• Ahmed Al Ameri: The exhibition is a testament to the vision of a ruler who believed that books are the broadest space in which cultures and civilizations meet.
• Mohammed Khalaf: We are proud of our media partnership in conveying the voice and image of this major cultural event to the world.
• Panagiotis Kogiu: Our participation reflects the depth of historical and cultural relations based on science, creativity, and dialogue.
• Mohammed Al-Amimi: Our sponsorship of this exhibition is an extension of our responsibility towards society in supporting knowledge-dissemination initiatives.
• 2,350 publishers and exhibitors offer millions of titles in various languages around the world.
• More than 250 guests from 66 countries
• Greece is the guest of honor: 58 cultural institutions and speakers representing the contemporary Greek cultural scene
• New at the exhibition: Poetry Pharmacy, Podcast Station, and Pop-Up Social Media Academy
• 750 workshops for children and adults
• 85 artistic performances from 12 countries
• 42 events in the cooking corner with the participation of 15 international chefs
• 10 countries are participating for the first time in the cultural events program.

Under the slogan "Between You and the Book," the 44th Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) brings together 118 countries from around the world in one place, represented by more than 2,350 publishers and exhibitors, showcasing millions of titles and publications in various languages. Over the course of 12 days, from November 5-16, the fair will host more than 250 creative authors, writers, and thinkers from 66 Arab and foreign countries at Expo Centre Sharjah, presenting more than 1,200 cultural, creative, and artistic events.

Organized by the Sharjah Book Authority, the fair has unveiled new features for this year. 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 Poetry Pharmacy, which will offer personalized "poetry recipes" for visitors; and the Podcast Station, which will host popular Arabic programs from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Oman.

This year, the fair offers visitors the opportunity to travel to the Hellenic Republic and experience its history, the beauty of its arts and architecture, and its historical contributions to human thought and philosophy. It celebrates Greece as the guest of honor at its 44th edition, hosting 58 Greek publishing houses and cultural institutions and presenting a diverse cultural program featuring a selection of prominent writers, poets, translators, and playwrights.

The fair offers mystery literature enthusiasts a unique experience, hosting the fourth edition of the "Suspense and Thriller Festival" from November 8 to 11, featuring a select group of writers and specialists in mystery and crime literature. The festival offers the fair's audience the opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of suspenseful narratives through dialogue sessions and interactive workshops that reveal the secrets of plot construction and suspense in contemporary literature.

This came during a press conference held at the Sharjah Book Authority headquarters, during which His Excellency Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of the Authority, His Excellency Panagiotis Kogiou, Chargé d'Affaires of the Greek Embassy, His Excellency Mohammed Hassan Khalaf, Director General of the Sharjah Broadcasting Authority, His Excellency Mohammed Al Amimi, Acting General Manager of E& Emirates - Northern Emirates, Khawla Al Mujaini, General Coordinator of the Sharjah International Book Fair, and Mansour Al Hassani, Director of Publishing Services at the Sharjah Book Authority, spoke. A group of journalists and media representatives attended the conference.

The book is the reader's mirror and image

In his speech at the press conference, His Excellency Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri emphasized that the 44th edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair, held under the theme "Between You and the Book," celebrates the interaction between the reader and the written word, when the book becomes a mirror in which the reader sees himself and finds a different image of himself with each new reading.

Al Ameri said: “Every year, the Sharjah International Book Fair stands as a testament to the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, who affirmed that books are the broadest space where cultures and civilizations meet and where knowledge and expertise are exchanged. Today, the fair continues its project with a renewed vision under the leadership of Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority, who has taken it upon herself to strengthen Sharjah’s position as a global hub for the knowledge industry and launch initiatives that support the presence of Arabic books on the international stage.”

The voice of the exhibition and its bright image to the world

His Excellency Mohammed Hassan Khalaf, Director General of the Sharjah Broadcasting Authority, said: “We are proud of our media partnership with the Sharjah Book Authority, and of conveying the bright voice and image of this major cultural event to the world. The Authority has been and continues to be a strategic partner of Sharjah’s cultural project, through its constant commitment to documenting the emirate’s cultural achievements and highlighting its diverse activities. The Sharjah International Book Fair is at the forefront of these events, as it is a demonstration that restores the book’s luster and its place in the community’s conscience.”

