Photos: Sharjah International Book Fair 2022 kicks off

'Spread the Word' is the thought-provoking theme of the region's biggest celebration of books, reading, culture and creativity this year, as the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) returned for its 41st annual edition with an exciting and packed agenda with 2,213 publishers from 95 countries.

The largest contingent of global publishers ever to participate in the annual book fair in its 41-year-history, who will be showcasing 1.5 million plus titles.

About 29 authors, intellectuals and experts from 57 countries worldwide will lead 1,047 activities at SIBF 2022, slated for a 12-day run at the Expo Centre Sharjah from November 2-13.

The 12-day celebration of authorship, readership and the vital sector of publishing is organised by Sharjah Book Authority (SBA). It will celebrate Italy as the Guest of Honour this year with a vibrant schedule presented by Italian authors, intellectuals, artists and publishers to offer visitors a unique opportunity to learn about the cultural prowess and impact of the historic European nation.

Students from Al Dhafra Private School on the opening day of the 41st Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) in Expo Centre Sharjah.

Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, Chairman of SBA, said: “The annual Sharjah International Book Fair is a manifestation of Sharjah’s cultural project, and brings together thousands of publishers and hundreds of writers and creators, in addition to millions of books in different languages under one big roof.

This is a source of great pride for us and the fruit of a seed planted and nurtured by His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah more than 41 years ago”. Above, Cambridge International School students at the book fair.

A galaxy of literary stalwarts from around the world will also headline SIBF 2022. Prominent names include Deepak Chopra, the New York Times bestselling author of Abundance: The Inner Path to Wealth and Metahuman: Unleashing Your Infinite Potential; Lincoln Pierce, cartoonist/writer and bestselling author of the hilarious Big Nate book series; Rupi Kaur, Canadian poet, illustrator, photographer, and author; and Pico Iyer, a British-born essayist and novelist.

Geetanjali Shree, Indian author and short story writer and winner of International Booker Prize 2022; D.J. Palmer, American author of numerous critically acclaimed suspense novels including The New Husband and My Wife is Missing; and Megan Hess, Australian fashion illustrator who has written and illustrated 16 best-selling books, will also be at SIBF this year.

The 41st edition will debut six new programmes, including a three-day Thriller Festival between November 8-10 to offer writers specialised in suspense and crime genres an opportunity to showcase their works and participate in workshops, discussion panels, and book signing sessions. The event is organised in partnership with ThrillerFest in New York.

The book fair will also organise the Young Emirati Writers Programme, which is a platform that provides support to budding writers to build and advance their skills through discussion sessions, poetry evenings, and more.

Responding to public demand, SIBF is organising a series of workshops for adults this year covering a variety of topics including photography, crafts, creative writing, and theatre.

An artist performs on the opening day of the 41st Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF).