The Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) has revealed the agenda of the 44th edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF), which will take place at Expo Centre Sharjah from November 5-16, 2025, under the theme ‘between you and a book ’.
SIBF 2025 will host 2,350 publishers and exhibitors from 118 countries who will showcase millions of titles and books in various languages. This year’s fair will feature more than 1,200 activities led by more than 250 authors and intellectuals from 66 Arab and foreign countries, including over 300 cultural events and 750 workshops for children and adults.
Organized by Sharjah Book Authority, the book fair will feature a lineup of new activities, where visitors will enjoy the “Pop-Up Social Media Academy,” which will host 24 interactive sessions led by influencers and experts in literature, media, art, and technology. The event also includes the “Poetry Pharmacy” store, offering “customised poetic prescriptions” for visitors, as well as a podcast station hosting popular Arabic programs from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Oman.
This year’s edition will give visitors an opportunity to virtually visit Greece and gain a glimpse into its history, arts and architecture, as well as its historical legacy of thought and human philosophy. Greece will be the official Guest of Honour to the fair, which will host 58 Greek publishers and cultural institutions, presenting a diverse cultural programme featuring an elite group of most prominent writers, poets, translators, and stage actors. The programme will spotlight Greece’s literary heritage, artistic excellence, and notable impact on world culture.
From November 8–11, the fair will host the 4th edition of the Thriller Festival, in collaboration with Thriller Festival New York. Over four days, fans can engage with 13 international experts, authors, agents, screenwriters through panels and workshops on crime, suspense, narrative techniques, and plot design.
SIBF 2025 will give visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of thrilling storytelling through discussion sessions and interactive workshops that reveal the secrets of crafting suspense and intricate plots in contemporary literature.
The announcement was made during a press conference at SBA headquarters, was attended by Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of SBA; Panagiotis Kougiou, Chargé d’Affaires for the Greek Embassy in the United Arab Emirates; Mohammed Hassan Khalaf, Director-General of the Sharjah Broadcasting Authority; Mohammed Al Amimi, General Manager of e& UAE; Khoula Al Mujaini, General Coordinator of SIBF; and Mansour Al Hassani, Director of Publishing Services at SBA, as well as a crowd of journalists, media professionals and representatives of media outlets.
Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri highlighted the important and personal bond between people and books; and how every reader’s interaction with the written word becomes part of their own life story, revealing something of who they are and the world they carry within. He noted that this relationship between reader and book is what inspired this year’s theme, celebrating the dialogue and self-discovery that every reading experience invites.
He added, “Year after year, SIBF stands as a testament to the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, who has always believed in the book as the most expansive space for dialogue between cultures and civilisations. This journey continues today under the leadership of Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of SBA, whose efforts are reinforcing Sharjah’s status as a global hub for knowledge and creativity, while advancing the presence of Arabic literature across the world.”
Mohamed Hassan Khalaf said, “We are proud of our media partnership with the Sharjah Book Authority, helping to share the vibrant story of this major cultural event with the world. The Authority has long been a strategic partner in Sharjah’s cultural initiatives, consistently documenting the emirate’s cultural achievements and highlighting its diverse events. The Sharjah International Book Fair stands at the forefront of these activities, restoring the book’s prominence and significance in society.”
Mohamed Al Amimi added, “E& UAE seeks to empower communities by providing the latest digital solutions and innovative technologies. Supporting this fair is an extension of our social responsibility and a way to back initiatives that promote knowledge while strengthening the UAE’s position as a hub for culture and creativity.”
Cultural Programme
The fair’s cultural programme will feature 300 events, with 66 international guests from 19 countries, 62 Arab guests from 20 countries, and 30 Emirati speakers contributing their expertise and creativity. This year, the programme will also welcome speakers from 10 countries participating for the first time, including Iceland, Jamaica, Nigeria, Mali, Chad, Angola, Mozambique, Guinea, Senegal, and Vietnam.
Among the 15 events requiring prior registration in both Arabic and English are: the “TV Series Scriptwriting Workshop” led by Mohamed Suleiman Abdelmalik, “The Art of Writing Novels and Short Stories” by Abdulwahab Al Rifai, “Unleash Your Creative Energy and Reflect on Your Heritage – Creative Writing Workshop” by world-renowned novelist Dr. Nguyen Phan Que Mai, “From Final Draft to Published Book – The Role of the Editor” by literary editor Sangeeta Mehta, and “What Do Translators Really Do? – The Art of Literary Translation” led by Emory University professor Lisa Dillman.
As part of the fair’s aim to expand cultural and intellectual influence in innovative ways, the Pop-Up Social Media Academy will offer an interactive platform combining learning, inspiration, and entertainment through 24 sessions led by influencers and experts in literature, media, arts, and technology.
SIBF 2025 will also host the 12th Sharjah International Library Conference from November 8 to 10, organised by the Sharjah Book Authority in collaboration with the American Library Association (ALA). The conference is expected to attract over 400 participants, including academic, public, school, government, and private librarians from around the world.
