Sharjah – The 44th Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) continues to offer an open, inspiring space where newcomers, avid readers, and publishing professionals engage with stories that cross borders and cultures.
One of its largest editions yet, this year’s fair brings together 2 350 publishers and exhibitors from 118 countries, hosting more than 1 200 sessions and activities, and featuring over 250 guests representing 66 nations.
Currently taking place at the Sharjah Expo Centre in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), SIBF 2025, under the theme “Between You and a Book,” celebrates ideas, creativity, and a lasting connection between readers and writers from around the world.
For Sudanese author Shatha Mohammed, the event marks both a professional milestone and a moment of personal fulfilment.
“My experience at SIBF has been wonderful,” she said.
“I had the opportunity to meet many readers, and the book signing event for my novel The Busy Twenties was very well received.”
Having participated in several international book fairs, Mohammed described SIBF as “a truly special experience” that builds lasting connections between authors and their audiences.
Representing Forbes-rated billionaire and philanthropist Femi Otedola’s memoir, Making It Big: Lessons from a Life in Business, publisher Dr. Eghosa Imasuen praised the fair’s organisation and reach.
“SIBF 2025 has been organised brilliantly,” Imasuen said.
“It’s remarkable how the organisers have managed such a massive event while keeping it vibrant, diverse, and engaging for visitors from across the world.”
Making It Big: Lessons from a Life in Business offers practical insights on developing a positive mindset and demonstrates that perseverance can lead to success even in difficult circumstances.
The book, released on 18 August 2025, officially debuts at SIBF on Sunday, 16 November 2025, at the Intellectual Hall, Sharjah Expo Centre, where Otedola will discuss his book, interact with readers, and sign copies.
Among the fair’s visitors was Huda, an English teacher from India, searching for titles for both her personal collection and her students’ library.
“This is my second day at the book fair, and I’m here with my colleague shopping for new books,” she said.
“Personally, I’m drawn to the classics, but for my students, I look for graphic novels and contemporary fiction they can relate to.”
The fair also draws first-time international visitors eager to experience Sharjah’s literary atmosphere.
Gisele, from the Philippines, attending with a friend, shared her excitement: “It’s my first time here. It’s so nice, so big. I wanted to come last year but wasn’t able to, so I’m thrilled to be here finally.”
“I’m actually looking for exclusive anime collections, especially Demon Slayer.”
The fair’s cross-cultural spirit extends to exhibitors as well.
Ehab Elrifai, owner of New Azbakya, has brought with him over 3 000 vintage newspapers, magazines, and books, including rare UAE titles and Arab cultural treasures, dating over five decades.
“I wanted people to feel what it was like to live in the Arab world in the 70s and 80s, before screens, before everything became digital,” said Elrifai.
Every piece here has a story.
All of it is from my personal collection.”
His stall takes its name from Cairo’s legendary Azbakeya market, once the heart of Egypt’s literary life.
“It was where Egyptian intellectual life lived,” Elrifai said.
“I wanted to recreate a piece of that here in Sharjah.”
Visitors linger around his display, some gently touch the worn covers, others hum along to the Egyptian song playing softly from an old phonograph.
“These papers and magazines are not just history,” Elrifai added.
“They show how people thought, dressed, laughed, and dreamed back in the day.”
For Alex Gribanov from Denmark, a long-time exhibitor, SIBF remains a permanent entry in his calendar.
“We’ve been coming to Sharjah for 17 years,” he said.
“People come back year after year asking for books we showcase. That’s the power of stories to connect generations.”
He recalled a touching moment: “One lady said her sister bought The Way to Happiness 10 years ago from our stand at SIBF and still reads it for inspiration. That’s the power of books.”
As thousands of visitors explore the various stalls of Expo Centre Sharjah, meeting favourite authors and discovering new titles, a shared sense of wonder and connection fills the air.
The Sharjah International Book Fair 2025 runs until Sunday, 16 November.
For more information, visit www.sibf.com.
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