Academy Award-winning actor and musician Will Smith will take the stage at the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) 2025, one of the Middle East’s leading cultural events. His session on Nov. 14 at Expo Center Sharjah promises insights from his career and creative journey, marking a major draw for this year’s edition.
Smith’s participation brings international star power to an event already recognized as a cornerstone of the Arab world’s literary calendar.
Will Smith’s Deep Connection with the Middle East and AlUla
Smith’s appearance continues a longstanding connection with the Middle East. The Hollywood star has become a familiar face in the Gulf, frequently visiting and expressing genuine admiration for the region’s culture and energy.
Most recently, he attended Saudi Arabia’s AlUla Camel Cup in 2023, cementing his growing presence in Middle Eastern cultural circles.
The 44th edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair runs from Nov. 4 to 15 under the theme “Between You and a Book.” The scale is impressive, with more than 2,350 publishers from 118 countries, making it one of the largest gatherings of its kind worldwide.
Attendees can choose from more than 1,200 sessions and 750 workshops tailored for readers, educators, and publishing professionals.
Global Guests at SIBF 2025: Adichie, Rovelli, Lynch, and Zahi Hawass
The lineup brings together diverse international and regional talent. Global guests include Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Italian physicist and writer Carlo Rovelli, Irish novelist and Booker Prize winner Paul Lynch, and Indian content creator Prajakta Koli.
The Arab world is well represented with poet and filmmaker Nujoom Al Ghanem, historian Dr. Hamad bin Seray, and renowned Egyptologist Zahi Hawass.
SIBF’s Role in Sharjah’s Cultural Vision and Global Dialogue
Smith’s headline appearance underscores the fair’s evolution into a premier destination for global literary and cultural exchange. With each edition, Sharjah solidifies its position as a bridge between international ideas and regional dialogue, drawing the world’s creative voices to its stages.
