Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) returns to Expo Centre Sharjah from 5–16 November 2025 under the theme “Between You and a Book.” Expect 2,350 publishers from 118 countries, 1,200+ events, 750 workshops, and Greece as Guest of Honour. There’s also a Thriller Festival (8–11 Nov), a Poetry Pharmacy, a new Podcast Station, and expanded visitor services across Sharjah and Dubai.
Dates, theme and scale
SIBF is one of the world’s biggest book fairs and this year sticks to simple goals: access, variety and dialogue.
- When/where: 5–16 Nov 2025, Expo Centre Sharjah.
- Theme: “Between You and a Book.”
- Publishers/exhibitors: 2,350 from 118 countries.
- Programme size: 1,200+ events; 250+ guests from 66 countries.
- Newcomers: 10 countries join the cultural programme for the first time.
SIBF runs for eleven days at Expo Centre Sharjah with a clear theme about the reader–book bond. The scale is large: 2,350 publishers and exhibitors, a packed schedule crossing genres and languages, and first-time participation from Iceland, Jamaica, Nigeria, Mali, Chad, Angola, Mozambique, Guinea, Senegal and Vietnam.
Greece is Guest of Honour
Expect a strong Greek presence across literature, arts and food.
- 70 participants across writing, translation, music and more.
- National Pavilion with ~600 titles from 58 publishers.
- Talks, performances and children’s sessions, plus a Yannis Ritsos-inspired theatre piece.
The Guest of Honour programme mixes classics with contemporary voices. The pavilion nods to ancient architecture, while sessions highlight translation and cultural exchange with the UAE.
Planning an e-reader upgrade before you go? See our Kindle buyer’s guide for the UAE for the best recommendations.
Workshops, festivals and new additions
SIBF 2025 is heavy on skills and hands-on sessions.
- 750 workshops in Arabic and English with 28 guest experts.
- Thriller Festival: 8–11 Nov with 13+ authors and agents; includes “Murder in the Majlis.”
- New: Pop-Up Academy (24 sessions), Poetry Pharmacy (UK concept), Podcast Station with regional shows.
Workshops span writing thrillers, editing and therapeutic writing, alongside pro-level sessions for publishers. The Thriller Festival returns with names from the UK, Iceland, the US, Pakistan and Canada, and even stages an interactive theatre piece. New concepts like Poetry Pharmacy and Podcast Station bring fresh formats to the fair.
Who’s speaking? Big regional and global names
Expect a mix of award winners, historians, scientists and creators.
- Arab voices: from Zahi Hawass to Mo Gawdat, Khaled El Sawy, Dhafer L’Abidine, Jumana Haddad and more.
- International: Chimamanda Ngozi, Prof. Carlo Rovelli, Paul Lynch, Dr Julie Smith, Armen Adamjan, Gaia Vince, David Wengrow, Jennifer Hillier.
- Totals: 158 speakers across 300+ cultural events.
The line-up blends popular authors and heavyweight thinkers. Across 300+ talks, panels and readings, SIBF aims to spark cross-cultural conversations as much as book sales.
Practical info for UAE visitors
Getting there and getting around is sorted, with options from Dubai and inside Sharjah.
- Transport: maritime link from Dubai to Sharjah Aquarium Station; shuttle buses to Expo Centre.
- Parking: Al Qasba, Sharjah Aquarium, Expo Centre multi-storey and overflow areas.
- Media coverage: live TV/radio studios on site across Sharjah TV, Al Wusta, Al Sharqiya, Pulse 95 and more.
If you’re coming from Dubai, the marine service to Sharjah Aquarium is the tidy option, then hop a shuttle to Expo Centre. Drivers get plentiful parking nearby. Expect full broadcast coverage if you prefer to follow live.
When is SIBF 2025?
From 5 to 16 November 2025 at Expo Centre Sharjah.
Which country is Guest of Honour?
Greece, with ~70 participants, a National Pavilion, and ~600 titles from 58 publishers.
How big is the fair this year?
2,350 publishers and exhibitors from 118 countries; 1,200+ events and activities.
