Picture used for illustrative purpose only.

The 42nd edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) is preparing to introduce an exciting array of six interactive areas. These spaces will serve as the backdrop for 900 workshops led by experts and specialists hailing from 12 different countries.

These knowledgeable individuals will generously share their wealth of expertise with visitors of varying ages and interests.

Under the overarching theme of ‘We Speak Books,’ this cultural spectacle, spanning 12 days from November 1st to 12th, at Expo Centre Sharjah, promises an enriching educational journey.

Spaces for reflection and self-development The initial interactive zone is exclusively designated for meditation workshops, catering to individuals of all age groups and skill levels.

These workshops, led by experienced trainers, will delve into the realms of mental equilibrium, self-discipline, and personal enhancement.

The space will offer a spectrum of sessions, ranging from stress management through breathing and meditation techniques to goal attainment, tailored for visitors aged ten and above.

Moreover, within this space, there are three specialised workshops for those aged 16 and older, addressing a diverse audience.

These encompass a workshop on fostering a positive self-image to facilitate a more constructive relationship with oneself, a mental agility workshop to equip participants with techniques for bolstering their psychological resilience in everyday life, and a workshop entitled “Starting from Scratch (Self-awareness),” designed for those seeking self-improvement.

This first space will also feature workshops focused on emotional intelligence for young women aged 16 and older, therapeutic yoga for females aged 15 and above, body language workshops for both males and females aged 13 and above, as well as workshops addressing the issue of ‘bullying and aggressive children’ for both children and parents.

A youth-oriented workshop titled ‘The Sense of Security’ and a healing through reading workshop for individuals aged 20 and above round out the offerings in this space.

Comics and Art Workshops Interactive spaces two, three, and four will be vibrant hubs dedicated to nurturing the creative talents of children and teenagers.

They offer a diverse array of workshops that encompass illustration and comics, children's literature, cooking, science, arts, sounds, music, and innovation.

In these spaces, young minds embark on exciting journeys of artistic expression, literary adventures, culinary exploration, scientific discovery, and creative self-expression.

It aims to be a dynamic environment where creativity knows no bounds and a place where the future artists, scientists, chefs, and innovators of tomorrow can find inspiration and support.

The fifth interactive space will feature workshops focused on animation, interpersonal communication, and handcrafts, targeting visitors aged 15 and above.

Meanwhile, the sixth space serves as the venue for workshops that are open to all age groups, with a strong emphasis on motivation, collaboration, teamwork, problem-solving, creative writing, exclusive workshops for learning and understanding sign language, and specialised workshops tailored to individuals with disabilities.

SIBF extends a warm invitation to all visitors and parents to bring their children to take part in the diverse workshops available in these six interactive spaces.

The exhibition opens its doors on Wednesday, Nov.1, 2023, at 9:00 am, and will run for 12 days, except for Fridays when it will open at 4:00 pm.

The 42nd instalment of the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) has achieved a historic milestone by attracting the highest number of participating countries since its inception in 1981.

This edition will play host to 2,033 publishers and exhibitors from 108 nations, both in the Arab and international spheres. They will collectively present an impressive array of 1.5 million titles, all to be showcased at the Expo Centre Sharjah from 1-12 November. SIBF 2023, organised by the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) under the theme ‘We Speak Books,’ will bring together 600 authors from around the world to sign their new works.

This is part of a comprehensive cultural, creative, and entertaining 12-day agenda that includes over 1,700 activities led by 215 guests from 69 countries targeting all age groups and diverse interests.