Oman named Guest of Honour as registration opens for global literary event.
Sharjah: The countdown has begun for one of the world’s largest celebrations of books and culture, as the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) prepares to mark its 45th edition from November 4 to 15 at Expo Centre Sharjah.
The Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) has opened registration for local, regional and international publishers through its online exhibitor platform, inviting the global publishing community to participate in the 12-day event. The fair will bring together readers, authors, publishers, translators and cultural leaders from around the world, reaffirming Sharjah’s position as a leading hub for literature, publishing and cultural exchange.
Global hub for literature
Widely regarded as one of the world’s leading international book fairs, SIBF will once again transform Sharjah into a global centre for literature, knowledge and creative exchange. This year’s edition will feature a packed programme of literary discussions, author talks, children’s activities, workshops and specialised events for publishing professionals.
Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority, said the fair reflects Sharjah’s long-standing commitment to placing books at the heart of everyday life while strengthening the global presence of Arab culture.
“Each edition of SIBF carries a renewed responsibility towards readers, authors and publishers,” she said.
“The direct relationship between people and books creates a lasting cultural impact and gives the fair its true value within society. It provides cultures with a platform to present their literature and ideas in their own voices, while enabling audiences to discover those cultures through their writers, artists and intellectuals. At the same time, it broadens the reach of Arabic literature, fostering an equal dialogue with the world and introducing it to new readers,” she added.
Flagship cultural project
Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of the Sharjah Book Authority, said the fair has grown into a flagship cultural initiative inspired by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah.
“SIBF has evolved beyond a traditional book fair into a global platform where reading, publishing and the creative industries converge,” he said. “It celebrates books as a driver of development by bringing together readers, writers, publishers, artists, distributors and librarians from around the world.”
Al Ameri added that, under the leadership of Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi, the fair continues to expand its global reach through initiatives such as the Guest of Honour programme, which showcases the literature, arts and intellectual heritage of participating countries while strengthening cultural exchange.
Oman named Guest of Honour
This year’s Guest of Honour is the Sultanate of Oman, which will present a rich cultural programme celebrating its literary, artistic and intellectual heritage. Visitors will have the opportunity to engage with Omani writers, thinkers and creatives, further reinforcing the fair’s role as a platform for cultural dialogue across the Arab world and beyond.
The 45th edition will also feature an extensive programme for publishing professionals, with events dedicated to publishing, translation and libraries. Alongside panel discussions, book signings, poetry evenings and creative workshops, the fair will host a wide range of activities for children and young adults, offering an engaging experience for visitors of all ages.
With exhibitor registration now open, organisers are expecting another strong international turnout as Sharjah prepares to welcome thousands of publishers, authors, industry professionals and book lovers to one of the region’s most anticipated cultural events.
