Get ready to enter the world of books, stories and authors as the 45th Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF 2026), which will take place from November 4-15 under the theme ‘Made of Stories’, is bringing together 2,673 publishers and exhibitors from 124 countries, and as many 1,500 events at Expo Centre Sharjah.
This year’s edition will also host 106 writers, artists and intellectuals from 25 countries. Oman is the Guest of Honour, presenting a programme celebrating its literature, heritage, writers and artists. The details were announced at a press conference held by the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) at its headquarters in Sharjah.
The Authority unveiled the dates of the Thriller Festival and Sharjah International Library Conference, and new visitor experiences, including ‘Poets’ Corner’, where visitors’ stories are transformed into poems in Arabic and English, and ‘Future Hands District’, an interactive educational city designed to introduce children to different professions.
Stories That Shape Generations
In his keynote, H.E. Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of SBA, said: “For 45 years, SIBF has brought together readers, writers, publishers and creative minds from around the world. This year’s theme, ‘Made of Stories’, celebrates how the stories we read, hear and pass down through generations shape our memories, identity and understanding of the world, and how we create stories of our own to leave for future generations.”
He added: “The journey of SIBF is part of the wider cultural vision established by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, who made books and knowledge the foundation for human development and a bridge connecting cultures and peoples.”
“Today, under the guidance of Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of SBA, we continue to advance this vision, strengthening the fair’s status as a global publishing platform and expanding opportunities for publishers and creative professionals to collaborate and reach new readers and markets,” he concluded.
Celebrating Omani culture
Discussing the Guest of Honour participation, H.E. Ahmed bin Saud bin Nasser Al Rawahi, Assistant Director General for Knowledge and Cultural Development at Oman’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, and Director of the Muscat International Book Fair said: “We see this celebration as a tribute to Oman and its culture, and an opportunity to strengthen the longstanding ties between our countries and peoples. Oman’s selection as Guest of Honour builds on a shared history and close relations rooted in brotherhood and neighbourliness.”
He added: “Our participation will introduce visitors to Oman’s history, heritage and cultural achievements while encouraging dialogue and exchange between Oman and Sharjah. The programme includes literary and intellectual discussions, poetry evenings, historical and cultural events, and workshops for children and young people.”
Oman will bring 50 participants, including 41 writers and poets. Its programme will explore the country’s history, heritage and cultural identity, alongside developments in Omani literature, poetry and the arts. Visitors will also be introduced to Omani cuisine, with activities for children and young people.
Participating writers and poets include novelist Zahran Al Qasmi, Dr. Mohammed Al Yahyai, poet Hassan Al Matrooshi, winner of the Al Muallaqa Prize for Classical Arabic Poetry, Dr.Abdulaziz Al Omairi, winner of the Al Burda Award for Nabati Poetry, Dr. Mahmoud bin Mohammed Al Rahbi, and writer and storyteller Ahmed bin Nasser Al Rashdi.
Bringing Stories to Life
Khoula Al Mujaini, General Coordinator of SIBF, outlined the fair’s cultural and artistic programme, explaining how this year’s theme shapes the activities and experiences offered to visitors.
She said: “Stories have been part of our lives since childhood, shaping our memories and how we understand ourselves and the world. We also create stories through what we write, share and leave behind. This idea inspired the theme of the 45th edition and runs throughout its books, discussions and activities, giving every visitor the chance to discover a new story, experience a different chapter or begin one of their own.”
Expanding Opportunities for Publishers
Mansour Al Hassani, Director of Publishing Services at SBA, outlined the professional programme accompanying the fair and the opportunities it offers publishers to develop their businesses, exchange expertise, and expand rights trading and translation activities across international markets.
He said: “The Sharjah International Book Fair’s programme brings together publishers and book industry professionals from around the world, giving them opportunities to discuss developments in publishing markets, develop their skills, and build new business relationships and partnerships.”
SIBF 2026 will welcome 2,673 publishers, including 1,151 Arab and 1,122 international publishers, showcasing titles in multiple languages across literature, science, children’s books and other fields.
Cultural Events and Guest Speakers
SIBF 2026 will feature 1,500 cultural and creative events, bringing together 106 guests from 25 countries. The programme includes panel discussions, literary talks, workshops, theatrical performances and interactive activities for children and adults.
Emirati and Arab speakers
SIBF 2026 will welcome Emirati writers, thinkers, poets and artists, including Dr.Sultan Al Ameemi, Ali Abu Al Reesh, Dr.Habib Ghuloom, Dr.Shihab Ghanem, Dr.Ahmed Al Khoori, Fathiya Al Nimr, Dubai Abulhoul, Aisha Sultan and Nasser Al Dhaheri.
Arab guests will include Moroccan academic and researcher Dr.Said Yaktine, a specialist in narratology, literary theory and digital literature; Lebanese actor, writer and director Rafiq Ali Ahmad; and Lebanese novelist and journalist Najwa Barakat.
The programme will also feature Sudanese novelist Dr.Amir Tag Elsir, Kuwaiti novelist Saud Alsanousi, and Syrian-Canadian author Zoulfa Katouh.
International Authors and Academics
SIBF 2026 will welcome international writers, researchers and creative figures like American writer, artist and translator Daisy Rockwell; American-Canadian novelist and journalist John Vaillant; Chinese novelist and screenwriter Liu Zhenyun; and Filipino historian Ambeth R. Ocampo.
The programme will also feature Nigerian author Nnedi Okorafor; British novelist Clare Mackintosh; and Indian actress, writer and content creator Shenaz Treasurywala.
Other participants include Australian writer and designer Peter Gould; South African actress and producer Salamina Mosese; Singaporean poet Natalie Wang; German novelist Daniela Tully; and Thailand’s Rewat Panpipat
Workshops
SIBF 2026 will also feature two specialised courses requiring advance registration. German novelist Daniela Tully will lead a course on narrative voice, character development, dialogue, editing and the publishing process. Meanwhile, Egyptian actor and writer Khaled El Sawy will present ‘Acting Studio: From Training to the Stage’, focusing on performance techniques, character development and improvisation.
Thriller Festival and Theatre
The fifth edition of the thriller festival will bring together international mystery and thriller writer while there will also be three theatrical performances staged during the 12-day book fair.
Cookery Corner
The Cookery Corner will bring together Arab and international chefs for live cooking demonstrations, introducing visitors to ingredients, flavours and techniques from different culinary traditions.
Participating chefs include Mohammad Orfali from Syria, Salam Daqqaq from Palestine, Jad Youssef from Lebanon, Kausar Raja from Pakistan and the UK, and Marina Georgallides from Greece and the UK.
They will be joined by Xavier Bramble from the Caribbean and the UK; Nitisha Patel, Romy Gill and Monisha Bharadwaj from India and the UK; and Sulaiman Al Kindi and Samira Al Aghbariya from Oman.
Visitor Services and Transport
SBA is coordinating with the Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority to identify additional parking areas and arrange transport services to and from the fair. Details will be announced in the coming days.
Official Partners and Sponsors
SIBF 2026’s partners and sponsors include Etisalat as Official Telecommunications Partner, SAAS as Development Partner, Trends Group as Knowledge Partner, Sharjah Broadcasting Authority as Official Media Partner, Expo Centre Sharjah as Strategic Partner, Bank of Sharjah as Banking Partner, Equiti as Financial Services Partner, and Omeir Travel Agency and National Paints as Partners.
