SIBF 2026 will welcome eight Indian personalities, including Durjoy Datta, Shenaz Treasurywala and Vineet Nayar, to Sharjah from November 4 to 15, bringing together literature, cinema, poetry, digital storytelling and business leadership.
SHARJAH: SIBF 2026 will bring eight prominent Indian personalities to Expo Centre Sharjah from November 4 to 15, offering visitors opportunities to discover celebrated authors, Malayalam poets, entertainment personalities and business leaders at one of the region’s major literary events.
The 45th Sharjah International Book Fair, organised by Sharjah Book Authority, will feature Indian talent spanning contemporary fiction, cinema, travel, digital media and leadership, reflecting how storytelling continues to evolve across generations and creative industries.
Which Indian celebrities and authors are attending?
Among the recognised names is actress, writer and travel creator Shenaz Treasurywala, whose work connects entertainment with travel experiences and digital storytelling. Her participation brings a perspective on how social media is changing the way people discover destinations and cultures.
Bestselling novelist Durjoy Datta, popular for his relationship-focused fiction and stories about young adulthood, will also attend. His novels and screenwriting have established him among contemporary Indian writers with strong connections to younger audiences.
Joining him is writer and digital personality Ria Chopra, representing a generation of storytellers building literary communities through online platforms.
Business leadership meets artificial intelligence
Former HCL Technologies CEO Vineet Nayar will bring insights into leadership, organisational transformation and the changing workplace.
Known for Employees First, Customers Second, Nayar’s latest book, Humans First, Machines Second, explores the importance of human potential as artificial intelligence reshapes business practices.
His educational work through Sampark Foundation also highlights the role of technology in improving learning opportunities for rural Indian children.
Malayalam literary legends join Sharjah celebrations
SIBF 2026 will also celebrate Malayalam literature through four established creative figures.
Award-winning writer Asokan Charuvil, whose career spans five decades, has produced numerous short story collections, novels and essays, earning several major literary distinctions.
Novelist Ambikasuthan Mangad will represent socially conscious writing, including environmental themes explored in his acclaimed novel Enmakaje.
Veteran poet and lyricist P. K. Gopi, recognised for contributions to children’s literature and Malayalam cinema, has authored more than 27 books.
Celebrated lyricist B. K. Harinarayanan, known for writing over 700 songs, will further connect the fair’s literary programme with Malayalam cinema and poetry.
What can visitors expect at the book fair?
Held under the theme Made of Stories, the 12-day event will host 2,673 publishers and exhibitors from 124 countries, alongside 1,500 cultural, creative and artistic events.
The participation of these Indian guests will give readers opportunities to explore different literary traditions, discover contemporary voices and engage with ideas connecting creativity, business and technology.
Impact to expect
The Indian participation at SIBF 2026 could strengthen cultural connections between India and the UAE, particularly among Sharjah’s diverse reading communities. The programme may also encourage younger audiences to explore regional literature, digital storytelling and emerging creative careers.
