Sharjah: The Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) has announced the commencement of the 45th edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF), scheduled to run from November 4th to 15th at Expo Centre Sharjah. This annual event is set to unite readers, authors, publishers, translators, and knowledge creators from across the globe.
According to Emirates News Agency, the 12-day fair will encompass a wide array of literary and intellectual discussions, activities tailored for children and young adults, as well as specialized professional programs aimed at the publishing industry. H.H. Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of SBA, highlighted that SIBF symbolizes Sharjah's long-standing affinity with books, which has ingrained reading into the lifestyle of families, children, and youth over the past 45 years. She emphasized the fair's role in embedding books within society and facilitating opportunities for Arab culture to engage with the international community.
H.H. Sheikha Bodour stated, "Each edition of SIBF carries a renewed responsibility towards readers, authors, and publishers. The direct relationship between people and books creates lasting cultural impact and gives the fair its value within society." She noted the fair's importance as a platform for cultures to present their literature and ideas in their own voices, enabling audiences to explore diverse cultures through writers, artists, and intellectuals.
Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of SBA, remarked that SIBF stands as one of Sharjah's flagship initiatives, embodying the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi to promote development and strengthen societies through knowledge investment. He described the fair as a developmental project celebrating books and providing a global platform for readers, authors, publishers, artists, distributors, and librarians.
Al Ameri added that under H.H. Sheikha Bodour's guidance, SIBF is expanding its international reach and evolving its programs. The Guest of Honour programme has developed into a comprehensive platform for showcasing a country's culture through literature, arts, and intellectual heritage, fostering collaboration between institutions and creative professionals while offering visitors deeper insights into participating cultures.
This year, Oman will be the Guest of Honour, presenting its rich heritage and contemporary cultural, literary, and artistic landscape. The program will introduce visitors to the works of Omani writers, thinkers, and creatives, enriching the event with a distinctive Gulf and Arab dimension through cultural exchange and direct engagement between audiences and prominent literary and intellectual figures from the Sultanate.
The fair will host a diverse cultural and professional programme, including discussions with authors and thinkers, panel sessions, book signings, poetry evenings, knowledge and creative workshops, and activities dedicated to children and young adults. Additionally, specialized events will cater to professionals in publishing, translation, and libraries, offering attendees numerous opportunities to purchase books, meet authors, partake in discussions, and acquire new knowledge and skills.