Hosting 85 Prominent Emirati and Arab Authors Featuring Over 2,500 Publishers and Celebrating Morocco as Guest of Honour, SIBF 2024 Will Host 1,357 Events and Workshops from November 6-17, Highlighting the Power of Books to Shape Knowledge-Based Societies.

The 43rd Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF), scheduled from November 6 to 17, 2024, at Expo Centre Sharjah, is one of the largest and most prestigious literary events in the Arab world. This year’s edition, under the theme “It Starts with a Book,” is scheduled to feature 85 renowned Emirati and Arab writers and experts, presenting a line-up of award-winning dramatists, novelists, and poets who will sign copies of their most recent works, participate in interesting conversations, and engage with participants.

The fair will conduct 600 workshops, covering a wide range of age groups and interests, contributing to its role as an educational hub. Around 2,522 publishers from 112 nations will be present at the expo, demonstrating its international reach. Among these, 264 are from other countries, and 835 are Arab publishers. There will be 400 writers from various literary fields in attendance. These include distinguished writers, poets, and thinkers who will participate in conversations, workshops, and book signings with guests. Attendees can participate in over 1,357 activities, including 500 cultural programs like panels, workshops, and seminars​. One unique feature this year is the introduction of pre-booked exclusive workshops, which focus on specialized topics, such as creative writing. 

His Excellency Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, SBA’s CEO; His Excellency Ahmed El Tazi, the Kingdom of Morocco’s ambassador to the United Arab Emirates; HE Mohammed Hassan Khalaf, the Sharjah Broadcasting Authority’s director-general; Khoula Al Mujaini, SIBF’s general coordinator; and Mansour Al Hassani, the general coordinator of the Professional Conferences for the Sharjah International Book Fair, were among those present at the press conference held at SBA headquarters. Senior officials, media representatives, and industry executives also attended the news conference.

“The book is the origin of all things and is the record of all human achievements,” said HE Ahmed Al Ameri during his speech. They guide civilizations as they progress while preserving the histories and achievements of nations. For this reason, “It Starts with a Book” is the theme for this year’s event. It embodies the idea that a book is the starting point for any meaningful educational or personal development journey, acting as a doorway to an infinite supply of information and insight. It is crucial to acknowledge books as fundamental resources that promote personal enlightenment and ultimately advance society as a whole in a time when information is widely available.

He Mohammed Hassan Khalaf emphasized that the collaboration with SBA is a prime example of smooth institutional cooperation, particularly in the planning of SIBF. “As the media partner for this special cultural event, we are honored to contribute to the dissemination of information. With specialized studios at the location, live broadcasts of the opening ceremony, a variety of programs on Sharjah’s TV and radio, and real-time coverage via the Maraya platform and digital media, the 43rd edition will be exceptional, he said.

Morocco as the Guest of Honour:

This year, Morocco is the Guest of Honour, and the fair will highlight the country’s rich literary and cultural heritage. A specially curated program will showcase Moroccan literature, art, and cultural performances, offering a deep dive into its diverse traditions​. Visitors can enjoy roaming cultural shows and participate in discussions with Moroccan intellectuals, enhancing cross-cultural connections.

The Kingdom of Morocco‘s ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, His Excellency Ahmed El Tazi, conveyed his sincere appreciation for the privilege of serving as the Guest of Honor at the Sharjah International Book Fair in 2024. The Kingdom of Morocco’s ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, His Excellency Ahmed El Tazi, conveyed his sincere appreciation for the privilege of serving as the Guest of Honor at the Sharjah International Book Fair in 2024. “Our shared spirit of cooperation demonstrates our longstanding relationship with Sharjah and the UAE. Morocco hopes to make a difference this year with a well-planned program created by our Ministry of Culture and Communication, which will showcase the country’s contemporary cultural landscape through displays, talks, and events with a renowned array of philosophers, intellectuals, and authors. He said, “The people of Sharjah will be given a glimpse into Morocco’s rich arts and heritage, showcasing our culture while nurturing a dialogue that celebrates creativity and knowledge, in addition to activities outside the pavilion and the fair.”

Emirati and Arab Guests:

Dr. Sultan Al Ameemi, Dr. Saeed Al Dhaheri, Dr. Hamad Bin seray, author Ibrahim Al-Hashimi, poet Ali Al Abdan, author Eman Al Yousuf, poet Amal Al Sahlawi, author Salma Al Hafeeti, and writer Abdullah Al Hassawi are among the notable Emirati writers, intellectuals, and poets who will be featured at the international event. Some of the most well-known authors from the Arab world will join them in the cultural program, including Dr. Saad Al Bazai, Dr. Amir Taj Elsir, Egyptian actor Ahmed Ezz, Dr. Mourad, and economist Ahmed El Sayed Al Naggar. Other poets and novelists present include author Saad Al-Rifai, famous writer Laila Al-Othman, poet Adham Fathy, Egyptian poet Hisham El Gakh, and celebrated novelist Ibrahim Abdel Meguid.

The SIBF is not only a literary festival but also an important platform for knowledge exchange. It aims to promote the UAE’s vision of building a knowledge-based society, encouraging collaboration between authors, publishers, illustrators, and translators​. With free entry and activities for all age groups, SIBF 2024 promises to be an enriching experience for bibliophiles, industry professionals, and cultural enthusiasts alike.