Sharjah International Book Fair 2025 Highlights Connection Between Readers And Books With Greece As Guest Of Honour

The Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) is set to occur from 5 to 16 November 2025 at Expo Centre Sharjah. This year's theme, "Between You and a Book," aims to draw thousands of visitors, including notable publishers, authors, and translators from around the world. The event will explore the deep connection between readers and books through insights from global thinkers and creatives.

Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), remarked on the fair's significance: "We take pride in the fair’s role as a global platform that promotes Arab culture at the heart of human knowledge. This year’s theme, ‘Between You and a Book,’ highlights the ongoing and mutual relationship between people and books. Readers not only gain new knowledge but also discover more about themselves. They come to see that books act as a bridge that fosters communication between cultures, empowering individuals and societies to build a more enlightened future."

This year, Greece has been chosen as the official Guest of Honour. The country will present an engaging programme focused on "edutainment," featuring book signings, interactive workshops, and creative performances in arts and theatre. These activities aim to foster dialogue and knowledge exchange between Greece and attendees.

Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of SBA, highlighted SIBF's alignment with H.H. Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi's vision: "The 44th edition of SIBF continues Sharjah’s cultural project, in line with the vision of H.H. Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. The fair has had a significant impact on the cultural landscape of the UAE and the Arab world, drawing writers, readers, and creative minds from around the globe."

The theme for this edition underscores how books connect readers with various motivations like personal growth or entertainment. Books help people explore new realities or relax amidst memories and ideas. They also aid in building confidence, acquiring knowledge, igniting imagination, continuing education or embarking on adventures.

Sheikha Bodour added that over four decades, SIBF has shaped public awareness by fostering a knowledge-based economy and advancing creative industries: "For more than four decades, the fair has played a significant role in shaping public awareness, fostering a knowledge-based economy, and advancing the creative industries. The exchange among writers, publishers, translators, and intellectuals opens new avenues for collaboration."

Cultural Exchange

By honouring Greece as its Guest of Honour this year, SIBF celebrates Greece's legacy as a cradle of civilisation with achievements in science, politics philosophy arts influencing global cultures. Greece’s cultural programme includes rare manuscripts historical documents contemporary literary works panel discussions with prominent figures designed to strengthen cultural ties promote knowledge exchange.

Under Sheikha Bodour's leadership as SBA Chairperson since its inception four decades ago until now when it evolved into comprehensive knowledge industry creating networking opportunities encouraging investment books both cultural economic assets affirming Sharjah UAE position global hub creativity innovation.

With inputs from WAM