Sharjah International Book Fair begins October 30

Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) opens tomorrow, bringing together 173 authors from 68 countries.

The 38th edition of the book event will span 11 days from October 30 to November 9, convening 2,000 publishers from 81 countries. It will also feature 987 events ranging from book discussions and signings to theatre, social media events, kids and cookery activities.

The underlying theme of this year’s event: ‘Open Books. Open Minds’ is aligned with the emirates’ vision of underscoring the importance of books for true enlightenment.

This year’s event will conduct 20 workshops led by 12 guests. Six social media influencers will also be heading discussions and activities. The Kids’ programme will include 409 activities led by 28 guests from 13 countries.

International guests include Elisabetta Dami, the children’s author from Italy, Bernice L. McFadden, the American author of the award-winning The Book of Harlan, poet and author Anita Nair, actor Gulshan Grover, and poet, novelist and musician Jeet Thayil.

The Arab guest list includes Wasini Al Araj, Ahlam Mosteghanemi, Ahmed Murad, and Omani author Jokha Alharthi.

On the sidelines of the book event, SIBF in collaboration with the American Library Association will be hosting the sixth annual Sharjah International Library Conference from November 6 – 7. The program will offer more than 400 librarians, archivists and industry professionals, the platform to share their inputs on challenges and opportunities facing the industry.

Key Takeaways:

• 173 authors from 68 Arab and foreign countries
• 2,000 publishers from 81 countries
• Comic Book Corner will run 66 activities headed by 5 guests from four countries
• Kids’ Programme will run 409 activities led by 28 guests from 13 Arab and foreign countries
• 48 live culinary activities will be staged