SIBF 2025 announces lineup of workshops from global experts

The Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) has grown to become the largest in the world, regarded as a key event for global literary enthusiasts, and from Nov.5 to 16, it will also provide an exclusive opportunity for attendees to expand their creativity and professional development through an extraordinary series of pre-booked workshops.

Led by global experts and renowned educators, these workshops, with limited space, are designed to inspire, educate, and empower visitors of all ages and interests; and throughout the 12-day event, SIBF 2025 will offer participants an exclusive opportunity to learn from the very best in the world, turning a visit to the fair into an incredible educational journey.

For those fascinated by the intricate dance between languages, award-winning translator, Professor Lisa Dillman, will demystify the art of literary translation in her workshop, “What Do Translators Really Do.?” Through the two-day workshop, divided into three sessions (Saturday, Nov.15: 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM; Sunday, Nov.16: 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM & 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM); she will pull back the curtain on this creative and complex profession, guiding attendees through the nuanced challenges of cultural adaptation and the strategic choices made to preserve an author’s unique voice across linguistic borders.

Award-winning novelist Dr Nguyn Phan Qu Mai will lead a deeply personal creative writing workshop, “Unleash Your Creative Writing Powers & Reflect on Your Heritage.” This workshop divided into three workshops across three days (Friday, Nov.7: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM; Saturday, Nov.8: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM; Sunday, Nov.9: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM); is designed to help writers mine their personal history and cultural roots for inspiration, using guided exercises and constructive feedback to help them uncover and refine authentic stories.

Aspiring authors and publishing professionals have a unique opportunity to learn from renowned editor Sangeeta Mehta in “From Final Draft to Finished Book: The Editor’s Role in the Book Publication Process.” Over the course of three days (Saturday, Nov.8: 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM; Sunday, Nov.9: 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM; Monday, Nov.10: 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM); this workshop provides a rare insider’s view of the publishing process, revealing the critical techniques and decision-making involved in sculpting a raw manuscript into a polished, publishable book.

For those with dreams of television success, Matthew Witten, the seasoned TV writer behind hits like “Pretty Little Liars,” presents “Five and a Half Steps to Pilot Writing Success.” In this intensive workshop (Sunday, Nov.9 November: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM), he will share a tested, step-by-step framework for crafting compelling television pilots, from a powerful premise to a cliffhanger that sells.

A series of art and creativity workshops will invite participants to explore different forms of expression; and the “String Art” workshop offers a sophisticated blend of geometry and design, while the “Music Box” workshop provides a nostalgic journey into creating a personalised musical keepsake. For those inspired by comics, the “Crafted Stories” workshop guides attendees in transforming narratives of their favourite characters into unique, handcrafted rugs.

This section also features the sophisticated crafts of “The Mini Library” and “The Mini Coffee Shop” workshops, where participants will use precise techniques to build and furnish breathtaking miniature worlds, focusing on every tiny detail from bookshelves to interior finishes.

SIBF 2025 will also feature a selection of workshops focused on nurturing well-being through food. Practical skills are covered in workshops on “Preparing Balanced Lunch Boxes” and crafting wholesome “Tasty Snacks.”

The “Food Allergies” workshop also provides valuable guidance for creating delicious and safe meals tailored to specific dietary needs.

For children, young visitors can discover the joys of making and building in a series of imaginative workshops. These interactive sessions are designed to boost confidence and creativity, allowing children to design their own picture frames in “Make Your Own Frame,” explore the colourful craft of rug-making in “Let’s Go Tufting Together,” and experience the pride of constructing their very own structure from wood in the “Build Your Own House” workshop.