By Amit Kakkar, Managing Editor, EmiratesReporter.com
SHARJAH, UAE– The love of books, the joy of storytelling and the excitement of discovering new ideas filled the atmosphere as the 45th Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) opened its doors at Expo Centre Sharjah on Wednesday. Inaugurated by His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, the annual literary celebration has once again brought together publishers, authors, intellectuals and book lovers from across the world.
Running until November 15 under the theme Made of Stories, this year’s fair has achieved an impressive international scale, bringing together 3,212 publishers and exhibitors from 126 countries. Visitors can explore a collection of approximately 1.7 million titles covering literature, science, history, children’s books and several other subjects.
In his opening address, the Ruler of Sharjah welcomed guests from around the world, with special recognition given to the Sultanate of Oman, this year’s Guest of Honor. He reaffirmed Sharjah’s longstanding commitment to culture, knowledge, and books, describing literature as a cornerstone of human development and a vital bridge between peoples and cultures.
Organised by the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), the 12 day event features 1,500 cultural, creative and artistic activities, with 106 writers, artists and intellectuals from 25 countries. The programme includes author interactions, literary discussions, poetry sessions, workshops, theatrical performances and activities for children and families.
The theme Made of Stories celebrates the influence of books and storytelling in shaping memories, identities and cultures. It also reflects Sharjah’s long standing commitment to making knowledge, reading and cultural exchange an important part of society.
Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of the Sharjah Book Authority, highlighted the significance of the 45th edition, saying: “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 also credited the cultural vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi for establishing books and knowledge as foundations of human development and bridges connecting cultures and peoples. Under the guidance of Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority, the fair continues to expand its international publishing and cultural partnerships.
The Sultanate of Oman is the Guest of Honour this year, bringing a special programme that celebrates its history, heritage, literature, poetry and artistic traditions. The Omani delegation includes 50 participants, among them 41 writers and poets. Visitors can explore cultural discussions, children’s workshops and traditional performances that offer a glimpse into Oman’s rich cultural identity.
The fair will also recognise Moroccan scholar Dr Said Yaktine as its Cultural Personality of the Year, honouring his contribution to Arabic narrative studies and literary criticism over more than four decades.
Several prominent Emirati literary figures are participating, including Dr Sultan Al Amimi, Ali Abu Al Reesh, Dr Habib Ghuloom, Dr Shihab Ghanem, Dr Ahmed Khoury, Fathia Al Nimr, Aisha Sultan and Nasser Al Dhaheri. International guests include Nigerian American author Nnedi Okorafor, Chinese novelist Liu Zhenyun, British novelist Clare Mackintosh, American writer and translator Daisy Rockwell and Filipino historian Ambeth R. Ocampo.
One of the interesting additions this year is Poets’ Corner, where visitors can share personal experiences and have their stories transformed into poems in Arabic or English. Children can explore Future Hands District, an interactive educational city that introduces them to different professions through practical activities and learning experiences.
Literature enthusiasts can also look forward to the fifth edition of the Thriller Festival from November 7 to 10, organised in collaboration with Capital Crime London and Thriller Festival New York. The event will bring together crime writers, literary agents and screenwriters for discussions and activities dedicated to mystery and thriller writing.
The Cookery Corner will add another international flavour to the programme, bringing together chefs from different countries for live demonstrations and culinary experiences. Among the participating chefs are Mohammad Orfali, Salam Daqqaq, Jad Youssef, Kausar Raja, Marina Georgallides, Nitisha Patel, Romy Gill and Monisha Bharadwaj.
The programme also extends beyond the public exhibition. The Sharjah International Library Conference, organised in collaboration with the American Library Association, will take place from November 7 to 9, bringing together more than 400 librarians and information professionals. Discussions will explore the future of libraries, reading initiatives, technology and community engagement.
For publishers, the fair continues to provide an important international platform to develop business relationships, explore translation opportunities and connect with new markets. Its professional programmes encourage collaboration across the publishing industry and create opportunities for books and literary works to reach readers in different languages and countries.
Over the years, the Sharjah International Book Fair has grown into much more than an annual book exhibition. It has become a meeting place for cultures, generations and ideas, giving established authors and emerging voices an opportunity to reach wider audiences.
As visitors walk through the exhibition halls, discover new titles and meet writers from different parts of the world, the 45th edition sends out a simple but powerful message: books continue to connect people, preserve heritage and inspire future generations. Sharjah’s celebration of stories is once again bringing the world together through the power of reading.
