Sharjah International Book Fair 2025 – Events, Timings, Travel, Publishing Hub & Cultural Experiences

20 October 2025

Sharjah International Book Fair 2025 – Events, Timings, Travel, Publishing Hub & Cultural Experiences

Save the Location: Where to Experience Sharjah International Book Fair 2025

Sharjah International Book Fair 2025 Venue Location

The Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) unfolds at the iconic Expo Centre Sharjah, a premier venue nestled in the heart of Al Khan, right along Al Taawun Street, and conveniently close to Arab Mall.

Easily accessible and centrally located, Expo Centre Sharjah offers the perfect setting for this world-renowned literary celebration. Whether you’re arriving from within the UAE or traveling internationally, this venue ensures a seamless and enriching experience for all book lovers, publishers, and cultural enthusiasts.

Sharjah International Book Fair 2025 Timings: Full Schedule & Visiting Hours Revealed

Get ready for the 44th edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF), hosted at the Sharjah Expo Centre from 5th to 16th November 2025. Whether you’re a passionate reader, aspiring writer, or curious visitor, here’s when you can explore this world-class literary event:

Sunday to Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Thursday to Saturday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM

Fridays: 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM

Save the Dates: Sharjah International Book Fair 2025 – Key Events & Conferences You Can’t Miss

The Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) is more than a literary gathering – it’s a global celebration of storytelling, publishing, and cultural exchange. Join thousands of readers, authors, and industry leaders from across the world for 11 days of inspiration and connection.

Save these important dates:

Book Fair: 05 – 16 November 2025

Publishers Conference: 02 – 04 November 2025

SILC / SIBF International Library Conference: 08 – 10 November 2025

Mark your calendar and be part of one of the world’s largest and most influential book fairs.

Sharjah International Book Fair: A Celebration of Stories, Culture & Connection

The Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) isn’t merely an event – it’s a movement. A dynamic force shaping a future where reading is a shared national passion. With every page turned, SIBF builds a community of curious minds and lifelong learners.

What Awaits You at SIBF

Meet the Celebrity Authors: Rub shoulders with celebrated authors from around the world. Dive into their creative processes and discover the stories behind the stories.

A Reader’s Wonderland: Lose yourself in a vast literary universe. From thrillers to poetry, from Arabic classics to international bestsellers – there’s something for every taste and tongue.

Global Fusion: Experience the richness of world cultures through books, performances, and conversations. SIBF is a melting pot of traditions and ideas.

Networking and Celebration: Whether you’re a casual reader or a bibliophile, SIBF is the perfect place to connect with kindred spirits and celebrate the joy of reading.

State-of-the-Art Insights: Stay ahead of the curve with expert-led seminars and workshops that spotlight emerging trends in writing, publishing, and storytelling.

Beyond the Bookshelves: Every visit supports the Sharjah Book Authority’s mission to elevate literacy and empower the publishing ecosystem.

Signature Moments

Author Signings: Each year, SIBF hosts themed signing sessions. In 2023, under the banner “We Speak Books,” nearly 600 authors from across the globe gathered to meet fans and sign their latest works.

Thought-Provoking Panels: Experts from diverse disciplines come together annually to discuss pressing issues, share insights, and spark meaningful dialogue.

Creative Workshops: From calligraphy to coding, the 2023 edition featured 60 hands-on workshops designed to ignite imagination and hone artistic skills.

Empowering Through Education

Publishers Conference: A three-day summit tailored for industry professionals. With participants from over 70 countries, the conference offers seminars, matchmaking sessions, and networking events that fuel innovation in publishing and library sciences.

Translation Grant: Introduced in 2011 during SIBF’s 30th edition, this $300,000 fund supports cross-cultural exchange and knowledge – sharing through translated works.

Honouring Excellence        

SIBF celebrates literary brilliance through a suite of prestigious awards:

These accolades are presented by Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority.

Top 11 Must-Do Cultural Experiences in Sharjah: Explore the UAE’s Heritage Capital

Host city to one of the world’s leading international book fairs – Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF)

Sharjah isn’t just a city – it’s a living archive of Arab heritage, a canvas of creativity, and a sanctuary for seekers of knowledge. Crowned both the Cultural Capital of the Arab World and a UNESCO World Book Capital, this Emirate stands tall as a global beacon of literature, art, and tradition.

Unlike its glitzy neighbors, Sharjah invites you to slow down, reflect, and immerse yourself in a world where ancient stories meet modern expression. Whether you’re a first-time explorer or a returning admirer, here are 11 unforgettable ways to experience the heart of Sharjah:

1. Dive into Creativity at Sharjah Art Foundation

Begin your journey at the Sharjah Art Foundation, where contemporary art takes center stage. This vibrant space hosts exhibitions, artist talks, and hands-on workshops – from pottery to eco-art – that spark imagination and celebrate the UAE’s creative pulse.

