The Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) has announced that the 43rd edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF 2024) will take place at Expo Centre Sharjah from November 6 to 17.
Under the theme “It Starts with a Book,” SIBF 2024 will feture 2,520 publishers from 112 countries and celebrate 400 authors signing their latest works. This cultural festivity will include an impressive lineup of 1,357 activities led by 250 guests from 63 countries, offering a diverse packed agenda designed to cater to a wide range of age groups and interests.
SIBF 2024 will honour Morocco as the Guest of Honour, highlighting its rich literary and cultural heritage. SIBF 2024 will also feature 600 workshops for all age groups, including exclusive, pre-booked sessions led by world-renowned experts in creative writing.
The announcement was made during a press conference at SBA headquarters, attended by Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of SBA; Ahmed El Tazi, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco to the UAE; Mohammed Hassan Khalaf, Director-General of the Sharjah Broadcasting Authority; Khoula Al Mujaini, General Coordinator of SIBF; and Mansour Al Hassani, General Coordinator of SIBF’s Professional Conferences. Industry leaders, senior officials, and media representatives were also in attendance.
In his address, Ahmed Al Ameri highlighted Sharjah’s ongoing commitment to establishing itself as a global hub for knowledge, culture, and creativity. Al Ameri attributed the success of SIBF to the vision of His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, who has consistently championed the role of literature in shaping society. He also acknowledged the leadership of Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority, for her leadership role in elevating Sharjah’s position as a global hub for publishing and literature, and for her immense efforts in promoting Arabic literature on the world stage.
“The book is the cornerstone of everything, the keeper of humanity’s achievements, preserving the histories and triumphs of nations while guiding societies on their path of progress,” said Al Ameri. “This is why the theme for this year’s fair is ‘It Starts with a Book.’ It reflects our belief that every significant journey of learning and personal growth begins with a book. In an age overflowing with information, it is crucial to acknowledge books as fundamental tools that foster individual enlightenment and drive the collective advancement of society,” he added.
Mohammed Hassan Khalaf highlighted that the partnership with SBA exemplifies seamless institutional collaboration, especially with organising SIBF. Since its inception, the fair has become a beacon of knowledge and creativity. He said, “We are proud to serve as the media partner for this unique cultural event, playing our part in spreading knowledge. The 43rd edition will be remarkable, with dedicated studios at the venue, live broadcasts of the opening ceremony, diverse programming on Sharjah’s TV and radio, and real-time coverage via the Maraya platform and digital media.”
Marwan Al Zaim, CEO of Al Marwan Group, the sponsor of the Turjuman Award—a prestigious literary accolade recognizing exceptional contributions to Arabic literature and translation—delivered a recorded speech in which he stated: “The Turjuman Award reflects Sharjah’s continued efforts to promote cultural exchange and expand access to knowledge. Over the past 43 years, the Sharjah International Book Fair has grown into a key Arab forum, uniting the region and establishing reading as a foundation for development and prosperity. It showcases Sharjah’s ability to revitalize both Arab and global cultural landscapes.”
Ahmed El Tazi, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco to the UAE, expressed profound gratitude for the honour of being the Guest of Honour at the Sharjah International Book Fair 2024. “Our long-standing relations with Sharjah and the UAE are evident in the collaborative spirit we share. This year, Morocco aims to leave a positive impact through a carefully curated agenda prepared by our Ministry of Culture and Communication which will represent the current Moroccan cultural scene through exhibits, seminars, and sessions featuring a distinguished group of philosophers, thinkers, and writers. In addition to activities outside the pavilion and the fair, the people of Sharjah will be given a glimpse into Morocco’s rich arts and heritage, showcasing our culture while nurturing a dialogue that celebrates creativity and knowledge,” he said.
Khoula Al Mujaini, SIBF General Coordinator, said, “As time progresses, our lives evolve, as do our interests and reading preferences. In childhood, we are drawn to stories of fantasy and legends, while in our youth, we seek the thrill of adventure. In life’s later stages, we often gravitate towards more reflective reading, where the reader embodies the essence of the writer, continuing their mission and, in some cases, becoming authors themselves—passing down their experiences for future generations to learn from, just as they once did from a book.”
Mansour Al Hassani discussed the events accompanying the upcoming edition of the fair. In his keynote, he highlighted that the fair, along with its international conferences that gather publishers from around the world, has become a global platform for shaping the future of the publishing industry. It is instrumental in defining a new era of connectivity among all sectors of the global creative industries.
SIBF 2024 will feature 2,522 publishers and exhibitors, including 835 Arab publishers and 264 from abroad. The UAE leads Arab participation with 234 publishers, followed by Egypt with 172, Lebanon with 88, and Syria with 58. On the international front, the United Kingdom has the highest representation with 81 publishers, followed by India with 52.
