International Booker Prize winner Geetanjali Shree, Ipaf winner Mohammed Alnaas, Quantum Healing author Deepak Chopra and Big Nate cartoonist Lincoln Peirce are among the leading names set to participate in the Sharjah International Book Fair.
The 41st annual event will take place between November 2 and 13 at the Expo Centre Sharjah. It will be held under the theme Spread the Word, Sharjah Book Authority revealed at the Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park on Wednesday.
More than 120 cultural figures will be featured in the fair, including Moroccan poet and former minister of culture and communication Mohammed Al-Ash’ari, Egyptian author Ahmed Mourad, as well as Emirati writers Sultan Al Amimi, Khulood Al Mualla, Ibrahim Al Hashemi and Asma Al Hammadi.
More than 2,000 publishers from 95 countries are set to participate. Countries joining the fair for the first time include Cuba, Costa Rica, Liberia, Philippines, Ireland, Malta, Mali, Jamaica, Iceland and Hungary.
With the participation of 339 publishing houses, the UAE tops the list of Arab publishers, followed by Egypt with 306 participants and Lebanon and Syria represented by 125 and 95 publishers respectively. On the international level, 112 publishers will be coming from India while the UK will be represented by 61 publishers.
“The annual Sharjah International Book Fair is a manifestation of Sharjah’s cultural project and brings together thousands of publishers and hundreds of writers and creators, in addition to millions of books in different languages under one big roof,” Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, chairman of Sharjah Book Authority, said.
“The book fair started with just a few hundred publishers and visitors. Today, it is hosting the largest number of publishers in its history as it welcomes 2,213 publishers. Last year, SIBF was recognised as the largest book fair in the world in terms of buying and selling intellectual property rights.”
Italy will be the guest of honour this year with a vibrant agenda that offers visitors insight into the cultural prowess and impact of the European nation. Several activities have been incorporated into the programming as part of the celebration, including a cookery corner, children’s activities, as well as stage performances Aterballetto: A Poetry Abstraction and Balletto Di Roma.
Notable Italian authors participating in the fair include Viola Ardone, Luigi Ballerini, Alessandro Baricco, and Francesca Corrao.
The Publishers Conference will be held as part of the fair from October 30 and November 1. The three-day event will address issues and challenges facing the publishing sector, the future of digital publishing in the Arab world and spotlight emerging markets to promote audiobooks. As part of the platform, more than 230 Arab publishers will receive specialised training in collaboration with New York University, which focuses on international publishing standards and practices.
The ninth Sharjah International Library Conference, held in collaboration with the American Library Association, will also run between November 8 and 10 on the sidelines of the fair. The event will bring together an international group of librarians and experts representing various libraries in the US and countries around the world.
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Staff at the Expo Centre Sharjah distributing UAE flags to celebrate flag day at the Sharjah International Book Fair. Ruel Pableo / The National -
The SIBF includes a vibrant children’s programme with more than 355 scheduled activities. Ruel Pableo / The National -
Taking place until November 13, the fair is being held at the Expo Centre Sharjah under the theme, There is always the right book. Ruel Pableo / The National -
The SIBF is free to attend and has no specified Covid-related restrictions apart from the need to wear a mask. Ruel Pableo / The National -
A girl celebrating Flag Day with her father at the SIBF. Ruel Pableo / The National -
More than 85 local and international literary figures are scheduled to take part in this year’s SIBF. Ruel Pableo / The National -
UAE flags being distributed to SIIBF visitors in honour of Flag Day. Ruel Pableo / The National -
To best navigate and make the most out of the event, we recommend you download the SIBF smartphone app. Ruel Pableo / The National -
Children dressing up with their favourite character in one of the children's activities at the SIBF. Ruel Pableo / The National -
The fair is hosting more than 1,600 publishers from around the world. Ruel Pableo / The National -
Flag Day being celebrated at the SIBF. Ruel Pableo / The National -
Visitors admiring a Lamborghini book at the Italian pavilion at the SIBF. Ruel Pableo / The National -
To better help visitors navigate through the fair’s offerings, volunteers designated as Book Guides have been stationed around the site. Ruel Pableo / The National -
A girl dressed up as her favourite Disney character at the SIBF. Ruel Pableo / The National -
Workshops in photography, art, leaf-printing and robotics catering through different ages are also being held across the 11 day-event. Ruel Pableo / The National -
The children's section at the SIBF. Ruel Pableo / The National -
The SIBF app will give you immediate access to the fair’s programme, as well as a list of exhibitors. Ruel Pableo / The National -
Workshops in photography, art, leaf-printing and robotics catering through different ages are also being held across the 11 day-event. Ruel Pableo / The National -
This year's SIBF is one of the first literary events in the region to completely reprise an in-person format. Ruel Pableo / The National -
A celebration of Flag Day at the Sharjah International Book Fair. Ruel Pableo / The National -
Taking place until November 13, the fair is being held at the Expo Centre Sharjah under the theme, There is always the right book. Ruel Pableo / The National
