1,500 events, 2,673 publishers and exhibitors from 124 countries meet at Sharjah International Book Fair 2026

The 45th edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) kicks off under the theme “Who Makes the Stories,” hosting 2,673 publishers and exhibitors from 124 countries around the world, and celebrating the experiences of 106 creative figures and writers from 25 Arab and foreign countries, who will participate in presenting 1,500 cultural, creative, and artistic events. This was announced during a press conference held by the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) at its headquarters in Sharjah, which revealed that the fair will honor the Sultanate of Oman as the guest of honor for this new edition, along with details of the professional program for publishers running alongside the fair. The SBA also announced the launch dates for the “Thriller and Suspense Festival” and the “Libraries Conference,” as well as highlighting key new experiences awaiting fair visitors, from the “Poets’ Corner,” where visitors’ stories are transformed into poetic verses in both Arabic and English, to “Hands of the Future District,” an interactive educational city for children designed to explore various professions.

Stories Passed Down Through Generations

In his speech at the press conference, Ahmed Al Ameri, CEO of the Sharjah Book Authority, said: “For 45 years, the Sharjah International Book Fair has told a story that began with books, and its chapters have expanded to bring together readers, writers, publishers, and creatives from around the world. This is why this year’s theme, ‘Who Makes the Stories,’ reflects the role that the stories we read, hear, and inherit play in shaping our memory, identity, and worldview, as well as the stories we, in turn, create and leave for future generations.”

He added: “The story of the Sharjah International Book Fair is part of the cultural project established by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, a member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, who made books and knowledge the foundation for building the individual and a bridge for communication between cultures and peoples. Today, under the directives of Her Highness Sheikha Boudour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairwoman of the Board of Directors of the Sharjah Book Authority, we continue to develop this journey and strengthen the fair’s position as a global platform that brings together book creators, and opens wider opportunities for publishers and creatives to collaborate and reach readers and markets.”

Celebrating Omani Culture

In his speech at the press conference, Ahmed Al Rawahi, Assistant Director General for Knowledge and Cultural Development at the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, and Director of the Muscat International Book Fair, delivered a speech on behalf of the guest of honor for the 45th edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair.

He said: “We consider this honor a tribute to the Sultanate of Oman and its culture, and an extension of the bridges of love and communication between our two countries and peoples. We see the selection of Oman as guest of honor as a natural continuation of the deep-rooted Omani-Emirati relations, shaped by history and strengthened by bonds of brotherhood and proximity.”

“We were keen to ensure that the Omani pavilion serves as a window through which Sharjah looks toward Oman, and through which Oman looks toward Sharjah, providing a space to showcase its history, memory, and cultural achievements, as well as a forum for dialogue, exchange, and mutual understanding. This is achieved through a program that brings together seminars, literary and intellectual dialogues, poetry evenings, and historical and cultural events, alongside workshops aimed at children and youth.”

Keeping pace with the exhibition

For his part, Salem Al-Ghaithi, Director of the Sharjah Broadcasting Authority, outlined the media coverage plan for the 45th edition of the exhibition. This includes special programs and interviews with writers and thinkers across Sharjah TV, Eastern TV, Central TV, and Sharjah Sports TV. Radio coverage will feature more than 20 hours of live broadcasting on Radio Plus, alongside the transmission of key events via the “Maraya” platform, and continuous digital coverage of exhibition activities around the clock.

Khawla Al-Majaini, General Coordinator of the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF), also spoke about the cultural and artistic program and the events awaiting the exhibition’s audience. She emphasized that the theme of the new edition is reflected in the diversity of experiences the fair offers to its visitors, providing opportunities to meet creators and discover new worlds in literature, thought, and the arts.

Al-Majaini stated: “Stories accompany us since childhood, growing with us to become part of our memory and our way of understanding ourselves and the world. We also create our own stories through what we write, tell, and leave as an impact on others. From this idea came the theme of the 45th edition, which we ensured is present in every detail of the exhibition, from books and meetings to events and experiences that give each visitor the opportunity to discover a new story, live a different chapter, or begin their own personal narrative.”

For his part, Mansour Al-Hassani, Director of Publishing Services at the Sharjah Book Authority, presented the features of the professional program accompanying the exhibition, highlighting the opportunities it offers to develop publishers’ businesses, exchange expertise, and expand the trade of rights and translation among international markets.

Al-Hassani said: “The professional program of the Sharjah International Book Fair brings together publishers and book industry specialists from around the world, allowing them to discuss transformations in publishing markets, develop their skills, and build new business relationships and partnerships.”

Participating publishers

The current edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair features 2,673 publishing houses, including 1,151 Arab publishers and 1,122 foreign publishers, showcasing their publications in various languages across fields such as literature, thought, sciences, knowledge, children’s books, and other specialties.

This year, the exhibition presents 1,500 cultural, creative, and artistic events, with the participation of 106 guests from 25 countries. These include dialogue sessions, literary meetings, workshops, interactive events, theatrical and artistic performances, as well as programs dedicated to children, families, and those interested in writing and the arts.

The cultural program includes a distinguished group of writers, novelists, poets, thinkers, and researchers from the UAE, the Arab world, and various countries around the globe. They will discuss topics ranging from literature, novels, poetry, and criticism to history, sciences, technology, and issues of contemporary society and culture.