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Sharjah International Book Fair 2026

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4 November 2026Reported information

45th Sharjah International Book Fair opens

Sharjah Ruler Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi inaugurated the 45th International Book Fair at the emirate’s Expo Centre on 4 November 2026, local press reports say. The event runs until 15 November, with Oman as Guest of Honour.

Flag of the UAE. — UAE flag, June 2017. Geographic archive illustration; does not show the event. Ghania0007, CC BY-SA 4.0; resized. — Ghania0007 / Wikimedia Commons — CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/ — 17 juin 2017 ; taille réduite.

The programme includes author discussions, literary activities and workshops for different audiences. Oman’s participation highlights the country’s literature, heritage and arts, according to programme information.

The opening begins the public fair following preparatory professional meetings. The sources reviewed establish no attendance or sales totals for this edition; activities announced for subsequent days remain scheduled events.

Sources 3

4 November 2026Reported information

Sharjah unveils 143 volumes of Arabic encyclopedia and a new international award

Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi presented 143 volumes of an Arabic encyclopedia covering sciences, literature, arts and notable figures at the Sharjah book fair’s opening on 4 November 2026.

UAE flag, June 2017. Archive illustration; not the announcement. Ghania0007, CC BY-SA 4.0, resized. — Ghania0007 / Wikimedia Commons — CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/ — 17 juin 2017 ; taille réduite.

The emirate’s ruler also announced the Harun al-Rashid International Award to recognise contributions in those fields. A decree establishes its institutional framework.

The encyclopedia is not yet complete: completion is announced for 2027 in print and digital formats. Presenting the initial volumes must therefore be distinguished from availability of the entire work.

Sources 3