The Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) has unveiled the 43rd edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF 2024), set to take place from November 6 to 17 at Expo Centre Sharjah. Under the theme ‘It starts with a book,’ this year’s event will host 2,522 publishers from 112 countries and celebrate 400 authors signing their latest works. The cultural extravaganza will be home to 1,357 activities led by 250 guests from 63 countries, promising a packed agenda suitable for age groups and interests.
The 43rd edition will celebrate Morocco as the Guest of Honour, showcasing its rich literary and cultural legacy. SIBF 2024 will also host 600 workshops for all age groups and introduce pre-booked exclusive workshops led by leading global experts in creative writing.
2,522 Arab and international publishers
SIBF 2024 will host 2,522 publishers and exhibitors, 835 of whom are Arab and 264 foreign. The UAE leads the Arab participants with 234 publishers, Egypt with 172, Lebanon with 88, and Syria with 58. Internationally, the United Kingdom leads with 81 publishers, followed by India with 52.
134 guests to lead 500 cultural activities
The 43rd edition of SIBF will bring together an esteemed gathering of writers, thinkers, intellectuals, and artists, including laureates of prominent Arab and international awards. A distinguished assembly 134 guests will comprise 49 international speakers from 14 nations, 45 Arab guests from 17 countries as well as 40 notable Emirati speakers. These renowned thought leaders will lead 500 cultural activities, ranging from panel discussions and readings to workshops and sessions exploring creative experiences across diverse art forms and literary genres.
This year’s SIBF will introduce pre-booked, specialised workshops conducted in Arabic and English. The Arabic-language workshops will span three days each, while the English sessions will last one day. Topics will include writing thrillers, literary editing, and therapeutic writing, led by renowned Arab and international authors such as Ahmed Mourad, Ahmed Abdel Majeed, Rupi Kaur, Isabella Maldonado, and others.
Emirati and Arab guests
The international event will also feature a distinguished lineup of prominent Emirati writers, intellectuals, and poets, including Dr. Sultan Al Ameemi, Dr. Saeed Al Dhaheri, Dr. Hamad Bin seray, author Ibrahim Al-Hashimi, poet Ali Al Abdan, author Eman Al Yousuf, poet Amal Al Sahlawi, author Salma Al Hafeeti, writer Abdullah Al Hassawi, among others. They will be joined by some of the Arab world’s most celebrated literary figures in the cultural programme such as Egyptian actor Ahmed Ezz; Ahmed Mourad; economist Ahmed El Sayed Al Naggar; Dr. Saad Al Bazai; and Dr. Amir Taj Elsir. Additionally, poets and novelists in attendance include Egyptian poet Hisham El Gakh, acclaimed novelist Ibrahim Abdel Meguid, renowned writer Laila Al-Othman, poet Adham Fathy, and author Saad Al-Rifai.
International guests
Notable international figures gracing this year’s fair include Bulgarian poet and playwright Georgi Gospodinov, a celebrated author who was awarded the 2023 International Booker Prize and whose works have been translated into over 38 languages. Canadian theoretical physicist and cosmologist Prof. Lawrence M. Krauss, renowned for his works The Physics of Star Trek, A Universe from Nothing, and The Physics of Climate Change, will also be a featured guest.
They will be joined by Pakistani novelist Amna Mufti, author of Paani Mar Raha Hai, British author Tahir Shah, renowned for The Caliph’s House and other best-selling works, and South African poet and writer Iain S. Thomas, celebrated for his books I Wrote This for You and Every Word You Cannot Say.
Esteemed global historian Professor Peter Frankopan from the UK, author of The Silk Roads: A New History of the World, will be a key participant. Joining him will be Brandy Gillmore from the US, an internationally recognised expert on mind-body healing and author of Master Your Mind and Energy to Heal Your Body: You Can Be Your Own Cure. Indian actress and author Huma Qureshi, known for her book Zeba: An Accidental Superhero, will also participate in the fair.
As in past editions, the book signing corner will host over 400 authors from diverse nationalities and literary disciplines, offering visitors a chance to have their latest works personally signed.
Thriller Festival
The highly awaited third edition of the Thriller Festival will return to SIBF from November 7 to 10 in collaboration with Thriller Festival NY. This event will unite visitors with renowned authors specialising in thriller and crime fiction. It will offer a dynamic platform for seven international and seven Arab best-selling authors to engage directly with fans of mystery, suspense, and thrillers across the region. Featured authors include Ahmed Mourad, Amir Atef, Yehia Safwat, Saad Abed Al Badr, Mohammed Al Nasser, John J. Nance, and Tess Gerritsen.
600 workshops catering to all age groups and interests
The 43rd edition will offer a wide array of workshops and theatrical performances, carefully curated to attract visitors of all age groups and creative disciplines. The fair will present 600 workshops, delivering a comprehensive, interactive learning experience that addresses diverse interests. This includes 465 workshops tailored for adults and children, and 135 dedicated to early childhood, focusing on nurturing essential skills and fostering a lifelong passion for knowledge and discovery from a young age.
107 events led by 100 participants from Morocco
In honour of Morocco’s longstanding cultural ties, the 43rd edition’s guest of honour will present a diverse programme featuring 107 events from more than 100 distinguished writers, intellectuals, and cultural leaders. The agenda includes 17 seminars and talks, 36 events in cinema and musical performance — including the Moroccan play Safar on November 8 and 9 — 44 engaging activities for children, 10 sessions in cooking at the Cookery Corner, and a number of immersive workshops designed to engage participants of all ages.
Distinguished Moroccan participants include sociologist Rahma Bourqia, Morocco’s first female university president; Mubarak Rabi, an expert in child psychology; Mohammed Achaari, recipient of the International Booker Prize for Arabic Fiction; historian Jamaa Baida; poet Latifa Miftah; philosopher Abdellah Belkeziz; and writer Abdessalam Benabdelali, winner of the Sultan Al Owais Award for Human Studies.
Publisher’s Training
SIBF 2024 will kick off with a Publisher’s Training, drawing 157 publishers – 52 from the UAE, 50 from the Arab world, and 55 from Africa. Organised in partnership with New York University, the programme will cover best practices and global trends in publishing. This year’s course focuses on three themes: the impact of metaverse technology and data, the role of ‘BookTech’ in enhancing recommendations and sales, and the future of artificial intelligence in publishing.
47 speakers from 108 countries at the 13th Publishers Conference
The 14th Publishers Conference, running from November 3 to 5, will feature professionals from 108 countries, including the Central African Republic’s inaugural participation, and over 47 international speakers.
This year’s conference will enhance interactivity with 30 small-group workshops addressing key publishing topics such as content marketing, audiobook production, AI applications, digital distribution strategies, and sustainability. It will also facilitate networking and business deal opportunities while exchanging insights on the industry’s future.
400 participants in the Sharjah International Library Conference
The 11th Sharjah International Library Conference, in collaboration with the American Library Association, will take place on November 9-10, gathering over 400 participants from various library sectors. This year’s theme, ‘Integrating Artificial Intelligence in Library Services and Enhancing AI Literacy,’ highlights the role of technology in libraries. Notably, the edition will feature a record 100 Emirati librarians, showcasing the UAE’s commitment to enhancing library roles and fostering innovation.
