Will Smith to headline SIBF on November 14

October 31, 2025 / 6:21 PM

Sharjah24: The Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) 2025 has announced the participation of global superstar Will Smith, who will take part in a live discussion on Friday, November 14, at 8:00 PM on the event’s Main Stage. This will mark his first-ever appearance as a featured guest at an international book fair; and attendees to SIBF 2025 will have a unique opportunity to hear from Smith directly as he shares insights into his extraordinary journey in writing, film, music and business, offering his perspective through stories of perseverance and artistic evolution.

Commenting on the announcement, Khoula Al Mujaini, General Coordinator of SIBF, said: “Welcoming a global creative icon like Will Smith reflects SIBF’s vision of celebrating art and creativity. His remarkable journey spans cinema, acting, music, singing, and creative writing, embodying our mission to honor all forms of artistic expression that inspire imagination, raise awareness, and open new pathways to knowledge.”

A global icon in media, entertainment and business

In line with SIBF’s theme this year of “Between You and a Book”; Will Smith is a best-selling author and has published the critically acclaimed memoir “Will,” co-written with Mark Manson, which offers deep insights into his upbringing, creative journey, and the lessons learned over a lifetime in the limelight. In addition, he authored the children’s book “Just the Two of Us,” inspired by his popular song and celebrating the bond between parent and child. His presence at the fair will inspire conversations around storytelling, resilience, and self-discovery.

Notably, Smith’s career spans exceptional achievements in both film and music. He won the Academy Award for Best Actor for ‘King Richard’ and earned Golden Globe and BAFTA awards for the same role. His earlier performances in ‘Ali’ and ‘The Pursuit of Happiness’ were also Oscar-nominated. As a musician, Smith claimed four Grammy Awards and released numerous chart-topping hits, establishing his multi-disciplinary legacy.

Beyond his artistic success, Smith is also a noted entrepreneur and innovator. He co-founded Westbrook Inc., a next-generation media and entertainment company producing original content; Dreamers VC, a venture capital fund supporting transformative startups; and The Mint Factory, which links fashion, merchandise, and pop culture. These initiatives also reflect his commitment to driving creative and cultural impact far beyond the screen and stage.

Bridging the worlds of entertainment and literature

Organised by the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), the rich and diverse programme at the 44th Sharjah International Book Fair will gather 2,350 publishers and exhibitors from 118 countries, featuring over 1,200 activities featuring renowned authors, intellectuals, and creatives. Will Smith’s inclusion underscores the fair’s commitment to showcasing some of the most influential voices in contemporary arts and culture, bridging the worlds of entertainment and literature in a celebration of storytelling’s power.