SIBF 2025 kicks off in Sharjah today with 250 global authors, 2,350 publishers, and Will Smith’s festival debut.
SHARJAH: The 44th Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF 2025) officially begins today at Expo Centre Sharjah, uniting more than 250 authors, creatives, and intellectuals from 66 countries. The 12-day cultural celebration features over 1,200 events, including panel discussions, workshops, poetry evenings, and celebrity sessions.
Organised under the theme ‘Between You and a Book’ by the Sharjah Book Authority, the fair runs until 16 November. More than 2,350 publishers — 1,224 Arab and 1,126 international — are showcasing millions of titles across all genres and age groups.
A major highlight this year is the participation of Hollywood star Will Smith, who is scheduled to appear on 14 November to discuss his journey in writing, music, and film. His session will offer insights into creativity, perseverance, and personal growth.
This year, Greece is honoured as the Guest of Honour, spotlighting its rich literary and cultural heritage. The Greek pavilion hosts 58 publishers and 70 creatives presenting 600 titles and cultural showcases including live performances and collaborative workshops with Emirati artists.
Egyptian literary icon Mohamed Salmawy is named Cultural Personality of the Year in recognition of his five-decade contribution to Arab literature and theatre.
The popular Thriller Festival returns from 8 to 11 November with 13 global authors, including Jennifer Hillier, Ragnar Jónasson, and S. Hussain Zaidi. It also features an interactive theatrical play, Murder at the Majlis, performed by AUS students.
Across the fair, more than 750 workshops are on offer — including creative writing, screenwriting, translation, and hands-on activities for children. New additions in 2025 include the Pop-Up Academy, UK’s Poetry Pharmacy, and a dedicated Podcast Station.
Poetry evenings will be held in eight languages with poets from Saudi Arabia, Greece, Canada, India, Pakistan, Russia, and the UAE. Cultural sessions will feature 66 international and 62 Arab speakers, including author Mo Gawdat, actor Dhafer L’Abidine, Egyptologist Dr Zahi Hawass, and Indian author Bano Mushtaq.
SIBF 2025 reinforces Sharjah’s role as a leading global hub for literature and culture, offering an inclusive platform for dialogue, discovery, and creative exchange.
