Will Smith regales audience at Sharjah International Book Fair
- Last updated: November 16, 2025 | 09:50 ..
Raghib Hassan, Staff Reporter
One of the most-loved literary festivals of the region, Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF), has seen beautiful minds from across the world walking on the red carpet of SIBF in the last few days. Book lovers had great time listening to writers like Jeffry Mason, S. Hussain Zaidi, Dr. Nguyen Phan Que Mai, Paul Lynch, Ashia Ismail-Singer, Stacy Willingham and they felt inspired.
But on Friday evening, the environment of SIBF was quite different. A sea of people had started arriving outside the Main Stage of SIBF from 5pm, to get a glimpse of Hollywood superstar Will Smith. By 8pm, the auditorium was completely full and those who managed to get a seat felt a sigh of relief thinking, Will Smith is now few minutes away.
Known for giving films like, “I Am Legend,” “Suicide Squad,” “Men in Black,” “King Richard” “Aladdin,” “Bad Boys, ” Will Smith as expected arrived in style and enchanted Sharjah audience with his swag. “Shukran, Shukran, Shukran. That’s beautiful. That is amazing. I am very excited to be here. Thank you for that beautiful welcome,” said Will Smith to the audience who were chanting and clapping as he appeared on the stage.
Talking about the power of storytelling he said, “At a very young age, I understood the power of a great story to transform our mind to transform our heart.”
Talking with Emirati entrepreneur Anas Bukhash, Smith called on everyone to write their own story. He said, “I encourage everyone to write what your story. It is such an enlightening process, to use words to write what you are experiencing.”
When asked to share which story had an impact on him while growing up, he said, “I think in terms of film, the first story got me was “Star Wars.” I was probably 10 years old when ‘Star Wars’ came. It just blew my mind. I could not believe while I was seeing. The creation of ‘Star Wars, ’ level of creativity and at that time I did not know why but I kept dreaming about it only. It became a benchmark for me for my creativity.”
He added, “Paulo Coelho’s The Alchemist was another story that moved me very much. “
Smith also talked about power of dream, importance of work-life balance and how to brace adversity.
Sharing his own experience of writing his book, he said, “I am in the process of learning how to tell my story in an effective way. I wrote my book few years ago and I will encourage all of you to sit down and write what your story is. It is such an enlightening process when you have to choose your words to describe your feelings, emotions and experiences. Getting to know yourself through the process of writing is incredible feeling.”
Writing my book was one of the most transformative experiences I have ever had, said Smith.
Talking about his achievements, Smith said, “I started with a belief that being famous and rich will make me happy but I can tell you unequivocally this is untrue. Materialistic world is utterly incapable of making you happy. My real success came from knowing that his work, energy, ideas and God-given gifts are helpful to others.”
Sharing his experience with young audience, he said, “You have to disconnect yourself from Instagram, YouTube and X (formely known as Twitter). You have to really disconnect and spend solitary time in nature or spend time for reading Detox is critical . Otherwise it can poison your mind. I know it is hard to read negative comments and feel good. I will encourage all of you to just find some time away from those inputs.”
When asked what comes close to him acting or singing, he said, “There is nothing on all entertainment like being on the stage. I think I am more naturally an actor then I am a musician. I hold my craft as an actor. I consider myself master level actor and music is just my hobby.”
We don’t want to have to suffer but there is nothing like adversity and difficulty which craft you to become a person you want to be. Suffering is absolute blessings.”
Smith enchanted the audience with his magical presence.
A Sharjah resident Aneena Maryam like many other fans came to SIBF to see Will Smith. Sharing her happiness with Gulf Today, she said, “I came at little early to get a seat close to the stage so I can see Will Smith. I am happy to have seen him from very close distance.”
Though I watched only “The Karate Kid,” but I follow him through different social media platforms and podcast. I love him, she concluded.
Another Smith’s fan Omar Abdullah came from Ajman to see his favourite actors of Hollywood. Sharing his excitement he said, “I am a huge fan of Will Smith. I have watched almost all his films. He has been doing great work for four decades and he is still relevant.” It is great to see him here at this place. I am feeling incredible, he concluded.
Over 12 days, SIBF 2025 featured more than 1,200 events, including panel discussions and sessions. Of these, 300 events fall under the cultural programme, delivered by 66 international speakers from 19 countries, 62 Arab speakers from 20 countries, and 30 Emirati participants. Speakers from 10 countries are participating for the first time: Iceland, Jamaica, Nigeria, Mali, Chad, Angola, Mozambique, Guinea, Senegal, and Vietnam.