Sharjah International Book Fair to be held from Nov.5-16

The Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) has announced that the upcoming Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) will be held from Nov.5–16, 2025, at Expo Centre Sharjah under the theme “Between You and a Book.”

The 44th edition will convene thousands of visitors, renowned local and international publishers, authors, and translators, in a global dialogue on the profound bond between readers and books.

It will also provide a platform to explore this relationship through the insights of prominent thinkers and creative voices from around the world.

The Republic of Greece, previously announced as this year’s official Guest of Honour, will deliver a rich program centred around “edutainment,” including book signings, interactive workshops, and creative, artistic and theatrical performances.

Furthermore, the fair will host a series of intellectual forums and social media sessions designed to foster dialogue, networking, and knowledge exchange between Greece and all attendees.

The 44th edition’s theme highlights the symbolic relationship between the reader and the written word.

It underscores the importance of exploring the reasons that drive individuals to read, whether personal, academic, scientific, or for entertainment.

It also expresses the role of books in enabling people to explore new realities, journey to distant worlds, build confidence, broaden knowledge, ignite imagination, further one's education, or simply to relax among memories, emotions, and ideas.

Commenting on the announcement, Her Highness Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the SBA, said: “We take pride in the fair’s role as a global platform that places Arab culture at the centre of the human knowledge landscape. This year’s theme, ‘Between You and a Book’, underscores that the relationship between people and books is a continuous and reciprocal journey, where readers not only discover new knowledge but also uncover something new about themselves.

“They also come to understand that books serve as a bridge that fosters communication between cultures and empowers individuals and societies to shape a more enlightened future.”

She added: "For more than four decades, the fair has demonstrated its significance in shaping public awareness, fostering a knowledge-based economy, and advancing the creative industries.

“The exchange between writers, publishers, translators and intellectuals opens new avenues for collaboration, and positions culture as a pillar in the progress and development of communities and nations."

For his part, Ahmed Bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of the SBA, stated: “The 44th edition of SIBF continues Sharjah’s cultural project through the vision of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. The fair has profoundly shaped the cultural landscape of the UAE and the Arab world, drawing writers, readers, and creative minds from around the globe.

“Under the guidance of Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi, SBA Chairperson, the fair has evolved from a seasonal event into a comprehensive knowledge industry.

“It now generates networking opportunities and for investing in books as both cultural and economic assets, further cementing Sharjah and UAE’s status as a global beacon of knowledge, creativity, and innovation.”

By honouring Greece as its Guest of Honour, SIBF celebrates the nation’s legacy as the cradle of Hellenic civilisation, highlighting its foundational achievements in science, politics, philosophy, and the arts, and its influence on world cultures.

Greece’s cultural programme will feature a display of rare manuscripts, historical documents, and modern literary works, alongside panel discussions with prominent intellectual and literary figures, all designed to strengthen cultural ties and foster knowledge exchange.