SIBF 2025 celebrates the bond between readers and written word from November 5-16 under the theme “Between You and a Book”
Greece named ‘Guest of Honour’ for the 44th Edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair
- Bodour Al Qasimi said: This year’s theme serves as a reminder that the relationship between people and books is one of continuous knowledge exchange that flows in both directions.
- Ahmed Al Ameri: SIBF has evolved from a seasonal event into a comprehensive knowledge industry, investing in books as both cultural and economic assets.
- International event to host a distinguished lineup of authors, creators, and publishers
- A full cultural programme of artistic, theatrical, and live performances
- Features panel discussions, talks, and interactive workshops throughout the 12-day event
- The 14th Sharjah Publishers Conference to take place ahead of the fair, from November 2–4, 2025
- 12th Sharjah International Library Conference to be held during the fair, from November 8–10, 2025
Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the SBA,
Sharjah, October 2, 2025
The Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) has announced that the upcoming Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) will be held from November 5–16, 2025, at Expo Centre Sharjah under the theme “Between You and a Book.” The 44th edition will convene thousands of visitors, renowned local and international publishers, authors, and translators, in a global dialogue on the profound bond between readers and books. It will also provide a platform to explore this relationship through the insights of prominent thinkers and creative voices from around the world.
The Republic of Greece, previously announced as this year’s official Guest of Honour, will deliver a rich program centred around “edutainment,” including book signings, interactive workshops, and creative, artistic and theatrical performances. Furthermore, the fair will host a series of intellectual forums and social media sessions designed to foster dialogue, networking, and knowledge exchange between Greece and all attendees.
‘Between You and a Book’: A bond between the reader and the written word
The 44th edition’s theme highlights the symbolic relationship between the reader and the written word. It underscores the importance of exploring the reasons that drive individuals to read, whether personal, academic, scientific, or for entertainment. It also expresses the role of books in enabling people to explore new realities, journey to distant worlds, build confidence, broaden knowledge, ignite imagination, further one’s education, or simply to relax among memories, emotions, and ideas.
Reciprocal journey between the reader and the written word
Commenting on the announcement, Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the SBA, said: “We take pride in the fair’s role as a global platform that places Arab culture at the centre of the human knowledge landscape. This year’s theme, ‘Between You and a Book’, underscores that the relationship between people and books is a continuous and reciprocal journey, where readers not only discover new knowledge but also uncover something new about themselves. They also come to understand that books serve as a bridge that fosters communication between cultures and empowers individuals and societies to shape a more enlightened future.”
Her Highness added: “For more than four decades, the fair has demonstrated its significance in shaping public awareness, fostering a knowledge-based economy, and advancing the creative industries. The exchange between writers, publishers, translators and intellectuals opens new avenues for collaboration, and positions culture as a pillar in the progress and development of communities and nations.”
A beacon of knowledge and a hub of innovation
For his part, H.E. Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of the SBA, stated: “The 44th edition of SIBF continues Sharjah’s cultural project through the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. The fair has profoundly shaped the cultural landscape of the UAE and the Arab world, drawing writers, readers, and creative minds from around the globe. Under the guidance of Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, SBA Chairperson, the fair has evolved from a seasonal event into a comprehensive knowledge industry. It now generates networking opportunities and for investing in books as both cultural and economic assets, further cementing Sharjah and UAE’s status as a global beacon of knowledge, creativity, and innovation.”
Celebrating the cradle of Hellenic civilisation
By honouring Greece as its Guest of Honour, SIBF celebrates the nation’s legacy as the cradle of Hellenic civilisation, highlighting its foundational achievements in science, politics, philosophy, and the arts, and its influence on world cultures. Greece’s cultural programme will feature a display of rare manuscripts, historical documents, and modern literary works, alongside panel discussions with prominent intellectual and literary figures, all designed to strengthen cultural ties and foster knowledge exchange.
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Attached images:
1. Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the SBA
2. H.E. Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of the SBA
3-7. General images during the previous edition of Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF)