44th Sharjah International Book Fair: A Global Celebration of Books, Culture & Connection

A Global Gathering: Publishers, Exhibitors & Countries

This year’s fair is anticipated to host over 2,350 publishers and exhibitors representing 118 countries, with both regional and international voices strongly represented. Whether you’re into Arabic literature, translated works, academic texts, children’s stories, or graphic novels, there is something across genres and languages for everyone.

For many publishers, the fair is not just a chance to showcase books, it’s also one of the major hubs for rights trading, networking, and exploring new collaborations. For visitors, it’s a window into the richness of global publishing trends.

Greece: Guest of Honour & Special Cultural Spotlight

This year, Greece is the official Guest of Honour. Their programme is rich and layered: rare manuscripts, historical works, modern literature, theatre, music, and artistic performances are on offer. Greek authors, poets, translators, illustrators, and academics will bring their heritage into dialogue with the rest of the world, creating moments of cultural exchange.

This pavilion gives fairgoers a chance to discover Hellenic culture, Greek history, and its impact on literature and philosophy, not just in past contexts but in modern creative expressions.

More than Books: Events, Workshops & Interactive Fun

One of the most exciting things about 44th Sharjah International Book Fair is how diverse its programme is. There will be over 1,200 events and activities, including:

• Creative workshops (in both Arabic & English) for writing, editing, illustration, storytelling, translation rights, and more.
• Intellectual forums and panels, with guests from 66 countries discussing literature, publishing challenges, and cultural issues.
• New interactive experiences—“Crime in the Majlis” (a detective-style play), “Poetry Pills” for creative inspiration, storytelling sessions, live performances. These bring literature out of pages into shared, playful moments.
• These offerings make the fair not just for reading but for participation, learning, and engaging in new ways. Whether you’re a scholar, an aspiring writer, or simply someone who loves stories, there’s value in exploring, absorbing, and joining the conversations.
  
  

Why “Between You and a Book” Matters

The theme for 2025, “Between You and a Book,” is more than just a slogan. It reflects the personal, emotional, and intellectual relationship readers have with books. Each book is a bridge between knowledge, culture, identity, imagination, and even self-discovery.

Organisers emphasize that the fair isn’t just about displaying books but also about uncovering why people read: for joy, for growth, for understanding, for escape. The fair aims to show that this relationship is two-way: books shape readers and readers give meaning to books.

Practical Info: What to Expect & How to Prepare

If you’re planning to visit SIBF 2025, here are a few things that will help you make the most of it:

• The venue is Expo Centre Sharjah, and the fair runs November 5-16, 2025.
• There will be dozens of workshops and events, many require pre-booking, especially hands-on ones or talks by popular authors. Arrive early for best selection.
• The Guest of Honour pavilion (Greece) will offer special exhibitions, art + history displays, plus performances. Great choice if you’re interested in culture and heritage.
• For families, children, or creative hobbyists: look out for interactive zones like story-telling, creative writing sessions, and performance arts. These are fun, engaging and often less formal.
  
  

Why SIBF 2025 Is Unmissable

What makes this edition of the 44th Sharjah International Book Fair especially compelling:

1. It bridges global voices with regional ones , you get both international perspectives and local stories in one place.
2. It isn’t just for the literary elite: there’s enough diversity in formats and content (workshops, performances, art) so people of all ages and interests can find something meaningful.
3. The fair further solidifies Sharjah’s role as a global literary hub, cultural diplomacy, knowledge economy, and creative industries all benefit.

As Greece takes the spotlight, the fair’s cultural diplomacy is expanded, introducing audiences here to Hellenic culture, while enriching the fair’s depth.

Visit Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) official site for more details. 

44th Sharjah International Book Fair Expectations:

The 44th Sharjah International Book Fair promises to be more than just a gathering of publishers and writers, it is an invitation: to explore worlds between pages, to engage, to learn, and to grow. Whether you attend because you love books, curiosity, art, theatre, or simply the exhilaration of discovery, this year’s edition gives many doors to open and many stories to hear.

Make sure you mark your calendar, plan which events or pavilions you want to visit, and dive in. Because “between you and a book” lies not just reading but connection.

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