The Sharjah International Book Fair 2026 opens on Wednesday 4 November at Expo Centre Sharjah and runs until Sunday 15 November. Most coverage stops at the headline numbers. This guide is for parents who want to know the practical things: when to go, how to get in, where to park, and which days work best with children.
Quick answer: SIBF 2026 runs from 4 to 15 November at Expo Centre Sharjah, on Al Taawun Street near Arab Mall. Entry has been free in past editions. The fair is open into the late evening every day, and Friday hours start later in the afternoon.
Sharjah International Book Fair 2026 at a glance
| Detail | SIBF 2026 |
|---|---|
| Dates | Wed 4 Nov to Sun 15 Nov 2026 |
| Edition | 45th |
| Venue | Expo Centre Sharjah, Al Taawun Street, Al Khan |
| Theme | Made of Stories |
| Guest of Honour | Sultanate of Oman |
| Exhibitors | 2,673 publishers and exhibitors from 124 countries |
| Events | Around 1,500 cultural and creative events |
| Helpline | 800 BOOKS (26657) |
Timings
The official SIBF site lists Friday hours as 4pm to 11pm. On other days, Expo Centre Sharjah lists the fair from 10am to 10pm. Session times for talks and workshops change daily, so check the schedule on the official website before you go.
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Is entry free?
General entry to SIBF has been free in previous years, and there has been no announcement of a ticket charge for 2026. Two specialised courses this year need advance registration: one on narrative voice and publishing with German novelist Daniela Tully, and an acting studio with Egyptian actor Khaled El Sawy. Schools book group visits through the registration form on the SIBF website.
Parking and getting there
Expo Centre Sharjah sits on Al Taawun Street, next to Arab Mall and about 20 minutes from Sharjah International Airport. The venue has its own car parks, but they fill quickly in the evenings and on weekends. Organisers said transport and parking arrangements would be announced with the Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority, so check SIBF’s social channels for shuttle details.
Driving from Dubai, the evening rush on the Al Taawun side can be slow. The new Al Taawun tunnel project should ease this in future, but for now, arriving in the early afternoon helps you beat the worst of it.
Best days to go with kids
Schools bring group visits on weekdays, so weekday mornings can be busy. For families, weekday afternoons are usually calmer. If your children are at school, the first Saturday (7 November) and the last weekend (14 and 15 November) give you the most choice. Fridays start later, so they suit an evening visit.
Arrive with a plan. With 2,673 exhibitors, wandering without one wears out small legs fast. Pick two or three halls, then head to the children’s activities.
What children can do at SIBF 2026
- Future Hands District: an interactive learning city where children try out different professions
- Oman programme: workshops for children and young people, plus Omani cooking activities, as part of the Guest of Honour programme
- Theatre: three theatre performances are scheduled during the fair
- Cookery Corner: live demonstrations by Arab and international chefs that older children enjoy
- Poets’ Corner: visitors share a story and see it turned into a poem in Arabic or English
Teenagers who like crime fiction should look out for the fifth Thriller Festival, which brings international mystery writers to the fair. Full details on the line-up were shared by the Sharjah Book Authority in October.
Tips for a smoother visit
- Bring a foldable trolley or a sturdy bag. Books get heavy quickly.
- Many stands accept cards, but carry some cash for smaller publishers.
- Set a budget with the children before you arrive.
- Pack water and snacks, and agree on a meeting point in case anyone gets lost.
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Make a day of it in Sharjah
If the children still have energy afterwards, Sharjah has plenty more. See our lists of free family places to visit in Sharjah and the best picnic spots in Sharjah for winter weekends.
Pro Tip: Check the next day’s session schedule on the SIBF website the night before, and plan your visit around one children’s workshop or show. Popular sessions can fill up, so arrive a little early.
FAQs
When is the Sharjah International Book Fair 2026?
From Wednesday 4 to Sunday 15 November 2026 at Expo Centre Sharjah.
Is entry to SIBF free?
Entry has been free in previous editions, and no ticket charge has been announced for 2026. Some specialised courses need advance registration.
What are the SIBF 2026 timings?
The official site lists Friday hours as 4pm to 11pm. Expo Centre Sharjah lists the fair from 10am to 10pm on other days.
Who is the Guest of Honour at SIBF 2026?
The Sultanate of Oman.
How can schools book a visit?
Schools can book group visits through the school registration form on the SIBF website.
