Sharjah:Bestselling fiction, Malayalam poetry, cinema, and digital storytelling will be highlighted at the 45th Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF 2026). The event will feature eight Indian guests from diverse literary, cultural, and professional backgrounds, offering audiences opportunities to engage with contemporary fiction, Malayalam literature, poetry, public affairs, travel, and leadership.
According to Sharjah 24, the fair, organized by the Sharjah Book Authority, will take place from November 4–15 at Expo Centre Sharjah. It will provide a platform for public life, creativity, and leadership, featuring Indian actress, writer, and travel content creator Shenaz Treasurywala, who is known for her work in film and television and for documenting travel experiences globally.
Business leader and author Vineet Nayar, former CEO of HCL Technologies, will also participate. Nayar is recognized for his bestselling management book "Employees First, Customers Second" and his latest book "Humans First, Machines Second," which explores the prioritization of human potential in the age of artificial intelligence. As the Founder-Chairman of the Sampark Foundation, he works to enhance learning outcomes for millions of children in rural India through technology-enabled education.
Contemporary Indian popular fiction will be represented by bestselling novelist and screenwriter Durjoy Datta, whose stories focus on relationships, young adulthood, and modern life. Emerging writer and social media personality Ria Chopra will join him, showcasing how contemporary writers engage with younger audiences through digital platforms.
The programme will celebrate Malayalam literature and poetry, featuring award-winning short story writer Asokan Charuvil and novelist Ambikasuthan Mangad. Charuvil's career spans five decades, earning him multiple literary distinctions, while Mangad's works focus on environmental concerns and social issues.
Veteran poet and lyricist P. K. Gopi, with a career in literature and Malayalam cinema, has made significant contributions to poetry and writing for children. B. K. Harinarayanan, known for his work in Malayalam cinema and poetry, has written over 700 songs and received the Kerala State Film Award for Best Lyricist twice.
Under the theme ‘Made of Stories’, SIBF 2026 will host 2,673 publishers and exhibitors from 124 countries and include 1,500 cultural, creative, and artistic events. The participation of Indian writers and creative figures will enrich the fair's programme, fostering literary encounters and cultural exchange.