Dates, Free Entry, Must-See Shows and Authors to Catch at the 45th Sharjah Book Fair.
Dubai: The Sharjah International Book Fair returns on Wednesday, November 4, running until November 15, with 12 days of books, author talks, workshops and live performances at Expo Centre Sharjah.
Celebrating its 45th edition under the theme Made of Stories, the fair will bring together 2,673 publishers and exhibitors from 124 countries. It will also host 106 writers, artists and intellectuals from 25 countries, with more than 1,500 cultural, creative and artistic events scheduled.
Here is what you need to know before planning your visit.
The essentials
Entry to the fair is free, and general visitors do not need to register in advance, according to the event’s official FAQs. However, some workshops, professional sessions and special talks may require prior registration.
Expo Centre Sharjah is located on Al Taawun Street in the Al Khan area, near Arab Mall, approximately 20 minutes from Sharjah International Airport. Visitors can find food and drink outlets inside the venue, which is also fully accessible to people of determination.
Daily opening hours had not been announced at the time of writing.
When: Wednesday, November 4, to Sunday, November 15
Where: Expo Centre Sharjah, Al Taawun Street
Entry: Free
Getting there and parking
Free shuttle bus services and additional parking facilities have been announced for this year’s fair, the Sharjah Book Authority said during an October press conference.
However, details of the shuttle routes and operating times had not been released at the time of writing.
Last year, free shuttle buses operated from Al Rashidiya Bus Station in Dubai and City Centre Ajman. Traditional boats also offered free rides from Sharjah Aquarium and Al Qasba to Expo Centre Sharjah during the fair’s opening hours. Visitors are advised to check the fair’s official channels for this year’s transport arrangements.
Oman takes centre stage as Guest of Honour
Oman is this year’s Guest of Honour, represented by a 50-member delegation that includes 41 writers and poets.
Its programme features 15 cultural sessions, six children’s workshops and 20 artistic performances, offering visitors an insight into the country’s literature, arts and heritage.
What’s new this year
Two new attractions are designed to bring families and younger visitors closer to the world of stories and creativity.
At Poets’ Corner, visitors can share a personal experience and have it transformed into a poem in either Arabic or English.
The Future Hands District is an interactive educational city where children can explore different professions and discover potential career paths.
Stage shows to book
Three productions are scheduled to take place during the fair, and visitors will need to book in advance:
- When Memories Sing, a musical, on November 7
- Impossible or Science?! on November 8
- Waterland, on the outdoor stage, on November 14 and 15
Bookings can be made through the fair’s official channels. Places are limited, so visitors are advised to reserve early.
Thriller Festival
Crime fiction enthusiasts can head to the fifth edition of the Thriller Festival, running from November 7 to 10.
The event will bring together more than 12 crime fiction experts, literary agents and screenwriters. The line-up includes international authors Clare Mackintosh, Karen Dionne, Vaseem Khan, Abir Mukherjee and David Fennell.
Authors to look out for
The fair’s international guest list features writers and literary figures from across the world, including:
- Nigerian author Nnedi Okorafor
- Chinese novelist Liu Zhenyun
- US translator Daisy Rockwell
- US-Canadian writer John Vaillant
- Indian actor and author Shenaz Treasurywala
- Filipino historian Ambeth R. Ocampo
- Syrian-Canadian novelist Zoulfa Katouh
Emirati authors taking part include Sultan Al Ameemi, Ali Abu Al Reesh, Habib Ghuloom, Dubai Abulhoul and Aisha Sultan.
Session timings had not been announced at the time of writing. Visitors hoping to catch a particular author should check the official programme for updates before heading to the venue.
Cooking, writing and acting
There is plenty on offer beyond books and literary discussions.
The Cookery Corner will host live demonstrations by international chefs, including Pakistani-British chef Kausar Raja and India’s Romy Gill.
German novelist Daniela Tully will lead creative writing workshops, while Egyptian actor Khaled El Sawy will conduct acting sessions covering performance, improvisation and character development.
For book professionals
The fair also has a programme for those working in the library and information sectors. The Sharjah International Library Conference will run from November 7 to 9, bringing together more than 400 librarians and information professionals.
Before you go
With dedicated children’s zones, educational programmes, interactive activities and events spread across 12 days, the fair offers something for visitors of all ages.
Given the packed schedule, it is worth checking the official programme ahead of your visit and planning around the authors, performances and workshops you do not want to miss.
