There’s a special kind of happy that comes from walking into a hall full of books. The smell of new pages. Kids running to the comic section. An author you love, signing books just a few metres away.
That’s the Sharjah International Book Fair, one of the biggest book fairs in the world. And this year’s edition opens on Wednesday, 4 November.
Better still, it’s free. Here’s everything you need to plan your visit.
Quick answer: The 45th Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) runs from 4 to 15 November 2026 at Expo Centre Sharjah on Al Taawun Street. Entry is free and you don’t need to register. This year’s theme is “Made of Stories” and Oman is the Guest of Honour. Expect 2,673 publishers and exhibitors from 124 countries and 1,500 events. You can get there from Dubai by ferry, with fares from AED 15.
SIBF 2026 at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
| Dates | Wednesday, 4 November to Sunday, 15 November 2026 |
| Venue | Expo Centre Sharjah, Al Taawun Street |
| Entry | Free, no registration needed |
| Edition | 45th |
| Theme | Made of Stories |
| Guest of Honour | Oman |
| Exhibitors | 2,673 publishers and exhibitors from 124 countries |
| Events | About 1,500 cultural and creative events |
This year is also a little special. It’s expected to be the last edition held at Expo Centre Sharjah, before the fair moves to a new permanent home in 2027.
What’s New This Year
- Poets’ Corner: share a personal story and have it turned into a poem in Arabic or English.
- Future Hands District: an interactive space where children explore different jobs and careers.
- Thriller Festival (7 to 10 November): a treat for crime and mystery fans.
- When Memories Sing, a musical, on 7 November.
- Impossible or Science?!, a family science show, on 8 November.
- Waterland, an outdoor stage performance, on 14 and 15 November.
The programme also brings together 106 writers, artists and thinkers from 25 countries for talks, signings and workshops.
Oman, the Guest of Honour
Each year, one country takes centre stage. In 2026, it’s Oman. Its programme includes 15 cultural sessions, six children’s workshops and 20 artistic performances.
It’s a great chance to discover Omani writers, poetry, art and heritage, without leaving the UAE.
Why It’s Great for Families
The book fair isn’t just for serious readers. It’s one of the best free family outings of the year. Children can:
- Join workshops, storytelling sessions and creative activities
- Explore huge children’s and young adult sections
- Watch stage shows and science performances
- Meet authors and get books signed
A tip for parents: give each child a small book budget before you go. It makes choosing exciting, and saves arguments at the till.
If you share photos of school groups or other families at the fair, remember the UAE’s privacy rules.
How to Get There
From Dubai by ferry
This is the most relaxing way to beat the traffic. The Dubai to Sharjah ferry has fares starting from AED 15. Children under five and people of determination travel free. From the Sharjah side, take a short taxi ride to the Expo Centre. In Dubai, you can reach the ferry station by Metro or bus, using a digital nol QR ticket on your phone.
By car
Expo Centre Sharjah is on Al Taawun Street, near Al Khan. Organisers have announced extra parking for this year’s fair, and road improvements around the venue. Weekend evenings get very busy, so arrive early.
Free shuttle buses
Free shuttle buses have been announced to help visitors reach the fair. Check the official SIBF channels for routes and pick-up points.
Traffic tip: Dubai to Sharjah traffic can be heavy in the evenings. If you’re driving, try a weekday morning visit, or take the ferry.
Opening Hours
Daily opening hours depend on the day and on each event, and hadn’t been fully published at the time of writing. Check the official SIBF website before you go. Event times for talks, shows and workshops are also listed there.
Tips for a Great Visit
- Make a list first. With thousands of stalls, it’s easy to get lost. Note the publishers or authors you most want to see.
- Go on a weekday for smaller crowds, especially with young children.
- Bring a trolley bag or tote. Books get heavy fast.
- Carry a card and some cash. Most stalls take cards, but cash helps at smaller ones.
- Check the events schedule and plan around one or two shows or signings.
- Compare prices. The same book may be sold by different stalls.
- Take breaks. The halls are big. Plan a snack stop and some rest time.
A Simple Half-Day Plan
| Time | What to do |
| First hour | Pick up a map and visit your must-see publishers |
| Second hour | Children’s section, workshops or a stage show |
| Snack break | Rest, eat and check the events schedule |
| Last hour | Oman pavilion, a talk or signing, then final purchases |
Books in Many Languages
One of the best things about SIBF is the choice of languages. Alongside Arabic and English, you’ll usually find books in many other languages spoken across the UAE’s communities. If you’re looking for books in your home language for your children, ask at the information desk which publishers to visit.
It’s also a good place to find school reading list titles, educational books and activity books, often all in one place.
How Much Should I Budget?
Entry is free, so you only pay for what you buy. Set a budget before you go, because it’s very easy to overspend. Many families set a simple rule, like a fixed amount per child, or “two books each”. Some publishers offer fair discounts, so it’s worth looking around before buying.
Can I Volunteer?
The Sharjah Book Authority opened 300 volunteer places for residents aged 18 and over, with morning and evening shifts. If places are still available, it’s a great way to gain event experience and meet people from around the world. Check the official channels for details.
A Busy November in the UAE
The book fair opens the day after UAE Flag Day, at the start of a month of national celebrations. It’s a great month to be out and about, with events like the Sheikh Zayed Festival also running.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Word: Go for the Books, Stay for the Stories
The Sharjah International Book Fair is one of the UAE’s best free events, and this year’s “Made of Stories” theme fits it perfectly. Bring the kids, bring a bag, and leave room for a few surprises. You might come home with a new favourite author, or a story of your own.
Official source: Sharjah International Book Fair.
This guide is based on official announcements and news reports published up to 2 November 2026. Timings, events and transport may change, so check the official SIBF channels before your visit. Last updated: 2 November 2026.
