Exhibition · Sharjah
Sharjah International Book Fair 2026 (45th edition)
The 45th Sharjah International Book Fair runs from 4 to 15 November 2026 at Expo Centre Sharjah, bringing publishers, authors and readers from across the Arab world and beyond to the UAE.
- 4–15 Nov 2026
- Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
The Sharjah International Book Fair 2026 is the 45th edition of one of the largest book fairs in the Arab world. It runs from 4 to 15 November 2026 at Expo Centre Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates, with publishers, authors, talks, workshops and children's activities. It suits readers, families, students, librarians and publishing professionals from across the region.
About Sharjah International Book Fair
The Sharjah International Book Fair, often shortened to SIBF, is organised by the Sharjah Book Authority and has become a fixed date in the Arab cultural calendar. Each year the fair fills the halls of Expo Centre Sharjah with Arabic and international publishers, from large houses to small independent presses, alongside a programme of author sessions, panel discussions, poetry evenings, cookery demonstrations and creative workshops for children.
For many visitors from Algeria, Egypt, Sudan, Iraq and the Levant, the fair is a chance to buy new Arabic titles, meet writers in person and attend talks in both Arabic and English. Publishers and agents also use the fair for rights meetings and networking. The official website lists exhibitors, the books catalogue, the activities programme and visitor guidelines, so travellers can plan which days to attend.
Sharjah International Book Fair 2026 dates and venue
The official dates for the Sharjah International Book Fair 2026 are 4 to 15 November 2026. The venue is Expo Centre Sharjah, on Al Khan Lagoon near the Sharjah–Dubai border. Daily opening hours, any family or school days and the full activities schedule are published on the official SIBF website, which also offers visitor registration. Check the programme before you travel, because the most popular author sessions can be busy.
How to get to Sharjah for Sharjah International Book Fair
Sharjah International Airport (SHJ) is the closest gateway, only a short drive from the city centre, and it is well connected to North Africa, Egypt, the Levant and South Asia. Dubai International (DXB) is also nearby and offers the widest choice of routes. From either airport, taxis and ride-hailing apps are the easiest transfer. Traffic between Dubai and Sharjah is heavy at rush hour, so plan transfers outside peak times where possible.
Where to stay
Staying in Al Majaz, Al Khan or Al Taawun puts visitors close to the Sharjah waterfront and the exhibition area. Al Nahda, on the Dubai border, is a practical base for travellers who want to split time between the two cities. Some groups prefer to stay in Dubai and travel in daily, but the road can be slow. Book early, as rooms near the venue fill up during the fair.
Planning a group trip to Sharjah International Book Fair
A group tour to the Sharjah International Book Fair works well as a three- or four-night package combining fair days with sightseeing in Sharjah and Dubai. School groups, university departments, reading clubs and library staff are typical travellers. Agencies should plan for luggage, as many visitors leave with heavy boxes of books, and should check airline baggage allowances in advance.
For publishers and trade visitors, the fair is a place for rights meetings, distribution deals and meeting regional buyers. Encourage clients to register through the official website and book meetings before arrival. Weekday mornings are usually calmer for professional appointments, while evenings and weekends draw large family crowds.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Sharjah International Book Fair 2026?
The 45th Sharjah International Book Fair runs from 4 to 15 November 2026. Daily opening hours and the programme of talks and workshops are published on the official SIBF website, so check them before you fix your travel days.
Where is the Sharjah International Book Fair held?
The fair takes place at Expo Centre Sharjah, on Al Khan Lagoon in Sharjah, UAE. It is close to the Dubai border and a short drive from Sharjah International Airport and Dubai International Airport.
Do I need tickets for the Sharjah book fair?
Visitors are asked to register through the official SIBF website or app. Check the official site for the current entry arrangements and any sessions that need advance booking, as these can change from year to year.
Which airport is best for a trip to Sharjah for the book fair?
Sharjah International Airport (SHJ) is the closest, and Dubai International Airport (DXB) offers the widest choice of routes. Both are a short taxi ride from Expo Centre Sharjah outside rush hour.
Is the fair suitable for children?
Yes. The fair has a large children's section and a programme of workshops and activities for young readers. Families should check the official activities schedule, as some sessions have limited places.
Travel agencies can book flights for travellers going to Sharjah International Book Fair in the QuickOTA B2B Panel and set their own markup.
Dates and venue come from the organiser and can change. Always check the official event page (last checked 3 Nov 2026) before you book.
