2,673 publishers and exhibitors from 124 nations to take part in SIBF 2026

The 45th Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF 2026) will take place from Nov.4-15 at Expo Centre Sharjah under the theme ‘Made of Stories,’ bringing together 2,673 publishers and exhibitors from 124 countries.

This year’s edition will also host 106 writers, artists and intellectuals from 25 countries, with 1,500 cultural and artistic events, and welcome Oman as Guest of Honour, presenting a programme celebrating its literature, heritage, writers and artists.

The details were announced at a press conference held by the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) at its headquarters in Sharjah. The Authority unveiled the dates of the Thriller Festival and Sharjah International Library Conference, and new visitor experiences, including ‘Poets’ Corner’, where visitors’ stories are transformed into poems in Arabic and English, and ‘Future Hands District’, an interactive educational city designed to introduce children to different professions.

In his keynote, Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of SBA, said: “For 45 years, SIBF has brought together readers, writers, publishers and creative minds from around the world. This year’s theme, ‘Made of Stories’, celebrates how the stories we read, hear and pass down through generations shape our memories, identity and understanding of the world, and how we create stories of our own to leave for future generations.”

He added: “The journey of SIBF is part of the wider cultural vision established by His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, who made books and knowledge the foundation for human development and a bridge connecting cultures and peoples.”

“Today, under the guidance of Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of SBA, we continue to advance this vision, strengthening the fair’s status as a global publishing platform and expanding opportunities for publishers and creative professionals to collaborate and reach new readers and markets,” he concluded.

SIBF 2026 will welcome 2,673 publishers, including 1,151 Arab and 1,122 international publishers, showcasing titles in multiple languages across literature, science, children’s books and other fields.

SIBF 2026 will feature 1,500 cultural, creative and artistic events, bringing together 106 guests from 25 countries. The programme includes panel discussions, literary talks, workshops, theatrical performances and interactive activities for children and adults.

Writers, poets, intellectuals and researchers from the UAE, the Arab world and beyond will explore topics spanning literature, poetry, literary criticism, history, science, technology and contemporary social and cultural issues.

SIBF 2026 will welcome Emirati writers, thinkers, poets and artists, including Dr. Sultan Al Ameemi, Ali Abu Al Reesh, Dr. Habib Ghuloom, Dr. Shihab Ghanem, Dr. Ahmed Al Khoori, Fathiya Al Nimr, Dubai Abulhoul, Aisha Sultan and Nasser Al Dhaheri.

Arab guests will include Moroccan academic and researcher Dr. Said Yaktine, a specialist in narratology, literary theory and digital literature; Lebanese actor, writer and director Rafiq Ali Ahmad; and Lebanese novelist and journalist Najwa Barakat.

The programme will also feature Sudanese novelist Dr. Amir Tag Elsir, Kuwaiti novelist Saud Alsanousi, and Syrian-Canadian author Zoulfa Katouh.

SIBF 2026 will welcome international writers, researchers and creative figures, including V.D. Satheesan, currently serving as the 13th Chief Minister of Kerala. He will join American writer, artist and translator Daisy Rockwell; American-Canadian novelist and journalist John Vaillant; Chinese novelist and screenwriter Liu Zhenyun; and Filipino historian Ambeth R. Ocampo.

The programme will also feature Nigerian author Nnedi Okorafor; British novelist Clare Mackintosh; and Indian actress, writer and content creator Shenaz Treasurywala.

Other participants include Australian writer and designer Peter Gould; South African actress and producer Salamina Mosese; Singaporean poet Natalie Wang; German novelist Daniela Tully; and Thailand’s Rewat Panpipat

SIBF 2026 will also feature two specialised courses requiring advance registration. German novelist Daniela Tully will lead a course on narrative voice, character development, dialogue, editing and the publishing process. Meanwhile, Egyptian actor and writer Khaled El Sawy will present ‘Acting Studio: From Training to the Stage’, focusing on performance techniques, character development and improvisation.

The 12-day cultural extravaganza will present three productions requiring advance booking, beginning on November 7 with the exclusive premiere of the musical ‘When Memories Sing’. The show will revisit childhood songs and familiar voices remembered across generations.

On Nov.8, Abdullah Annan will present ‘Impossible or Science?!’, an interactive family show combining optical illusions and scientific experiments. Children and families will be invited to participate, vote and learn the scientific explanations behind seemingly impossible acts.

The outdoor stage at Expo Centre Sharjah will then host ‘Waterland’ on Nov.14 and 15, a theatrical production featuring Hussein Al Mahdi, Shaila Sabt, Ghorour Safar, Mohammed Al Musallam, Ahmed bin Hussein, Shamlan Al Omairi, Amani Al Dobb, Areej Al Attar, Najla Al Baloushi, Wahaj Al Anzi, Raghad Mohammed and Ahmed bin Jalal.

WAM