He added: "Our coverage this year will be distinctive and will be broadcast from the heart of Expo Centre Sharjah, where we have prepared special studios to broadcast a clear and live image from the event site. Sharjah TV will broadcast the opening ceremony, in addition to the "Sharjah Morning" and "Amasi" programs, and a number of daily programs. Al Wusta TV from Al Dhaid will present the "From the Exhibition" program, with field reports and interviews, as part of its daily programs. Al Sharqiya TV from Kalba will broadcast the "Here is a Book" program, in addition to special breaks broadcast across social media. Sharjah Radio will also launch the "Between You and the Book" program, the "Khair Companion" program, and 15 documentaries. Plus 95 Radio will provide special coverage through three programs and 35 promotional segments. The Holy Quran Radio from Sharjah will participate in the general coverage, in addition to the "Maraya" platform, which will broadcast the most prominent events live to the public."

Investment in word and thought

For his part, His Excellency Mohammed Al Amimi, Acting General Manager – Northern Emirates at E& Emirates, said: “We at E& Emirates are proud to be the official communications partner of the Sharjah International Book Fair, and to continue supporting its journey year after year. We believe that culture and knowledge are the two fundamental pillars of development and progress, and that investing in words and thought is an investment in the future and in future generations.”

He added: "We seek to empower communities by providing the latest digital solutions and innovative technologies. We view our sponsorship of this exhibition as an extension of our responsibility towards society and as a support for initiatives that contribute to spreading knowledge and consolidating the UAE's position as an incubator for culture and creativity. We extend our thanks to the Sharjah Book Authority and all those involved in organizing this distinguished cultural event."

Relationships based on science and creativity

In his speech at the press conference, His Excellency Panagiotis Kogiu, Chargé d'Affaires of the Greek Embassy in the UAE, said: “We express our sincere gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, for granting Greece the honor of being the Guest of Honor this year. This honor is a profound appreciation of our historical and cultural relations, based on shared values of science, creativity, and dialogue. It is an extension of the distinguished partnership that culminated last year in Sharjah being the Guest of Honor at the Thessaloniki International Book Fair and the signing of a cultural cooperation protocol between us.”

He added: "The Greek Ministry of Culture has carefully prepared its participation in the Sharjah International Book Fair to present the modern face of our culture. Fifty-eight publishing houses and cultural institutions will participate in a 200-square-meter national pavilion, showcasing approximately 600 titles in Greek and translated languages, along with the 'Greek Literature - The Long Journey' exhibition, which highlights the continuity of Greek literature from Homer to the present."

A journey of learning and a special relationship with knowledge

Khawla Al Mujaini opened her speech, detailing the 44th edition of the exhibition's activities, with a statement in which she emphasized that the slogan "Between You and a Book" is an invitation to reclaim that special relationship with knowledge and celebrate the moments when "reading provides us with a journey of learning, in a way that is unlike any other."

She said, "This year, we want every visitor to the Sharjah International Book Fair to find a book that will open up a new idea for them, bring them closer to a field they've previously been far from, or add to their journey of learning and knowledge."

The advancement of books depends on supporting their creators.

For his part, Mansour Al Hassani spoke about the events accompanying the current edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair. In his remarks, he noted that the fair, with its pre- and post-event international events, affirms that knowledge is a collective endeavor, and that the advancement of books does not stop at reading them, but extends to supporting all those involved in the book industry.

2,350 publishers and exhibitors from 118 countries

This year, 2,350 publishers and exhibitors from 118 Arab and foreign countries are participating in the exhibition. The participating publishing houses include 1,224 Arab publishing houses and 1,126 foreign publishing houses.

1,200 events hosting 250 speakers

The exhibition features more than 1,200 events, including panel discussions, literary readings, and workshops, with the participation of more than 250 guests from 66 countries, including a selection of prominent writers, thinkers, intellectuals, and artists who have won prestigious Arab and international awards.

The exhibition's cultural program features 300 events presented by 66 international guests from 19 countries, 62 Arab guests from 20 countries, and 30 Emirati speakers who will enrich the cultural scene with their expertise and creativity. The cultural program hosts speakers from 10 countries participating for the first time: Iceland, Jamaica, Nigeria, Mali, Chad, Angola, Mozambique, Guinea, Senegal, and Vietnam.

This year's exhibition includes 15 activities, subject to pre-registration in both Arabic and English. These include: "The TV Series Script Writing Course," presented by Mohammed Sulaiman Abdulmalik; "The Art of Writing Novels and Short Stories," presented by Abdulwahab Al-Rifai; "Unleash Your Creative Potential and Reflect on Your Legacy - A Creative Writing Workshop," presented by international novelist Dr. Nguyen Van Quy Mai; "From Final Draft to Published Book - The Role of the Editor in the Publishing Process," presented by literary editor Sangeeta Mehta; and "What Do Translators Really Do? - The Art of Literary Translation," presented by Emory University professor Lisa Dillman.

