Explainer: Sharjah International Book Fair 2024 brings 2,500 publishers from 112 countries
Themed ‘It Starts with a Book,’ the 43rd edition will take place at Expo Centre Sharjah from 6-17 November
Sharjah: The Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) has announced the 43rd edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF 2024), scheduled from November 6 to 17 at Expo Centre Sharjah.
Under the theme ‘It Starts with a Book,’ this year’s fair will showcase 2,520 publishers from 112 countries and celebrate 400 authors who will be signing their latest works.
The cultural event promises a rich agenda with 1,357 activities featuring 250 guests from 63 countries.
Guest of Honour
This year, Morocco will serve as the official Guest of Honour, showcasing its literary and cultural heritage through 107 engaging activities led by 100 participants.
The UAE leads the participation list with 234 publishers, followed by Egypt with 172 and Lebanon with 88 publishers.
A commitment to knowledge
During a press conference, Ahmed Al Ameri, CEO of SBA, expressed Sharjah's commitment to becoming a global hub for knowledge and culture, crediting the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi. Al Ameri stated, "The book is the origin of all things and the record of all human achievements.
This is why the theme for this year’s fair is ‘It Starts with a Book.’ It encapsulates the belief that every significant journey in learning and personal growth begins with a book."
Innovative features
The 43rd edition will feature 600 workshops for all age groups, including pre-booked exclusive workshops and Poetry Nights in six languages. There will also be 134 guests from 32 countries leading 500 cultural activities.
Cultural exchange and collaboration
HE Mohammed Hassan Khalaf highlighted the collaborative effort in organizing SIBF, emphasizing the fair’s role in promoting knowledge. He stated, "We are proud to serve as the media partner for this unique cultural event."
Diverse activities
SIBF 2024 will host a distinguished assembly of writers and intellectuals, including notable figures like Georgi Gospodinov, the 2023 International Booker Prize winner, and Prof. Lawrence M. Krauss, a theoretical physicist. The fair will also present live cooking sessions and a Social Media Station featuring workshops on the role of AI in social media.
Thrilling additions
The Thriller Festival, returning for its third edition, will engage fans of mystery and suspense from November 7 to 10, featuring 14 best-selling authors.
The Sharjah International Book Fair 2024 promises to be a landmark event in the literary calendar, fostering cultural exchange and celebrating the power of books to inspire and educate.