The fair at a glance
The Sharjah International Book Fair is a major literary event in the Gulf. Its 45th edition has the theme Made of Stories, about how the stories we read and hear shape memory and identity, and Oman is the guest of honour, with a programme on its literature, heritage, writers and artists.
Organisers report 2,673 publishers and exhibitors from 124 countries, 106 writers, artists and intellectuals from 25 countries and about 1,500 cultural and artistic events.
What is new
New this year are Poets' Corner, where visitors' stories are turned into poems in Arabic and English, and Future Hands District, an interactive space where children explore different professions. Related professional conferences for publishers and librarians run around the fair.
Visiting
One listing said entry is free, with registration on the official website or app recommended to skip queues. Opening hours for 2026 had not been confirmed when we checked.
Go on a weekday morning if you want to browse, because weekends and school-trip days are crowded. Wear comfortable shoes: the halls are large. Sharjah is about 30 minutes from central Dubai without traffic and much longer in the evening rush. See our free events guide.
Events in this guide
FAQ
When is the Sharjah Book Fair 2026?+
4 to 15 November 2026 at Expo Centre Sharjah.
Who is the guest of honour?+
Oman.
Is entry free?+
One listing said so, with registration recommended. Confirm on the fair's website.