By Muhammad Sajjad and Sudhashree Dash

Thousands of students from across the UAE gathered at the 45th Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF 2026) on November 9, immersing themselves in a world of books, literature, creativity and interactive learning.

Held at Expo Centre Sharjah from November 4 to 15, the prestigious literary event is taking place under the theme ‘Made of Stories,’ celebrating the power of storytelling, cultural exchange and the enduring influence of literature.

Organised by the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), SIBF 2026 has attracted 3,212 publishers and exhibitors representing 126 countries, showcasing approximately 1.7 million book titles.

The strong participation of school students highlighted the fair’s growing importance in encouraging reading habits, creative expression and intellectual development among younger generations.

Interactive learning experiences

A major attraction for young visitors is the newly introduced Future Hands District, an interactive educational zone designed to help students discover potential career opportunities through practical activities and simulations.

The fair also features more than 1,500 cultural, educational and creative activities, offering students opportunities to learn beyond traditional classroom settings.

Some of the key attractions include:

• Interactive workshops: Students can participate in drama performances, STEM activities, puppet shows and digital animation masterclasses.
• Poets’ corner: A creative space where students’ personal stories are transformed into personalised poems by resident writers.
• Author sessions: Literary discussions and interactive sessions featuring internationally recognised authors, including science-fiction writer Nnedi Okorafor, novelist Zoulfa Katouh and prominent Emirati literary personalities.

These activities aim to inspire young minds while introducing students to different forms of storytelling, artistic expression and creative learning.

Oman Pavilion draws attention as guest of honour 

The Sultanate of Oman is the Guest of Honour at the 45th edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair, adding a distinctive cultural dimension to this year’s event.

Featuring a 50-member delegation of writers, poets and performers, the Oman pavilion showcases the country’s literary heritage, traditional arts and cultural identity.

Visitors can experience live poetry recitals, traditional crafts and dedicated workshops designed especially for young audiences.

The pavilion also provides an opportunity for students to explore Oman’s rich literary traditions and discover the cultural connections shared across the region.

Festival attracts mystery, crime fiction enthusiasts

Beyond its educational attractions, SIBF 2026 is also drawing attention from readers interested in mystery, suspense and crime fiction.

The fifth edition of the Thriller Festival, scheduled from November 7 to 10, features international mystery and crime writers, offering masterclasses and opportunities for literary enthusiasts to engage with established authors.

The festival provides an additional platform for older students and genre enthusiasts to explore contemporary storytelling and the craft of suspense writing.

Sharjah strengthens position as a global literary hub

Alongside public exhibitions and cultural activities, the Sharjah International Book Fair hosts major industry gatherings, including the Sharjah International Library Conference.

These initiatives bring together publishers, authors, librarians and literary professionals from different parts of the world, strengthening international cooperation in publishing, education and cultural development.

With thousands of students participating in educational activities and millions of books on display, SIBF 2026 continues to highlight the importance of reading, creativity and knowledge-sharing.

The fair’s diverse programme reinforces Sharjah’s reputation as an international centre for literature, education and cultural exchange.