Inside Sharjah International Book Fair, from rare manuscripts to literary blind dates
A staple of the emirate’s cultural calendar for almost half a century, Sharjah International Book Fair isn’t an event that trades on novelty. The fair has grown significantly since it was established in 1982, but for the most part, visitors know what to expect when making their way to Expo Centre Sharjah. As the event opens for its 45th year, running until November 15, the venue is once again…
The Sharjah International Book Fair, a longstanding cultural event in the emirate, has expanded over its 45-year history but maintains a familiar layout. The Expo Centre Sharjah is adorned with orange banners, housing stands and booths for publishers, talks, discussions, and workshops. Visitors can anticipate a rich experience akin to their favorite bookstore or engaging with a renowned author.
This year, the Peruvian embassy marked a novelty by participating in the fair for the first time. Their booth showcases Peruvian textiles and Arabic translations of Mario Vargas Llosa’s novels, cookbooks featuring Peruvian recipes, and children’s books about Peru’s heritage. Alberto Farje, Peru’s ambassador to the UAE, expressed interest in expanding the country's involvement in future editions.
The United Arab Emirates University's booth presents 12 manuscripts, ranging from 18th-century medical texts to Quran copies adorned with gold leaf. Attendees like Abdulrahman Al Kindi explain that the university, with over 600 manuscripts, brings a diverse selection of books each year.
Oman, this year’s guest of honor, exhibits its intangible cultural heritage, such as the khanjar dagger, horse and camel ardhah shows, and Al Azi poetic performing art. Historical manuscripts, like a 1137 Omani medical compendium, add to the display.
Meanwhile, publishers from around the world offer new titles, from Voltaire and Clarice Lispector translations to children’s books. The UAE Board on Books for Young People highlights shortlisted titles for the International Award for Arabic Children’s Literature.
For those seeking a quick pick, the Little Puffin Publishing House offers Brown Paper Books – a "Blind Date with a Book" initiative – where readers receive a wrapped mystery book without knowing its title. Kyla Salvieio, an attendant, describes the event as a beautiful collection, appreciating the university representation and the chance to connect with future students.
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