Sharjah International Book Fair 2026

Published 4 November 2026 · 12:11 UTCUpdated 6 November 2026 · 12:06 UTC

This dossier follows the 2026 Sharjah book fair, its opening, programme and documented outcomes.

Latest event : 6 November 20264 key moments

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Archive logo from 2018; does not depict the award ceremony. FahdAbiRashed, CC BY-SA 4.0, unmodified. — FahdAbiRashed / Wikimedia Commons — CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/ ; 10 November 2018; unmodified.

Where things stand

As of 4 November 2026, the fair is open through 15 November. Its opening includes the launch of 143 Arabic encyclopedia volumes and the Harun al-Rashid Award; the encyclopedia’s completion is announced for 2027.

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6 November 2026Reported information

Sharjah honours five books at Arabic children's literature award

Bodour Al Qasimi presented the 18th International Award for Arabic Children's Literature during Sharjah International Book Fair, according to WAM's report published on 6 November 2026.

Five categories were recognised. Shapes from the Imagination, by Nasser Al Dousari and Maya Majdalani, won Early Reader; Fahman, by Masarra Touqan and Maya Majdalani, won Picture Book.

The other winners were Unbesieged Minds, The Boy Who Lost His Dream and The Knowledgeables Trip – A Journey with Arab and Muslim Scholars. UAEBBY organises the award, presented by Etisalat. These results identify the winning books and do not establish a commercial outcome for the fair.

Sources 2

5 November 2026Reported information

Sharjah: three authors named for Ghana’s first official participation

Ghana is presenting Oswald Okaitei, Elizabeth-Irene Baitie and Ruby Goka for its first official participation in the Sharjah International Book Fair, according to information published by Joy Entertainment on 5 November 2026.

2018 archive logo; does not depict the Ghanaian delegation. FahdAbiRashed, CC BY-SA 4.0; unmodified. — FahdAbiRashed / Wikimedia Commons — CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/ ; 10 November 2018; unmodified.

The Ghanaian consulate in Dubai and the Northern Emirates leads the initiative, supported by BOST Energies. The authors are expected to exhibit their books, take part in sessions and hold a Ghana-focused reading.

The fair runs from 4 to 15 November in the UAE. The announcement sets out representation and planned activities; it does not report sales or contracts. The fair’s earlier programme had already named Baitie among its guests.

Sources 3

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