Get ready for an unforgettable cultural experience at the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) 2024! Starting on Wednesday, November 6, this renowned event is transforming the Expo Centre Sharjah into a vibrant hub of literature, art, and ideas. Now in its 43rd edition, SIBF will host over 2,520 publishers from 112 countries and bring together over 134 guest speakers from around the globe for 12 dynamic days of cultural events, discussions, and celebrations of the written word.
Celebrating Authors, Artists, and Intellectuals from Around the World
Under the theme “It Starts with a Book,” SIBF 2024 will spotlight acclaimed Emirati thinkers, including Dr. Sultan Al Ameemi and Dr. Saeed Al Dhaheri, as well as international stars like Bulgarian poet Georgi Gospodinov and Pakistani novelist Amna Mufti. British entrepreneur and podcast host Stephen Bartlett will also share insights from his cross-industry experience, and Egyptian actor Ahmed Ezz will engage in captivating dialogues on literature and art.
Special Musical Performances and Celebrated Guests
Music lovers can look forward to a magical evening with Egyptian composer Omar Khairat on Saturday, November 9, and on November 17, the festival will conclude with a live performance by Kuwaiti singer Humood Alkhudher. These exclusive performances will blend music with storytelling, reflecting the festival’s theme of creativity across cultures.
Workshops and Cultural Events for All Ages
SIBF’s 2024 lineup includes 600 interactive workshops tailored to adults, teens, and young children alike. Attendees can explore an impressive array of topics, from creative writing to environmental awareness, with special workshops dedicated to thriller and suspense writing for budding authors. For those interested in the digital world, the Social Media Station will offer fun and educational sessions on content creation, led by popular influencers such as Yara Bou Monsef and Ibrahim Almarrawi.
Highlights: Poetry, Culinary Arts, and Moroccan Culture
This year’s Poetry Nights will unite international poets in a celebration of diverse languages and literary styles, bringing voices like Canada’s Rupi Kaur and the Philippines’ Ester Vargas Castillo to the stage. Food enthusiasts can dive into 47 live cooking demonstrations with top chefs from around the world, including Moroccan chef Alia Al Qasimi and British-Vietnamese Thuy Diem Pham.
Morocco, as SIBF’s Guest of Honour, will present an immersive cultural experience through 107 unique events. Visitors can explore Moroccan traditions, enjoy live Gnawa music, and view stunning artifacts in a 189-square-meter pavilion showcasing 4,000 Moroccan titles.
Specialized Events for Book and Thriller Lovers
Thriller enthusiasts won’t want to miss the Thriller Festival from November 7-10, featuring acclaimed authors like Tess Gerritsen and Isabella Maldonado. Panels on character development and adapting novels for screen will give attendees a deep dive into this popular genre.
With an inspiring mix of 105 live performances, 500+ cultural sessions, and thousands of books on display, SIBF 2024 promises to be an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re a devoted reader, budding writer, or culture enthusiast, this festival has something for everyone. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore, learn, and celebrate the power of storytelling at one of the world’s largest book fairs.
Save the dates: November 6-17, 2024
Opening hours: 10 AM – 10 PM; Fridays: 4 PM – 11 PM.
Learn more at SIBF’s official website.
