From musical nostalgia to live science, SIBF 2026 offers three shows for families
- Last updated: October 22, 2026 | 19:33
The 45th edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF), organised by Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) from 4 to 15 November at Expo Centre Sharjah, will host three artistic and interactive shows bringing together theatrical storytelling, musical performances and science-based entertainment for families and children.
The programme includes Waterland, a theatrical production exploring themes of coexistence and acceptance of others; When Memories Sing, a musical theatre show bringing back familiar songs and voices from the childhoods of past generations; and Impossible or Science?!, an interactive science show revealing the principles behind six seemingly impossible experiments.
Tickets for all three shows are available through Platinumlist.
Waterland: A conflict between fear and coexistence
Waterland is set in a tourist city where a celebration is disrupted by a nearby volcano erupting. Emerging from the smoke are amphibious creatures that have lost their home and are searching for shelter.
As events unfold, the city's residents become divided between those who fear the creatures and refuse to welcome them, and those who sympathise with them and seek to help.
The production explores how fear of the unfamiliar shapes people's response to those who are different.
The play features a cast of prominent theatre and television actors, including Hussein Al Mahdi, Shaila Sabt, Ghorour Safar, Mohammed Al Muslim, Ahmed Bin Hussein, Shamlan Al Omairi, Amani Al Dobe, Areej Al Attar and Najla Al Baloushi, among others.
The play will be staged at the outdoor theatre at Expo Centre Sharjah, near the Al Taawun entrance, on 14 November from 7:30pm to 9:00pm, and on 15 November from 6:00pm to 7:30pm. Tickets can be booked through the following link: Waterland – Platinumlist.
When Memories Sing: The voices of childhood return to the stage
When Memories Sing brings back songs and voices familiar to generations of Arab audiences.
Combining musical performances, theatrical scenes and nostalgic moments, the show invites audiences to reconnect with the music and characters they grew up with.
Presented exclusively and for the first time at SIBF, the show brings together Marwan Farhat, Amal Said Al-Din, Buthaina Shia and Asim Sukar, who will perform a selection of songs and scenes evoking the television and musical productions of their audiences' childhoods.
The Arabic-language performance will take place on 7 November, from 7:30pm to 9:00pm.
Audiences will also have the opportunity to take commemorative photographs with the artists.
Tickets can be booked through the following link: When Memories Sing – Platinumlist.
Impossible or Science?!: The science behind seemingly impossible experiments
The interactive family show Impossible or Science?!, presented by science show specialist Abdullah Annan, will take children and families on a journey combining optical illusions and scientific explanations.
Through six demonstrations that appear to defy logic, the show reveals the scientific principles behind each one.
Audiences will participate directly by voting, making predictions and attempting to explain what they see.
The experience will encourage children to question their assumptions and discover how scientific principles can explain seemingly extraordinary phenomena.
The show will take place on 8 November, from 6:00pm to 7:30pm.
Tickets can be booked in advance through the following link: Impossible or Science?! – Platinumlist.
These shows form part of the wider cultural and entertainment programme at SIBF 2026, held under the theme “Made of Stories.” Alongside literary encounters and cultural activities, the fair will offer visitors theatrical, scientific and musical experiences for different age groups, giving families more ways to engage with storytelling, performance and hands-on learning.
Gulf Today, Staff Reporter