The 44th Sharjah International Book Fair opened on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at Expo Centre Sharjah under the theme “Between You and a Book.” The emirate once again turns a new page in its long story with knowledge, gathering more than 2,350 publishing houses from 81 countries, including 1,224 Arab and 1,126 international publishers, presenting millions of titles that span literature, thought, and science.
Running until Sunday, November 16, the fair brings together over 250 writers, artists, and intellectuals from 66 nations, leading more than 1,200 cultural, artistic, and creative events. With its diverse programmes and vibrant energy, Sharjah reaffirms its position as the region’s largest book platform and one of the world’s leading literary celebrations.
This year, the fair honours Greece as Guest of Honour, celebrating its timeless cultural heritage and contribution to human thought. The Greek delegation includes more than 70 authors, artists, and translators, along with 58 publishing houses and cultural institutions presenting a programme rich in theatre, music, and interactive workshops that reflect the depth and beauty of Greek literature.
Egyptian writer and playwright Mohamed Salmawy is celebrated as the Cultural Personality of the Year, in recognition of a literary journey spanning more than half a century and a life devoted to enriching Arab theatre, fiction, and culture.
Among the international names participating in this edition are Will Smith, who will meet audiences on Friday, November 14, to share insights from his three-decade career in film, music, and writing, as well as Paul Lynch, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Carlo Rovelli, Bano Mushtaq, Dr. Julie Smith, and Prajakta Koli.
The Arab literary scene is represented by leading voices such as Dr. Zahi Hawass, Dr. Sultan Al Ameemi, Ahmed Al Jasmi, Taleb Al Refai, and Issa Yousef, Director-General of the Sharjah Archaeology Authority. Actors Khaled El Sawy and Dhafer L’Abidine will share their creative journeys in a session titled “From Acting to Writing: Artists Share the Story” on November 8, as part of the Art and Literature programme.
The fair also features the fourth edition of the Thriller Festival, organised in collaboration with the Thriller Festival New York, welcoming prominent crime and mystery authors from North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. Highlights include the interactive play “Murder at the Majlis,” performed by students from the American University of Sharjah, inviting audiences to join the intrigue and help solve the mystery live on stage.
Throughout its twelve days, the fair offers more than 750 workshops covering creative writing, translation, design, and gastronomy, alongside the Poetry Café, which hosts evenings of verse in eight languages, Arabic, Greek, English, Urdu, Malayalam, Punjabi, Russian, and Tagalog, bringing together poets from the UAE and around the world.
As readers, writers, and dreamers converge once more, Sharjah stands as a living testament to the enduring power of books, to connect minds, preserve culture, and illuminate the path toward a more inspired world.