2. Time Travel in the Heart of Sharjah

Wander through the Heart of Sharjah, a beautifully restored heritage district. Lose yourself in narrow alleys, traditional homes, and the historic Souq Al Arsah, the oldest market in the UAE. Don’t miss the Sharjah Art Museum and Calligraphy Museum, both nestled within this cultural enclave.

3. Shop & Marvel at the Blue Souk

Step into the iconic Blue Souk, a masterpiece of Islamic design. With over 600 shops offering everything from carpets to gold, it’s a shopper’s dream and an architectural gem. Even if you’re not buying, the intricate tilework and domes are worth the visit.

4. Sunset Views at Al Qasba

Al Qasba blends leisure and art along a scenic canal. Enjoy waterfront dining, explore the Maraya Art Centre, and ride the Eye of the Emirates Ferris wheel for sweeping views of the city – especially magical at dusk.

5. Stroll the Al Majaz Waterfront

This lively promenade is perfect for a morning jog or an evening walk. Sip coffee by the water, watch the Sharjah Fountain dance skyward, or take in the city’s rhythm along the 750m running track.

6. Step Inside Al Noor Mosque

Open to non-Muslims, Al Noor Mosque offers guided tours every Monday. Built in Ottoman style, it’s a serene space to learn about Islam and engage with Emirati culture in a welcoming environment.

7. Explore Marine Wonders at Sharjah Aquarium

Located in Al Khan, this peaceful aquarium showcases over 150 species from the Arabian Gulf. From seahorses to turtles, it’s an immersive dive into marine biodiversity and conservation.

8. Discover Islamic Heritage at Sharjah Museum

Set in a former souq, the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization spans 1,400 years of history. Explore Islamic art, science, and astronomy – and don’t forget to gaze up at the zodiac mosaic beneath the grand dome.

9. Adventure at Fossil Rock

For thrill-seekers, Fossil Rock (Jebel Maleihah) offers desert escapades like hiking, fossil hunting, and ATV rides. Camp under the stars and witness the desert’s quiet majesty.

10. Heritage at Bait Sheikh Saeed Bin Hamad Al Qasimi

Near Kalba Fort, this preserved home offers a glimpse into traditional Emirati life. With views of the beach and lush surroundings, it’s a peaceful retreat into Sharjah’s architectural legacy.

11.  Wildlife Wonders at Arabian Wildlife Centre

Located in Sharjah Desert Park, this indoor zoological center is the only one of its kind in the Middle East. Encounter Arabian leopards, reptiles, and more in a setting that celebrates the region’s natural heritage.

Sharjah is a city that doesn’t just tell stories – it lives them.

Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone: Powering Global Publishing from the Heart of SIBF’s Host City

Welcome to Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone (SPCFZ) – the world’s first free zone dedicated exclusively to publishing and printing. Located in the vibrant cultural capital of Sharjah, home to the prestigious Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF), SPCFZ is where publishing visionaries turn ideas into global impact.

Established in November 2017, SPCFZ was born from the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, aiming to elevate the UAE’s cultural and educational landscape. Today, it stands as a dynamic launchpad for publishers, authors, and media entrepreneurs seeking to grow in a 100% tax-free environment with full ownership rights.

Strategic Gateway to Global Markets

Positioned at the crossroads of MENA, Africa, Asia, and Europe, SPCFZ offers unmatched access to emerging and established markets. Whether you’re expanding your catalog or entering new territories, this is your gateway to international publishing success.

More Than Just Office Space

SPCFZ is a thriving ecosystem designed to fuel creativity and collaboration. The 100,000 sq. m campus features:

• Print-on-demand and offset printing facilities
• Competitive paper procurement rates
• High-speed broadband and modern conference rooms
• Furnished/unfurnished offices, storage units, and flexible workspaces
• Secretarial support and dual licensing for operations inside and outside the free zone

A Mission Aligned with Literary Excellence

As part of the Sharjah Book Authority, SPCFZ shares the mission of nurturing a robust publishing industry. It supports the region’s growing knowledge economy, with a special focus on empowering youth and fostering cross-cultural dialogue.

Whether you’re a startup publisher or an established brand, SPCFZ offers the infrastructure, community, and strategic location to scale your operations and amplify your voice in the global literary arena.

Hotels Near Expo Centre Sharjah – SIBF 2025

Make your visit to the Sharjah International Book Fair seamless and comfortable by choosing from these nearby hotels, all offering convenient access to the Expo Centre:

Disclaimer: The hotel information provided above, including contact details, email addresses, and proximity estimates, is based on publicly available sources at the time of writing. Please note that these details may change without notice and may not reflect the most current updates. We do not take responsibility for any inaccuracies, updates, or changes in hotel contacts or services.

If you’re unable to reach any hotel using the provided email or contact details, we recommend confirming directly with the hotel through their official website or alternate channels before making any bookings or travel arrangements.

Tags: Sharjah Book Fair 2025, Sharjah International Book Fair 2025, SIBF