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Sharjah Book Fair 2026 adds poetry transformation service and children's career discovery space
The 45th edition runs November 4 to 15 with 2,673 publishers from 124 countries and 1,500 cultural events.
Sharjah International Book Fair 2026 will offer visitors a poetry transformation service and an interactive children's career discovery space when it opens November 4 at Expo Centre Sharjah. The Sharjah Book Authority announced the new attractions at a press conference October 13, alongside details of the 12-day programme running through November 15.
Poetry transformation and career discovery spaces added#
Poets' Corner will allow visitors to recount their own experiences and receive them back as verse in Arabic or English. Future Hands District will give children an opportunity to explore different professions through an interactive educational setting designed as a city. The Sharjah Book Authority stated both attractions aim to offer visitors experiences beyond browsing and purchasing books, with activities designed to bring storytelling, creativity and learning to life for different age groups.
Fair brings 2,673 publishers from 124 countries#
The 45th edition will assemble 2,673 publishers and exhibitors representing 124 countries, with 106 writers, artists and intellectuals from 25 countries participating in a programme featuring 1,500 cultural and artistic events. Oman will serve as Guest of Honour, with 50 participants including 41 writers and poets. The fair operates under the theme Made of Stories. Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of the Sharjah Book Authority, stated the event reflects Sharjah's commitment to books and knowledge over 45 years.
Three theatrical productions require advance booking#
Three productions requiring advance booking will be staged during the 12-day event. The musical When Memories Sing premieres November 7, revisiting childhood songs and memories across generations. Abdullah Annan will present Impossible or Science?! on November 8, an interactive family show combining optical illusions and scientific experiments with audience participation. Waterland will be performed on the outdoor stage at Expo Centre Sharjah on November 14 and 15, with a cast of regional performers.
International and regional authors confirmed#
Guests from outside the region include Nnedi Okorafor from Nigeria, Clare Mackintosh from Britain, Liu Zhenyun from China, Daisy Rockwell from the United States, and John Vaillant from Canada and the United States. Also participating are Shenaz Treasurywala from India, Ambeth R. Ocampo from the Philippines, and Zoulfa Katouh, a Syrian-Canadian novelist. Emirati participants include Sultan Al Ameemi, Ali Abu Al Reesh, Habib Ghuloom, Dubai Abulhoul and Aisha Sultan. The programme will explore literature, history, science, technology and contemporary cultural issues through discussions and interactive sessions.
Sources2 sources across 2 domains
- khaleejtimes.comKhaleej TimesPoets' Corner service, Future Hands District, dates November 4-15, 2,673 publishers from 124 countries, 1,500 events, 106 participants from 25 countries, press conference October 13
- gulfnews.comGulf NewsTheme Made of Stories, Oman as Guest of Honour, theatrical productions with dates, international and Emirati participants named, Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri statement
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