The 44th Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF 2025) is turning the page on another spectacular year, and this time, it’s cooking up something extra special. Alongside books, authors, and big ideas, visitors can look forward to a flavour-packed line-up of 35 live cooking sessions, bringing global cuisines and cultural storytelling to life.

From November 5 to 16, the Cookery Corner will transform into a stage for 14 acclaimed chefs from around the world, each presenting dishes inspired by their heritage, journeys, and passion for food.

Arabic Flavours

Middle Eastern flavours take the spotlight early on. From November 7 to 9, Chef Hisham Assad showcases the soulful spirit of Lebanese and Palestinian cuisine, followed by Chef Fadi Kattan from November 14 to 16, whose dishes are rooted in Palestinian heritage. On November 7 and 8, Lebanese-Australian Chef Philip Khoury reinvents classic desserts with his signature plant-based twist.

Afro-Asian delicacies

African and Asian influences shine through as Chef Hawa Hassan stirs up East African stories from her celebrated cookbook In Bibi’s Kitchen on November 6 and 8, while Ashia Ismail-Singer (November 11–13) blends her Memon Indian roots with flavours from Malawi, the UK, and New Zealand. Chef Susana Villasuso brings Mexican fire from Nov. 10–12, and Chef Noor Murad (November 5–7) fuses Gulf, Irani, and Indian culinary traditions with modern flair.

From November 8 to 10, Chef Woldy Reyes reimagines Filipino cuisine with a touch of seasonal creativity. Egyptian Chef Mama Wafaa (November 14–15) shares comforting home-cooked recipes, while Chef Anand George (November 8–9) adds a dash of Indian innovation. Chef Nasrin Rejali (November 12–13) brings Iranian warmth from her Manhattan restaurant, joined by Chef Rachana Rimal and Chef Diaa Alhanoun, who present Nepali and Syrian home-style flavours. The culinary showcase concludes with Chef Parth Bajaj (November 15–16), whose inventive dishes reflect his journey from engineering to the culinary arts.

Beyond the kitchen, SIBF 2025 will host over 1,200 cultural and creative events featuring more than 250 authors and creators from 66 countries, under the theme “Between You and a Book.”

Line-up of authors

This year’s line-up includes literary luminaries like Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Carlo Rovelli, Paul Lynch, Dr Julie Smith, and Chris Pavone, alongside Indian Booker winner Banu Mushtaq and a new generation of digital storytellers shaping the future of literature.

From bestselling authors to culinary stars, SIBF 2025 promises a 12-day feast for the senses, where words, culture, and flavours meet in one unforgettable celebration.