SIBF hosts more than 2,350 publishers and over 1,200 events

Organised by the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), The event will showcase more than 2,350 publishers and exhibitors from 118 countries and will offer over 1,200 activities featuring more than 250 guests from 66 different countries. It promises to be an exciting celebration of literature and culture for everyone.

New activities and programs

In an exclusive interview with "Sharjah 24," Khawla Al Mujaini revealed some exciting updates about this year's event. This edition features fun and creative activities, including an interactive play called "Crime in the Majlis." In this play, audience members get to act like detectives and dive into a thrilling mystery themselves.

Additionally, the fair will include a "Social Media Academy," where popular influencers and experts will hold 24 hands-on sessions and workshops for visitors to participate in and learn new skills.

For the first time ever, the exhibition will host a unique event called the "Poetry Pharmacy," brought over from the United Kingdom. At this event, guests can purchase "poetic prescriptions," which are like little medicine boxes filled with specially chosen poems that match their individual tastes and interests.

Associated conferences

Al Mujaini has announced that the 15th edition of the Publishers Conference will be held from November 2 to 4. This year's event will include over 30 different workshops and discussions covering important topics like how books are made, rights for authors, and the art of translation.

In addition, the conference will kick off the 12th Sharjah International Library Conference, which will explore the future of libraries and how they can better serve the community.

A new highlight of this year's event is the Podcast Station, where popular audio shows from the Arab world will be showcased. This space will allow podcast creators to interact directly with their listeners, providing a fun opportunity for everyone to engage and connect.

Cultural and linguistic diversity

The general coordinator of the Sharjah International Book Fair announced that the event includes many different cultural activities. One highlight is poetry evenings that feature readings in several languages, such as Arabic, English, Russian, Urdu, Greek, Punjabi, and others. This reflects the fair's vibrant cultural diversity and provides a wonderful opportunity for poets and audiences from various backgrounds to come together and share their creativity.

Renewed global presence

Khawla has some exciting news to share! For the first time, ten different countries are participating in this year's event: Iceland, Jamaica, Nigeria, Mali, Chad, Vietnam, Senegal, Guinea, Mozambique, and Angola. This opens up new chances for people to connect and share their cultures through books, making the experience even more enjoyable for everyone who attends.

Khawla also encourages all book lovers and culture enthusiasts to visit the Sharjah International Book Fair's website. By signing up online in advance, visitors can view the full list of events and plan their visit, including reserving seats for various sessions and workshops.