Sharjah International Book Fair 2026 will bring together 2,673 publishers and exhibitors from 124 countries, spotlighting artificial intelligence, audiobooks, children’s publishing and emerging industry trends
SHARJAH: The 45th Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) is preparing to spotlight artificial intelligence, audiobooks, children’s publishing and the changing global book industry when it returns to Expo Centre Sharjah from November 4 to 15.
Organised by the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), the event will welcome 2,673 publishers and exhibitors from 124 countries under the theme Made of Stories.
The fair will also host 1,500 cultural and artistic events, featuring 106 writers, artists and intellectuals from 25 countries.
AI and audiobooks take centre stage
The 16th Sharjah Publishers Conference, scheduled for November 1 to 3, will examine how emerging technologies are transforming the publishing industry.
More than 30 sessions and workshops will explore artificial intelligence, audiobook markets, publishing rights, children’s literature and comics.
Khoula Al Mujaini, General Coordinator of SIBF, explained that organisers aim to help publishers understand and adapt to technological developments.
A specialised training programme, organised with New York University, will begin on October 31.
Children’s publishing and interactive experiences
Young visitors can explore the new Future Hands District, an interactive educational space introducing children to different professions.
The fair will also introduce Poets’ Corner, allowing visitors to transform personal stories into poetry in Arabic and English.
Workshops, theatrical performances and cultural discussions will provide additional experiences for families and students.
Oman named Guest of Honour
Oman will participate as Guest of Honour, showcasing its literary heritage, cultural traditions and creative achievements.
Meanwhile, the Sharjah International Library Conference, scheduled for November 7 to 9, will welcome more than 400 library professionals.
Discussions will address digital reading, library development and student engagement.
The programme reinforces Sharjah’s continuing efforts to connect international publishing markets and encourage reading across generations.
