Sharjah: The 44th Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF 2025), held under the theme 'Between You and a Book', is scheduled to take place from November 5-16, 2025, at Expo Centre Sharjah. Organised by the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), the event will welcome over 2,350 publishers and exhibitors from 118 countries.
According to Emirates News Agency, SIBF 2025 will host more than 1,200 events and activities with participation from over 250 guests from 66 countries, including prominent authors, artists, and intellectuals. For the first time, 10 nations-namely Iceland, Jamaica, Nigeria, Mali, Chad, Angola, Mozambique, Guinea, Senegal, and Vietnam-will be part of the cultural programme.
The fair will present an expanded series of pre-booked workshops in both Arabic and English, led by leading voices in publishing and creative writing. A total of 28 guest experts will conduct 750 workshops across various disciplines, providing insights and hands-on experiences for diverse audiences.
This year's edition will honor Greece as the official Guest of Honour, hosting a special programme featuring 70 participants, including writers, poets, translators, and other cultural figures. The activities will highlight Greece's literary heritage and cultural impact on the world.
The announcement was made during a press conference at SBA headquarters attended by key figures such as Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of SBA, and Panagiotis Kougiou, Charg© d'Affaires for the Greek Embassy in the UAE. Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri emphasized the fair's ongoing legacy and the personal bond between people and books, inspired by this year's theme.
Mohammed Hassan Khalaf, Director-General of Sharjah Broadcasting Authority, expressed pride in the media partnership with the SBA, which helps bring the cultural event to a global audience. He outlined the comprehensive coverage plans for the event across various media platforms.
Mohamed Al Amimi, General Manager of e and UAE, highlighted the significance of the fair and the ongoing support for cultural development. He emphasized the fair's role as a major global platform for literary and intellectual exchange.
The fair will feature 2,350 participants, with 1,224 Arab publishing houses and 1,126 international publishers. This diverse representation offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore a vast array of books, ideas, and cultural expressions.
SIBF 2025's cultural programme will include 158 guests from 40 countries, featuring over 300 events such as panel discussions, workshops, and readings. These events will showcase creative work across literature, art, and writing, with contributions from international and regional voices.
The 'Pop-Up Academy' will introduce 24 interactive sessions featuring influencers and specialists from literature, media, art, and technology. The Greek Guest of Honour programme will offer a cultural exchange, including a Greek National Pavilion and various workshops and performances.
The fair will also host the 15th Sharjah Publishers Conference from November 2-4, focusing on key issues in the publishing sector, and the 12th Sharjah International Library Conference from November 8-10, in partnership with the American Library Association, to discuss trends in library science and promote reading culture globally.