Under the slogan “Between You and the Book”, the 44th edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair brings together 118 countries from around the world in one place, represented by more than 2350 publishers and exhibitors offering millions of titles and works in various languages. Over 12 days, from November 5 to 16, at Expo Centre Sharjah, more than 250 creators, writers, and thinkers from 66 Arab and foreign countries will present over 1200 cultural, creative, and artistic events.

Organized by the Sharjah Book Authority, the fair revealed new activities this year, including the Social Media Academy “Pop Up” with 24 interactive sessions led by influencers and experts in literature, media, art, and technology; the “Poetry Pharmacy” store offering personalized “poetic prescriptions” to visitors; and the “Podcast” audio talk station hosting popular Arabic programs from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Oman.

This year, the fair offers visitors a chance to explore Greece, its history, beautiful arts, architecture, and its historical contributions to human thought and philosophy. Greece is the guest of honor for the 44th edition, hosting 58 Greek publishing houses and cultural institutions and presenting a diverse cultural program featuring prominent writers, poets, translators, and playwrights. The fair also offers mystery literature lovers a unique experience by hosting the fourth edition of the “Thriller and Suspense Festival.”

Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of the Sharjah Book Authority, stated at a press conference held at the Authority’s headquarters that the 44th edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair launches under the slogan “Between You and the Book” celebrating the interaction between the reader and the word, where the book becomes a mirror in which the reader sees himself and finds a different image of his identity with each new reading.

Al Ameri said, “Every year, the Sharjah International Book Fair stands as a testament to the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, who confirmed that the book is the broadest space where cultures and civilizations meet and exchange knowledge and experiences. Today, his project continues with a renewed vision led by Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority, who has taken on the mission of enhancing Sharjah’s position as a global center for knowledge production and launching initiatives supporting the presence of the Arabic book internationally.”

Panagiotis Kougios, Chargé d’Affaires of the Greek Embassy in the UAE, said, “We express our sincere gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, for granting Greece the honor of being the guest of honor this year, which we see as a deep appreciation of historical and cultural relations.”

He added, “The Greek Ministry of Culture carefully prepared its participation in the Sharjah International Book Fair to present the modern face of our culture through the participation of 58 publishing houses and cultural institutions in a 200-square-meter national pavilion displaying about 600 titles in Greek and translated languages, alongside the exhibition ‘Greek Literature – The Long Journey,’ highlighting the continuity of Greek literature from Homer to the present.”

This year, 2350 publishers and exhibitors from 118 Arab and foreign countries participate in the fair, with 1224 Arab publishing houses and 1126 foreign publishing houses.

The fair offers more than 1200 events ranging from panel discussions, literary readings, and workshops, featuring over 250 guests from 66 countries, including a distinguished group of prominent writers, thinkers, intellectuals, and artists who have received prestigious Arab and international awards.

The cultural program includes 300 events, with 66 international guests from 19 countries, 62 Arab guests from 20 countries, and 30 Emirati speakers enriching the cultural scene with their expertise and creativity. The program also welcomes speakers from 10 countries participating for the first time.

This year’s events include 15 activities requiring prior registration in Arabic and English. In its effort to expand cultural and intellectual influence innovatively, the Social Media Academy “Pop Up” serves as an interactive platform combining learning, inspiration, and entertainment through 24 sessions led by influencers and experts in literature, media, art, and technology.

The fair also features the “Poetry Pharmacy” store, where visitors can purchase “poetic prescriptions” tailored to various literary moods in containers resembling medicine boxes. Additionally, the edition hosts a “Podcast” station featuring popular Arabic programs such as “Asmar” from Saudi Arabia, “Jalsat Kark” from Oman, and “Monday Chair” from the UAE.

A large group of Emirati writers, thinkers, and poets participate in this edition, alongside a selection of Arab writers, authors, and artists contributing to the accompanying cultural program, as well as writers and academics from around the world.

The fair offers a training program including 750 workshops for children and adults, conducted by 28 guests from nine countries. It also organizes 85 performances from 12 countries, ranging from plays, street performances, to vocal symphonies.

The fair hosts the fourth edition of the Thriller and Suspense Festival, in cooperation with Thriller Festival NY, offering a unique experience gathering over 13 specialists including leading authors, publishing agents, and screenwriters worldwide.

The culinary corner presents an experience blending global flavors with cultural creativity through 42 events hosted by 15 guests from 14 countries, including some of the world’s most famous chefs.