Sharjah International Book Fair 2026: 45th Edition Opens With 3,212 Exhibitors and Oman as Guest of Honour

The 45th Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) opened on Wednesday, bringing together readers, authors and publishers for an event that ranges from centuries-old manuscripts to contemporary fiction, children's books and Japanese manga.

His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, inaugurated the fair. It is organised by the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) under the theme 'Made of Stories' and runs until November 15.

This year's edition features 3,212 publishers and exhibitors from 126 countries. Together they are presenting 1.7 million titles across different languages, cultures and genres.

Oman showcases its literary heritage

The Sultanate of Oman is this year's Guest of Honour. Its dedicated pavilion presents historical works, rare manuscripts and contemporary publications as part of a wider cultural and artistic programme on Omani history, heritage, literature, poetry and the arts.

Among the exhibits is Majmouat Al Siyar wa Al Jawabat (A Collection of Biographies and Answers), regarded as the oldest known Omani manuscript. It was transcribed in 531 AH (1137 AD) and is considered one of the earliest historical writings from Oman. The programme includes 50 guests, of whom 41 are writers and poets, covering both traditional and present-day creative work.