A total of 2,033 publishers and exhibitors from 108 Arab and foreign countries will participate in the 42nd edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair, which kicks off in early November and runs until the 12th of the same month. The Sharjah Book Authority, the organization behind the fair, announced today that South Korea will be the "Guest of Honor" at the event held at the Sharjah Expo Center, under the theme "We Speak Books."
The fair's General Coordinator, Khawla Al-Mojaini, stated at a press conference today, "This year's theme, We Speak Books, reflects how over the years the fair has become a global platform for exchanging ideas, concluding publishing and translation contracts, and discussing issues related to literature, art, and thought. At the same time, it presents an opportunity to facilitate the work of distributors, publishers, librarians, and all those involved in the book industry, while remaining a home for all segments of society, young and old. So let's talk books."
The fair's program includes 1,700 events featuring 215 guests from 69 countries, including Nobel Prize laureates in literature and prestigious Arab and international awards. Among the guests are Canadian author Malcolm Gladwell, Algerian novelist Ahlam Mosteghanemi, Egyptian novelist Ahmed Mourad, Kuwaiti novelist Buthaina Al-Issa, Lebanese poet Talal Haidar, and Saudi poet Fahd Al-Shahrani.
This year, the fair will also host the second edition of the "Thrilling and Suspense Festival" from November 8 to 10, which will bring the fair audience together with elite writers specializing in suspense and crime literature, providing a platform for ten international best-selling authors to meet fans of mystery and suspense stories in the region.
Additionally, the fair will feature over 130 diverse performances, including plays, dance shows, and symphonic concerts by artists from 14 countries. Prior to the fair's opening, the 13th edition of the "Publishers Conference" will take place from October 29 to 31, featuring 41 international speakers sharing their experiences and insights on the current and future state of the publishing sector. The event will also witness the announcement of the winners of the Sharjah Publishing Rights Award, granted to experts in rights trading.
