Sharjah International Book Fair 2025 – A Global Celebration of Books, Culture & Creativity

Every year, the city of Sharjah becomes a gathering place for readers, writers, thinkers and publishers from around the world. The 44th edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair will take place from November 5 to 16, 2025 at the Expo Centre Sharjah under the theme “Between You and a Book.”

Why This Year Matters

This edition is expected to be one of the largest yet:

• Over 2,350 publishers and exhibitors from 118 countries will participate.

• More than 1,200 events and activities will run across the 12 days.

• The fair welcomes 10 countries participating for the first time, including Iceland, Jamaica, Nigeria, Mali, Chad, Angola, Mozambique, Guinea, Senegal and Vietnam.

• Greece is this year’s Guest of Honour, offering a rich programme around its literary, philosophical and artistic heritage.

The Vision Behind the Fair

Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), has long been a passionate advocate for books, literacy, and the global publishing industry. Under her leadership, the fair has evolved from a regional book-event into a global knowledge platform. She explains the 2025 theme—“Between You and a Book”—as more than a tagline: “It highlights the ongoing, reciprocal relationship between people and books… where readers not only discover knowledge but also discover themselves.” Her work also extends beyond the fair: Sheikha Bodour established initiatives to empower publishers and women in the publishing chain, improve access to books, and build bridges between cultures.

What Attendees Can Expect

• A vast international exhibition of thousands of titles from around the world.

• Interactive workshops and master-classes in Arabic and English for writers, illustrators, translators and creators.

• Unique experiential zones: a Podcast Station, a Poetry Pharmacy, Pop-Up Academy sessions blending media, tech and creativity.

• Special events aligned with Greece’s Guest of Honour status: rare manuscripts, Greek literature in translation, musical and cultural performances.

• Networking opportunities for publishers, agents and industry professionals – SIBF is both a cultural fair and a business-industry platform.

Why You Should Visit

Whether you’re a keen reader, writer, parent, or just someone who loves culture and ideas, SIBF 2025 offers something for you. For children, you’ll find dedicated zones and workshops. For industry professionals, high-level conferences and matchmaking sessions. And for families and general visitors? A celebration of stories in every form, across languages and countries. Sheikha Bodour’s vision ensures that every edition of the fair invites you to not only browse books but to engage with the world of ideas, and reflect on the personal connection you have with a book.

Quick Info

• Dates: November 5–16, 2025

• Venue: Expo Centre Sharjah

• Theme: “Between You and a Book”

• Guest of Honour: Greece

• Over 2,350 publishers from 118 countries

• More than 1,200 events & 10 first-time participating countries