The 45th Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF 2026) is underway at Expo Centre Sharjah from November 4 to 15, bringing together book lovers, authors, publishers, and literary enthusiasts from around the globe. Held under the theme “Made of Stories,” this year’s edition celebrates the enduring power of literature, storytelling, and cultural exchange.
On Monday, November 9, thousands of students from across the UAE visited the fair, exploring vast collections of books and participating in hands-on educational activities. Their energetic presence highlighted SIBF’s vital role in nurturing reading habits and creative thinking among younger generations.

Interactive Learning & Educational Zones
Organised by the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), the 12-day event features 3,212 publishers and exhibitors from 126 countries, displaying approximately 1.7 million titles. To enrich the student experience, SIBF introduced the Future Hands District, an interactive space where youth can explore different career paths through practical simulations.
Visitors can also enjoy more than 1,500 cultural and creative activities, including:

-Interactive Workshops: Drama, STEM, puppet shows, and digital animation masterclasses.

-Poets’ Corner: A creative pavilion where students’ personal stories are transformed into customized poems by resident writers.

-Author Sessions: Panel discussions with global writers such as sci-fi author Nnedi Okorafor, novelist Zoulfa Katouh, and local Emirati literary figures.

Oman as Guest of Honour & Genre Highlights
A major draw for visiting school groups is the pavilion of the Sultanate of Oman, the Guest of Honour for 2026. Featuring a 50-member delegation of writers, poets, and performers, the pavilion offers live poetry recitals, traditional crafts, and dedicated youth workshops.
Additionally, older students and literary fans enjoyed the fifth edition of the Thriller Festival (November 7–10), featuring masterclasses with international mystery and crime authors.

Beyond serving readers, the fair hosts industry gatherings like the Sharjah International Library Conference, reinforcing Sharjah’s position as a global capital for literature, education, and cultural development.