His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, inaugurated the 45th Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF 2026) at Expo Centre Sharjah on Wednesday, bringing together 2,673 publishers and exhibitors from 124 countries in one of the region’s largest literary and cultural gatherings.
Held from November 4 to 15 under the theme “Made of Stories”, the 12-day fair features more than 1,500 cultural, creative and artistic events, with 106 writers, artists and intellectuals from 25 countries participating.
The annual event reinforces Sharjah’s position as a global centre for publishing, literature and cultural exchange, offering visitors opportunities to meet internationally acclaimed authors, explore new publications and participate in discussions, workshops and performances.
International literary stars
This year’s fair brings together an array of internationally recognised writers, intellectuals and cultural figures.
Among the prominent guests are Nigerian author Nnedi Okorafor, British crime novelist Clare Mackintosh, Chinese novelist Liu Zhenyun, American writer and translator Daisy Rockwell, and American-Canadian author John Vaillant.
Other participants include Indian actress and writer Shenaz Treasurywala, Filipino historian Ambeth R. Ocampo and Syrian-Canadian novelist Zoulfa Katouh.
Leading Emirati literary and cultural figures will also participate, including Sultan Al Ameemi, Ali Abu Al Reesh, Habib Ghuloom, Dubai Abulhoul and Aisha Sultan.
Through literary discussions and interactive sessions, the programme will explore subjects ranging from fiction, history and cultural identity to science, technology and contemporary social issues.
Oman takes centre stage
Oman takes centre stage as this year’s Guest of Honour, presenting a programme celebrating its literary heritage, artistic traditions and cultural identity.
Oman’s participation includes a 50-member delegation, among them 41 writers and poets, who will showcase the country’s literary achievements and cultural traditions.
Its programme features 15 cultural sessions, six children’s workshops and 20 artistic performances, highlighting Omani literature, traditional music, cuisine and heritage.
The activities aim to introduce visitors to the Sultanate’s cultural diversity while strengthening literary and intellectual exchanges between Oman and the wider international publishing community.
New experiences for visitors
Among the fair’s distinctive attractions is Poets’ Corner, an interactive experience allowing visitors to share personal stories and have them transformed into poetry in Arabic or English.
Young visitors can explore potential career paths at Future Hands District, an educational city designed to introduce children to different professions through hands-on activities.
The fair will also stage theatrical productions, scientific demonstrations and creative workshops aimed at engaging audiences of different ages.
The musical When Memories Sing, scheduled for November 7, will take audiences on a nostalgic journey through childhood songs and memories.
On November 8, Impossible or Science?! will combine optical illusions, scientific experiments and audience participation to explain complex phenomena through entertainment.
The outdoor stage will host Waterland on November 14 and 15, featuring a cast of regional performers.
German novelist Daniela Tully will lead specialised creative writing workshops, while Egyptian actor Khaled El Sawy will conduct acting sessions focusing on performance, improvisation and character development.
Crime fiction and culinary attractions
Mystery and suspense enthusiasts will have a dedicated programme at the fifth Thriller Festival, running from November 7 to 10.
The festival will bring together more than 12 crime fiction writers, literary agents and screenwriters, including Clare Mackintosh, Karen Dionne, Vaseem Khan, Abir Mukherjee and David Fennell.
Visitors will have opportunities to explore the craft of suspense writing, character development and storytelling through discussions with leading names in the genre.
Food enthusiasts can also attend live cooking demonstrations at Cookery Corner, featuring international chefs including Pakistani-British chef Kausar Raja and India’s Romy Gill.
Global publishing and library conferences
The Sharjah International Library Conference, scheduled for November 7 to 9, will bring together more than 400 librarians and information professionals to exchange expertise and explore developments in library services and information management.
With its extensive international participation and diverse programme, the fair continues to strengthen Sharjah’s role in advancing publishing, supporting literary creativity and promoting cultural dialogue across borders.
