The Sharjah Book Authority announced details of the event during a press conference at its headquarters, revealing that the fair will also welcome a total of 106 writers, artists and intellectuals from 25 countries to present more than 1,500 cultural, creative and artistic events. According to the authority, 2,673 publishers and exhibitors from 124 nations will take part, including 1,151 Arab publishing houses and 1,122 international ones offering titles across literature, science, children’s books and other fields. Oman will serve as guest of honour, contributing 50 participants including 41 writers and poets along with 15 cultural sessions, six children’s workshops and 20 artistic performances.
WAM reported that the Arab authors hail from 17 countries and will engage in panel discussions, literary talks and workshops focused on fiction, poetry and literary criticism. The programme includes Moroccan academic Dr Said Yaktine, a specialist in narratology, literary theory and digital literature, as well as Lebanese novelist and journalist Najwa Barakat and Kuwaiti novelist Saud Alsanousi. Additional participants encompass Sudanese novelist Dr Amir Tag Elsir, Syrian writer Zoulfa Katouh and Egyptian novelist Noha Dawoud.
Emirati writers, thinkers, poets and artists will feature prominently in the lineup, the Sharjah Book Authority stated. Among those taking part are Dr Sultan Al Ameemi, Ali Abu Al Reesh, Dr Habib Ghuloom, Dr Shihab Ghanem, Dr Ahmed Al Khoori, Fathiya Al Nimr, Dubai Abulhoul, Aisha Sultan and Nasser Al Dhaheri. The authority’s announcement also listed Emirati novelist Mohammed Ali Al Hammadi, writer Alia Nasser Al Zaabi and Syrian novelist and journalist Islam Abu Shukair as contributors.
Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, chief executive of the Sharjah Book Authority, said in the announcement that for 45 years the fair has evolved from a celebration of books into a platform connecting readers, writers, publishers and creative minds worldwide. He noted that the theme underscores how stories shape personal memories, identity and understanding while encouraging the creation of new narratives for future generations. The professional programme for publishers will begin on October 31 with training initiatives including the New York University Publishers Training Programme for 200 international executives.
The fair continues under the guidance of Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority, and builds on the cultural vision of Sharjah Ruler Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, according to the authority. Organisers have introduced new visitor experiences, family activities and industry events to expand the fair’s reach. This edition will take place at Expo Centre Sharjah, maintaining the event’s role as a key venue for rights exchanges and literary dialogue in the region.