New 44th session

As part of the Sharjah International Book Fair 2025's efforts to expand cultural and intellectual influence through innovative methods, the Pop-Up Social Media Academy is an interactive platform that combines learning, inspiration, and entertainment through 24 sessions led by influencers and experts in the fields of literature, media, art, and technology.

The exhibition also features a "Poetry Pharmacy" store, where visitors can purchase "poetic prescriptions" suitable for various literary moods in packages resembling medicine boxes.

The session also features a podcast station, which will host a number of popular Arabic programs, including "Asmar" from Saudi Arabia, "Jalsat Karak" from the Sultanate of Oman, and "Kursi Al-Ithnayn" from the UAE.

Speakers from the UAE and the Arab world

Participating in this edition of the exhibition are a group of Emirati writers, thinkers, and poets, most notably: His Excellency Issa Yousef, Director General of the Sharjah Archaeology Authority; Dr. Sultan Al Amimi, President of the Emirates Writers Union; actor and producer Ahmed Al Jasmi; Dr. Maryam Al Hashemi; Dr. Saeed Al Dhaheri, Director of the Centre for Future Studies at the University of Dubai and President of the Robotics and Automation Society; historian and researcher Dr. Hamad bin Sarai; researcher and writer Dr. Fahad Al Maamari; and poet and director Nujoom Al Ghanem, among others.

The event will host a group of Arab writers, authors and artists to participate in the cultural program accompanying the exhibition, including: the famous Egyptologist Zahi Hawass, the writer Mohamed Gawdat (Mo Gawdat) from Egypt, the writer and artist Khaled El Sawy from Egypt, the writer, actor and director Dhafer L'Abidine from Tunisia, the writer and archaeologist Zidan Kafafi from Jordan, the writer and media personality Mohamed Reda Nasrallah from Saudi Arabia, the writer and novelist Abdul Wahab Al-Rifai from Kuwait, Dr. Hassan Aourid from Morocco, the writer and historian Dr. Mohamed Jassim Al-Mashhadani from Iraq, the President of the Arab Historians Association, and the writer Joumana Haddad from Lebanon.

International writers and academics

Prominent international figures participating include Chimamanda Ngozi from Nigeria, Professor Carlo Rovelli from Italy, Paul Lynch from Ireland, Dr. Julie Smith from the United Kingdom, Armen Adamjan from the United States, Prajakta Kohli from India, Jaya Vance from Australia, David Wingro from the United Kingdom, and Jennifer Hillier from Canada, among other writers and creatives.

"Poetry Cafe" brings together the world's cultures

The cultural programme of the 44th Sharjah International Book Fair presents rich poetry evenings spanning the world's languages and cultures, bringing together Arabic poetry and its international counterpart in a creative space hosted by the "Poetry Café".

This year's program will feature poetry recitals in a number of languages, with the participation of a select group of Arab poets, including Hamad Al-Buraidi from Qatar and Saeed Al-Manea from Saudi Arabia, alongside a group of foreign poets, including: Sarah Ali (English), Atta Al-Haq Al-Qasimi (Urdu), Syed Sulaiman Al-Jilani (Punjabi), Luna Sikkat Kleto (Tagalog), K. Satchidanandan (Malayalam), Mikhail Levantovsky and Maxim Zamshev (Russian), and Siouzo Danai and Zafiropoulou Eleni (Greek).

750 workshops for children and adults

The 44th Sharjah International Book Fair presents a training program comprising 750 workshops for children and adults, delivered by 28 guests from nine countries. It also organizes 85 performances from 12 countries, ranging from plays to roaming shows and musical symphonies. The most prominent of these is the play " Hide and Seek ," starring Al-Joud Al-Baanoun, Al-Jouri Al-Baanoun, and Wadha Al-Ayoub.

For the first time, content creator Hassan Suleiman, known as "Abu Fula," is presenting a live interactive show that combines comedy, entertainment competitions, and audience interaction, in an experience exclusively for visitors to the Sharjah International Book Fair.

Thrill and Suspense Festival from November 8-11

The 44th Sharjah International Book Fair is hosting the fourth edition of the Thriller Festival from November 8 to 11 , in collaboration with Thriller Festival NY . The festival offers a unique experience bringing together more than 13 of the world's most prominent authors, publishing agents, and screenwriters. New to this year's edition is an interactive theatrical performance titled "Crime in the Majlis," featuring students from the American University of Sharjah.

