Kerala Chief Minister VD Satheesan among key figures at 45th Sharjah International Book Fair

Kerala's Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan will join distinguished guests at the 45th Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) 2026, organizers have announced. Indian expatriates from Kerala constitute a large portion of the SIBF audience each year, and Satheesan's attendance is anticipated to garner significant attention from the UAE's vast Indian community, especially those of Malayali origin.

This will mark his inaugural visit to the UAE following his appointment as Chief Minister. The country is estimated to host 4.5 million Indian expatriates, predominantly from the southern state of Kerala. Nevertheless, the organizers have not disclosed the schedule or time for Satheesan's appearance.

From November 4 to 15, the fair, themed "Made of Stories," will convene at Expo Centre Sharjah. Among other renowned participants are Indian actress, writer, and content creator Shenaz Treasurywala, Nigerian-American writer Nnedi Okorafor, British novelist Clare Mackintosh, and Chinese novelist and screenwriter Liu Zhenyun. Filipino historian and author Ambeth R. Ocampo, celebrated for making Philippine history accessible to a broader audience, is expected to resonate with the UAE's significant Filipino expatriate community.

Other international attendees comprise American translator and writer Daisy Rockwell, Canadian-American author and journalist John Vaillant. The organizers will unveil the specifics of the international authors' schedules in the forthcoming days. The SIBF boasts a diverse roster, encompassing political leaders, entertainment personalities, and literary luminaries, solidifying its reputation as a gathering place for writers, thinkers, and readers from across the globe.

The 12-day event will accommodate 2,673 publishers and exhibitors from 124 countries, complemented by 106 writers, artists, and intellectuals from 25 countries and 1,500 cultural, artistic, and creative events. As Guest of Honour, Oman will present 50 participants, including 41 writers and poets, to exhibit its literary heritage, history, and contemporary cultural identity.

Their program will encompass 15 cultural sessions, six children's workshops, 20 artistic performances, and additional artistic presentations and cooking sessions. Visitors can also anticipate daily musical and traditional folk performances, showcasing Oman's rich cultural tapestry.