Books are back in the spotlight this autumn, as Anne Carson‘s Nobel win shows. In Sharjah, the 45th Sharjah International Book Fair opens on November 4 and runs until November 15. It takes place at Expo Centre Sharjah over 12 days. This year, Oman is the Guest of Honor. Together, the fair and its guest promise a rich mix of literature, art and conversation.
A Fair Built Over Four Decades
Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, founded the fair in 1982. Since then, it has grown into one of the region’s flagship cultural events. It brings together readers, authors, publishers, translators and creatives from around the world. Each year, a Guest of Honor presents its own literature and ideas. Last year, for example, Greece took that role.
Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi, chairwoman of the Sharjah Book Authority, spoke about the fair’s purpose. She said it reflects Sharjah’s long commitment to books and reading. In addition, she noted that it helps Arabic literature reach wider international audiences.
Oman in the Spotlight
Oman’s program centres on the sultanate’s literary, artistic and cultural heritage. Visitors can explore the work of Omani writers, thinkers and artists through talks, exhibitions and events. Notably, Omani literature has earned international attention in recent years. Novelist Jokha Alharthi, who won the International Booker Prize in 2019, is one example. The organisers have not confirmed individual guests yet.
What Visitors Can Do
The public program is broad. The fair features panel discussions and book signings with authors. Poetry evenings and creative workshops fill the schedule as well. In addition, families will find activities for children and young adults. As a result, a day at the fair can suit readers of every age.
Behind the Scenes: Industry Conferences
Alongside the public events, the fair hosts industry gatherings. The Publishers Conference runs from November 1 to 3, just before the doors open. The Sharjah International Library Conference follows from November 7 to 9. Together, they bring publishing, translation, and library specialists into the conversation. Therefore, the fair works as both a festival for readers and a marketplace for professionals.
Sharjah’s Global Reach
The emirate has been expanding its cultural presence abroad. In May, Sharjah became the first Arab Guest of Honor at the Warsaw International Book Fair. Its four-day program included literary discussions, poetry events and cultural performances. It also promoted translation and publishing partnerships between the Arab world and Europe.
Meanwhile, in June, the UAE was a guest of honor at the Beijing Book Fair. There, the Sharjah Institute for Heritage presented more than ten Chinese-language editions. These included a translation of the Encyclopaedia of Mythical Creatures in Emirati Heritage. Together, these steps show a clear strategy of exporting Arab books.
A Look at Scale
Visit Sharjah describes the fair as one of the world’s largest. It cites more than 400 literary events, over two million visitors and about 1,420 publishing houses. It also says books appear in more than 210 languages. These figures describe previous editions rather than 2026. Nevertheless, they show how large the event has become.
Planning Your Visit
The fair runs from November 4 to 15 at Expo Centre Sharjah. Visitors should check the official website for opening hours and ticket details. The program includes author sessions, so plan your day around the talks you want most. Finally, arrive early on weekends, when crowds tend to be larger.
Why It Matters for Arab Readers
For readers across the Arab world, the fair is a chance to meet authors and discover new titles. It also offers a rare gathering of publishers and translators in one place. In a year when a Nobel Prize has focused attention on literature, the fair arrives at a good moment. Therefore, it is worth marking on the calendar.
