Sharjah International Book Fair 2026 (45th)

The Sharjah International Book Fair is one of the biggest book fairs in the world and the main literary event in the Gulf. The 45th edition runs from 4 to 15 November 2026 at Expo Centre Sharjah. Its theme is “Made of Stories”, about how the stories we read, hear and pass down 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 around 1,500 cultural and artistic events. 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.

One listing said entry is free, with advance registration through the official fair website or app recommended to skip queues. Opening hours for 2026 had not been confirmed when this page was checked, so check the fair's site. Related professional conferences for publishers and librarians run around the fair.

Go on a weekday morning if you want to browse. Weekends and school-trip days are loud and 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.