwriters. Distinguished participants will encompass both established and emerging voices across the genre.
Professional development opportunities will be abundant, commencing with the Publishers’ Training Programme on October 31, organised in collaboration with New York University. The 16th Sharjah Publishers Conference will follow from November 1 to 3, welcoming publishers from 17 countries, including nine nations participating for the inaugural time. The Sharjah International Library Conference, held November 7 to 9 in partnership with the American Library Association, will convene more than 400 librarians and information professionals to explore contemporary library leadership and community engagement.
The fair will feature culinary demonstrations through the Cookery Corner, where Arab and international chefs will present live cooking masterclasses, introducing visitors to ingredients and techniques from diverse culinary traditions. Participants will represent Syria, Palestine, Lebanon, Pakistan, Greece, India, Oman and the Caribbean regions.
The Sharjah Book Authority has coordinated with the Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority to establish supplementary parking facilities and transport services, ensuring accessibility throughout the fair’s twelve-day duration.
Source: WAM