The festival offers the exhibition's audience the opportunity to learn about the latest trends in mystery, suspense, and mystery literature through interactive dialogue sessions and workshops featuring a selection of the most prominent suspense and mystery writers, including: Armenta Hall, Ragnar Jonasson, Matt Whitten, Eva Björg, Stacey Willingham, Omar Shahid Hamed, Jennifer Hillier, and Daniel J. Miller.

42 events in the cooking corner with the participation of 15 international chefs

The Culinary Corner at the 44th Sharjah International Book Fair offers an experience that combines global flavors with cultural creativity, through 42 events presented by 15 guests from 14 countries. These events include renowned international chefs, including Fadi Kattan, Diaa Al Hanoun, Mama Wafa, Rachana Rimal, and Waldi Reyes.

58 Greek cultural institutions

Greece is participating as the Guest of Honor at the 44th edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair, highlighting the richness of Greek literary and intellectual heritage. The event will feature 58 Greek publishing houses and cultural institutions, along with a diverse cultural program featuring a selection of prominent writers, poets, translators, and playwrights. They will present diverse perspectives on literature, poetry, translation, and theatrical arts. Cultural sessions will also be held at the Guest of Honor pavilion, featuring writers, artists, and painters representing the contemporary Greek cultural scene.

Professional programs accompanying the exhibition

161 participants in the publishers' training course

The Sharjah International Book Fair's accompanying events kick off this year with a training course for publishers, held on November 1 in collaboration with New York University. 161 publishers, including 75 from Africa, are participating.

The course focuses on three main topics: managing audio content, developing audiobook publishing strategies, expanding family businesses into global brands, and effective digital distribution strategies.

The training sessions for publishers will be delivered by a group of elite international publishing industry experts, including Amanda Dacerneau, Brooke O'Donnell, and Mariana Vigede, who will share their experiences in developing the modern publishing system and enhancing the competitiveness of Arab and African publishers.

30 workshops at the Publishers Conference

The 15th annual Publishers Conference, held over three days from November 2 to 4, will feature the participation of a select group of representatives from publishing houses, agents, and book industry experts from around the world. The conference will include more than 30 workshops covering a wide range of publishing sector issues and challenges, in addition to bilateral meetings dedicated to concluding deals and registering for translation grants.

The conference sessions will feature a number of prominent speakers, including Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority; Madeleine McIntosh, CEO of Authors Equity ; and Phaidon Grigorios, Founder of Eurasia Partners and Vice President of the European Publishers Association.

Sharjah International Libraries Exhibition attracts 400 participants

The 12th Sharjah International Library Conference, held during the Sharjah International Book Fair from November 8 to 10 , is organized by the Sharjah Book Authority in cooperation with the American Library Association ( ALA ). The conference will attract more than 400 participants from academic, public, school, government, and private librarians from around the world.

The 44th edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair boasts a number of strategic partnerships, including: e &Etisalat as the official partner, Arada as the development partner, while Invest Bank and Bank of Sharjah are participating as banking partners. Sharjah Broadcasting Authority is the official media partner, Expo Centre Sharjah is the strategic partner, and Abu Dhabi Media is the media partner. TRENDS Research & Advisory is the research partner, Sharjah International Airport is the strategic partner, and the Central Finance Department is the technical financial supporter.

-I finish-

#Government data

Disclaimer for the content of press releases
The content of these press releases is provided by a third-party provider. We do not assume any responsibility for, or have any control over, such content. This content is provided on an 'as is' and 'as available' basis and has not been edited in any way. Neither we nor our affiliates are responsible for the accuracy, endorsement, or completeness of the opinions, views, information, or materials contained in this content.
Press releases are provided for informational purposes only; the content does not imply legal, investment, or tax advice, or any opinion regarding the suitability, value, or profitability of any particular portfolio or investment strategy. We, or our affiliates, will not be liable for any errors or inaccuracies in the content, or for any actions you take based on such content. You expressly agree and acknowledge that you bear full responsibility for the use of the information contained in these press releases.
To the extent permitted by applicable law, Refinitiv, its parent, subsidiaries, affiliates, and their respective shareholders, directors, officers, employees, agents, advertisers, content providers, and licensors (collectively, the “Refinitiv Parties”) will not be liable (either jointly or severally) to you for any direct, indirect, consequential, special, incidental, punitive, or exemplary damages; This includes, but is not limited to: lost profits, lost savings or revenue, whether caused by negligence, tort, contract or other liability theories, even if the Refinitiv Parties have been advised of the possibility of any such damages and losses or had actually anticipated their occurrence.