The Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) is back for its 45th edition this November at Expo Centre Sharjah. Here’s what you need to know: dates, location, timings, and what’s on.
- Overview
- Sharjah Book Fair location
- Dates and timings
- Sharjah Book Fair awards
- Activities
- Explore Al Khan Near Expo Centre Sharjah
- Key Takeaways
- FAQs
Overview of the Sharjah International Book Fair SIBF
The Sharjah Book Authority organizes SIBF, and it’s one of the biggest book fairs in the world. Thousands of publishers, authors, translators, and readers show up for 12 days of exhibitions, conferences, workshops, and cultural events.
Sharjah International Book Fair location
SIBF takes place at Expo Centre Sharjah, in the Al Khan area on Al Taawun Street, next to Arab Mall.
Sharjah Book Fair Timings
The 45th edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair is scheduled to run for 12 days, from 4 to 15 November 2026, bringing the annual literary event back to Expo Centre Sharjah. Visitors can use the confirmed dates below to plan their visit, while detailed daily opening hours should be checked through official SIBF channels closer to the event.
| Event | Dates |
| Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) | 4 – 15 November 2026 |
| Sharjah Publishers Conference | 1 – 3 November 2026 |
| Sharjah International Library Conference | 7 – 9 November 2026 |
Entry is free. Register in advance through the official SIBF website or app if you want to skip queues.
Sharjah International Book Fair awards
SIBF hands out several literary awards each year, under the patronage of Sharjah’s ruler, His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi:
| Award | Details |
| Cultural Personality of the Year Award | Honours a personality or institution active in the cultural field |
| Turjuman Award | International award for translation and writing |
| Sharjah Award for an Emirati Book | Four categories: Best Emirati Novel, Best Emirati Academic Book, Best Emirati Creative Literature (Poetry), Best Emirati First Novel |
| Sharjah Award for the Best Arabic Novel | AED 150,000 |
| Sharjah Award for the Best International Book | AED 50,000 for Best International Fiction; AED 50,000 for Best International Non-Fiction |
| Sharjah Publisher Recognition Award | AED 25,000 each for Best Local, Best Arabic and Best International Publishing House |
Activities at Sharjah International Book
Past editions have included cultural sessions and panels with authors and publishers, poetry evenings with leading Arab poets, hands-on workshops in writing and illustration, theatrical shows, a cookery corner with well-known chefs, a social media station with content creators, book signings, and a children’s programme sized to different age groups.
How to attend
Entry is free. Register through the SIBF website or the app (App Store and Google Play) to browse the daily schedule and plan around specific authors or sessions. Dress modestly; it’s in keeping with the venue.
Explore Al Khan Near Expo Centre Sharjah
Located around Expo Centre Sharjah, Al Khan is one of the city’s well-known waterfront communities, with residential buildings and everyday amenities within easy reach of key destinations in Sharjah. Those interested in exploring the neighbourhood beyond the book fair can browse properties for rent in Al Khan on Property Finder.
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Apartment
Listed 2 months ago
5,799 AED/month
1 BR Apartment in Al Khan with Water View
Maryam Island, Al Khan, Sharjah
1
1
1,200 sqft
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Apartment
Listed 3 days ago
52,000 AED/year
1 BHK - POOL VIEW - READY TO MOVE
Sapphire Beach Residence, Maryam Island, Al Khan, Sharjah
1
1
695 sqft
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Apartment
Listed 4 days ago
53,996 AED/year
"Elegant 1BR, with wardrobes Move-In Ready
Shams Residence, Maryam Island, Al Khan, Sharjah
1
1
850 sqft
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Apartment
Listed 1 day ago
52,000 AED/year
1 BHK / POOL VIEW / READY TO MOVE
Sapphire Beach Residence, Maryam Island, Al Khan, Sharjah
1
1
695 sqft
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Apartment
Listed 3 days ago
963,379 AED
Beachfront Living | New Launch | Freehold
Al Ghaf Tower, Al Khan, Sharjah
1
2
989 sqft
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Apartment
Listed 3 days ago
1,076,987 AED
Seaview | Furnished | Freehold | 2Yrs Payment Plan
Al Ghaf Tower, Al Khan, Sharjah
2
3
1,274 sqft
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Apartment
Listed 2 days ago
41,000 AED/year
510sqft! Big Studio | Big Terrace | Luxury Furnish
Sahab Residences, Maryam Island, Al Khan, Sharjah
studio
1
510 sqft
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Apartment
Listed 1 week ago
1,076,987 AED
Exclusive Waterfront Living |Flexible Payment Plan
Al Ghaf Tower, Al Khan, Sharjah
2
3
1,275 sqft
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Apartment
Listed 2 days ago
1,350,000 AED
Seaview | Storage Room | High ROI | Near Dubai
Marsa Al Arab Tower, Al Khan, Sharjah
2
3
1,860 sqft
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Apartment
Listed 2 days ago
2,490,000 AED
Full Sea View | Spacious | High Floor | Near Dubai
Marsa Al Arab Tower, Al Khan, Sharjah
3
4
3,350 sqft
Key Takeaways
- SIBF’s 45th edition runs 4-15 November 2026 at Expo Centre Sharjah.
- Entry is free; register in advance through the SIBF website or app.
- The Sharjah Publishers Conference (1-3 November) and Sharjah International Library Conference (7-9 November) run alongside SIBF.
- Several literary awards are handed out each year, including the Sharjah Award for the Best Arabic Novel (AED 150,000).
FAQs
SIBF 2026 runs from 4 to 15 November 2026 at Expo Centre Sharjah, marking its 45th edition.
SIBF is held at Expo Centre Sharjah, Al Taawun Street, Al Khan, next to Arab Mall.
The 2026 timings hadn’t been reconfirmed on the official SIBF website at the time of writing. Previous editions ran 10 am-10 pm Sunday-Wednesday, 10 am-11 pm Thursday and Saturday, and 4 pm-11 pm Friday. Check sibf.com closer to the date.
Yes. Advance registration through the SIBF website or app is recommended.
The Sharjah Publishers Conference (1-3 November 2026) and the Sharjah International Library Conference (7-9 November 2026).