The 43rd edition of SIBF will bring together an esteemed assembly of writers, thinkers, intellectuals, and artists, including laureates of prominent Arab and international awards. A distinguished group of 134 guests will comprise 49 international speakers from 14 nations, 45 Arab guests from 17 countries, and 40 notable Emirati speakers. These renowned thought leaders will lead 500 cultural activities, encompassing panel discussions, readings, workshops, and sessions that explore creative experiences across various art forms and literary genres.
This year’s SIBF will host pre-booked, specialized workshops conducted in both Arabic and English. The Arabic-language workshops will span three days, while the English sessions will be held over 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.
The international literary 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, and writer Abdullah Al Hassawi, among others. They will be joined by some of the Arab world’s most celebrated literary figures, including Egyptian actor Ahmed Ezz, author Ahmed Mourad, economist Ahmed El Sayed Al Naggar, Dr. Saad Al Bazai, and Dr. Amir Taj Elsir. Additionally, poets and novelists in attendance will include Egyptian poet Hisham El Gakh, acclaimed novelist Ibrahim Abdel Meguid, renowned writer Laila Al-Othman, poet Adham Fathy, and author Saad Al Rifai.
Notable international figures gracing this year’s fair include Bulgarian poet and playwright Georgi Gospodinov, a celebrated author who received the 2023 International Booker Prize, with his works translated into over 38 languages. Additionally, 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 also be a key participant. Joining him will be Brandy Gillmore from the US, an internationally recognized expert on mind-body healing and author of Master Your Mind and Energy to Heal Your Body: You Can Be Your Own Cure. Additionally, Indian actress and author Huma Qureshi, known for her book Zeba: An Accidental Superhero, will participate in the fair.
As in previous editions, the book signing corner will feature over 400 authors from diverse nationalities and literary disciplines, providing visitors with the opportunity to have their latest works personally signed.
As part of the 43rd edition, the Poetry Nights will take place daily at 7:00 PM. These events will gather a distinguished group of poets from around the world, presenting their work in six different languages: Arabic, English, Urdu, Punjabi, Malayalam, and Tagalog. The poetry readings will be accompanied by live musical performances, creating an artistic atmosphere where the beauty of words seamlessly blends with the sweetness of melodies, celebrating cultural and artistic diversity.
The event will feature prominent international poets such as Janis Thomas from the UK, Pakistani Wasi Shah, Rafeeq Ahammed from India, and Esther Vargas Castillo from the Philippines. The Arab world will be represented by Dr. Mishal Hamed, poet Ibaa Al-Khatib, poet Adam Fathi, and poet Nasser Al Obeir.
The highly anticipated third edition of the Thriller Festival will return to SIBF from November 7 to 10 in collaboration with the Thriller Festival NY. This event will unite visitors with renowned authors specializing in thriller and crime fiction, offering 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.
This year’s 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 feature 600 workshops, delivering a comprehensive, interactive learning experience that caters to diverse interests. This includes 465 workshops tailored for adults and children, along with 135 dedicated to early childhood, focusing on nurturing essential skills and fostering a lifelong passion for knowledge and discovery from a young age.
In addition to workshops, this year’s fair will showcase 105 exciting performances spanning theatre, roaming shows, and symphonic concerts, featuring an exceptional lineup of international artists from nine countries.
Among the notable performances is the theatrical production Traino, starring Aljoud, Aljoury Albaanon, and Wadha Al Ayoub. The story follows three girls who embark on a thrilling adventure aboard a puzzle-filled train, journeying through several countries where they discover the value of coexistence and cross-cultural understanding.
Another headline performance is Al-Yathum, a horror-comedy featuring Abdulrahman Al Aqel, Zahra Arafat, Fahad Al Banai, and Naif Al Anzi. This production satirically portrays pressing social issues that threaten community cohesion while underscoring the significance of safeguarding societal values.
The Cookery Corner will host 47 live cooking sessions featuring 17 guest chefs from 13 countries, including debut participants from Vietnam, Oman, Slovenia, and Nepal. This year’s lineup includes Anita Šumer, a Slovenian sourdough artist, and Anna Haugh, an Irish restaurateur and judge on MasterChef: The Professionals. They will be joined by Elmarie Berry, a South African food stylist; Lina Saad, an award-winning Lebanese chef; and Ruby Bhogal, known for her fusion of Indian and British culinary traditions.
The fan-favorite Social Media Station will also feature daily specialized workshops addressing a wide range of topics. These sessions will cover enhancing partnerships and collaborations with influencers, examining the role of AI in shaping the future of social media platforms, and exploring AI-driven content creation. The diverse agenda aims to equip attendees with valuable insights into the rapidly evolving landscape of social media and the integration of cutting-edge technologies in content development and audience engagement.
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 several 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.
SIBF 2024 will kick off with a Publisher’s Training program, attracting 157 publishers—52 from the UAE, 50 from the Arab world, and 55 from Africa. Organized in partnership with New York University, the program 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.
