- Will Smith appears at SIBF 2025 on Friday, 14 November at 8 pm on the Main Stage.
- This is his first appearance as a featured guest at an international book fair.
- He will speak about his journey across writing, film, music and business.
- SIBF 2025 hosts 2,350 publishers from 118 countries with 1,200+ activities.
- SIBF’s theme is “Between You and a Book.”
Will Smith is heading to Sharjah International Book Fair 2025 for a live discussion on Friday, 14 November at 8 pm on the Main Stage. It’s his first time as a featured guest at any international book fair. Expect stories from his career in books, film, music and business, with a focus on resilience and creative growth.
When and where to see Will Smith at SIBF 2025
Smith’s session is set for Friday, 14 November at 8 pm on SIBF’s Main Stage.
- Date: Friday, 14 November 2025
- Time: 8:00 pm (UAE)
- Stage: Main Stage
- Format: Live discussion
- Noted as his first international book fair appearance as a featured guest
The timing puts his talk on a busy SIBF evening, so plan to arrive early. Organisers describe the session as a chance to hear him reflect on writing and creativity across disciplines, framed by persistence and personal growth.
Why does a book fair want Will Smith
SIBF’s 2025 theme is “Between You and a Book.” Smith fits that brief because he is a bestselling author as well as a screen star.
- Memoir: “Will,” co-written with Mark Manson
- Children’s title: “Just the Two of Us”
- Topics expected: storytelling, resilience, self-discovery
- Goal: spark conversations that link reading with lived experience
His memoir traces his upbringing and creative life. The children’s book celebrates the bond between parent and child. That dual track makes him a bridge between mainstream entertainment and reading culture, which is exactly what SIBF says it wants this year.
Film and music credentials in brief
The CV is long, but a few markers explain the draw.
- Academy Award: Best Actor for “King Richard”
- Golden Globe and BAFTA: for the same role
- Earlier Oscar nominations: “Ali,” “The Pursuit of Happiness”
- Music: four Grammy Awards and multiple chart hits
That mix means the discussion can range from performance craft to public pressure and how artists reinvent themselves. It also gives the fair a marquee name that can bring new audiences into a book-first space.
The entrepreneur angle
Beyond the stage and page, Smith backs creative businesses and startups.
- Westbrook Inc.: content studio for film, TV and digital
- Dreamers VC: venture fund for transformative startups
- The Mint Factory: links fashion, merchandise and pop culture
These projects signal a wider interest in how stories become companies and products. Expect questions on what it takes to build media brands today, and how talent can use venture tools to extend cultural impact.
What else is happening at SIBF 2025
SIBF’s 44th edition promises scale and variety that go well beyond one headline guest.
- 2,350 publishers and exhibitors
- 118 participating countries
- 1,200+ activities across authors, thinkers and creatives
- Organised by Sharjah Book Authority
If you’re planning a visit, start with our practical guide to SIBF 2025 for schedules, services and tips, then check our look at the Thriller Festival for genre fans. Visitor guide to SIBF 2025 and Thriller Festival line-up.
FAQs
When is Will Smith speaking at SIBF 2025?
Friday, 14 November 2025 at 8:00 pm on the Main Stage.
What will he talk about?
His journey across writing, film, music and business, with stories about perseverance and artistic evolution.
Is this his first book-fair appearance?
Yes. It’s billed as his first-ever appearance as a featured guest at an international book fair.
Who announced it?
SIBF’s General Coordinator Khoula Al Mujaini, noting that Smith’s career embodies the fair’s mission to honour creative expression.
How big is SIBF 2025?
Organisers say the fair gathers 2,350 publishers and exhibitors from 118 countries with over 1,200 activities.
