Calling all book lovers! The Sharjah International Book Fair is back from 4 to 15 November, and this year’s theme, “Made of Stories”, fits perfectly. Back for its 45th edition, with 1,500 events over 12 days, this one is for all the bookworms, budding writers, curious to learn kids and everyone in-between. I have all the details you want to know from what to expect, to how to get there, and more so keep reading to find out. (There’s even a free boat ride in it for you, if you play your cards right.)
Meet The Authors
Plenty of well-known names are coming to Sharjah. The line-up includes Nigerian author Nnedi Okorafor, British crime novelist Clare Mackintosh, Chinese novelist Liu Zhenyun, American writer and translator Daisy Rockwell and American-Canadian author John Vaillant. Indian actress and writer Shenaz Treasurywala, Filipino historian Ambeth R. Ocampo and Syrian-Canadian novelist Zoulfa Katouh are also on the guest list. Emirati voices include Sultan Al Ameemi, Ali Abu Al Reesh, Habib Ghuloom, Dubai Abulhoul and Aisha Sultan.
Fun For The Whole Family
Poets’ Corner is new this year. You share a personal story, and it’s turned into a poem in Arabic or English. Younger visitors can try Future Hands District, an interactive mini city that introduces kids to different jobs.
There are also three big stage shows, all needing advance booking:
- 7 November: When Memories Sing, a musical that revisits childhood songs and memories across generations
- 8 November: Impossible or Science?!, a show full of optical illusions, experiments and audience participation
- 14 and 15 November: Waterland, an outdoor show with a cast of regional performers
Calling All Mystery Fans
The fifth Thriller Festival runs from 7 to 10 November, with more than 12 crime fiction specialists, literary agents and screenwriters. Featured writers include Clare Mackintosh, Karen Dionne, Vaseem Khan, Abir Mukherjee and David Fennell.
Learn Something New
Aspiring writers can join creative writing workshops led by German novelist Daniela Tully. Egyptian actor Khaled El Sawy will lead acting sessions on performance, improvisation and character development. Hungry? Head to the Cookery Corner for live demos by international chefs, including Kausar Raja and Romy Gill.
Now, How Do You Get There?
The Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) has announced extra buses, free boat rides and more free parking. These will run throughout the fair, so getting to Expo Centre Sharjah is easier whether you live in Sharjah or a neighbouring emirate.
Hop on a Bus from Dubai or Ajman
Buses will leave every day from Etisalat Metro Station in Dubai and City Centre Ajman, with three trips from each spot.
- Heading to the fair: 9am, 1pm and 5pm
- Heading back: noon, 4pm and 9pm
The return buses will leave from Expo Centre Sharjah and take you back to both locations.
Take A Free Boat Ride
Fancy arriving by water? You can catch a free daily boat service to the fair from Sharjah Aquarium Station or Al Qasba Station.
Where To Park
If you’re driving, there’s extra free parking along the road from Expo Centre Sharjah towards the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Shuttle buses will take you from these parking areas to the venue. You can also use the Expo Centre’s existing parking and its multi-storey car park.
Your Next Chapter Starts Here
Twelve days, 1,500 events and a whole lot of books. The Sharjah International Book Fair runs until 15 November at Expo Centre Sharjah, with free boat rides, extra buses and more free parking to help you get there. All that’s left to do is pick your day and go.
For all the more details you need to know, head to their website to find out.
