‘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)
returns 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+ titles.
They will be joined by 129 authors, intellectuals and experts from 57 countries worldwide
who 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), and will celebrate Italy as the Guest of Honour
this year with a vibrant agenda presented by Italian authors, intellectuals, artists and
publishers to offer visitors a unique opportunity to learn about cultural prowess and impact of
the historic European nation.
The details of the upcoming edition of one of the world’s top book fairs were shared by the
organisers on Wednesday during a press conference held at the Sharjah Research
Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP) in the presence of HE Ahmed bin Rakkad Al
Ameri, Chairman of SBA; HE Mohammed Khalaf, Director General of Sharjah Broadcasting
Authority; HE Giuseppe Finocchiaro, Consul General of Italy in Dubai; Khoula Al Mujaini,
General Coordinator of SIBF; Mansour AlHassani, Director of Publisher’s Services at SBA;
The press conference was also attended by HE Ali bin Hatem, President, Emirates
Publishers Association (EPA); HE Rashid Al Kous, Executive Director, EPA; Salem Omar
Salem, Executive Director of the SBA; Ida Zilio Grandi, Director of the Italian Cultural
Institute in Abu Dhabi; Amedeo Scarpa, Director, Italian Trade Agency, UAE; and Mohamed
Al Ameemi, Vice President/Business Engagement and Customer Support, Etisalat.
SIBF: ‘A manifestation of Sharjah’s cultural project’
HE 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”.
The SBA Chairman added: “The book fair started with just a few hundred publishers and
visitors. Today, it is hosting the largest number of publishers in its history as it welcomes
2,213 publishers. Last year, SIBF was recognised as the largest book fair in the world in
terms of buying and selling intellectual property rights. Even though this achievement was
not our primary objective but is the outcome of the wise vision of His Highness to build
nations by fostering knowledge exchange and elevating communities through the power of
the written word.”
‘A model cultural project’
HE Mohammed Khalaf, Director General of the Sharjah Broadcasting Authority, said: “The
Sharjah Broadcasting Authority is proud to be the official media partner of this prestigious
international event which advances Sharjah’s model cultural project. Through our affiliates
and subsidiaries, we will provide comprehensive coverage of the activities at SIBF 2022,
including conducting interviews with distinguished guests and setting up dedicated studios
for our satellite channels and radio stations.”
Forging bonds through vehicle of culture
Expressing his deepest respect and gratitude to the Sharjah Ruler, HE Giuseppe
Finocchiaro, Consul General of Italy in Dubai, thanked His HIghness for the wise vision that
has enriched the crucial role played by books in shaping societies and their development.
Stating that Italy’s Guest of Honour recognition is an exceptional opportunity to further forge
bonds between Italy and Sharjah through the vehicle of culture, the Consul General said that
cultural exchanges are essential to build mutual understanding among all peoples.
2,213 publishers at SIBF 2022: 1,298 Arab and 915 international publishers
Mansour AlHassani, Director of Publisher’s Services at SBA, revealed that for the first time
in its 41-year-history, SIBF brings together 1,298 Arab and 915 international publishers to
showcase more than 1.5 million titles across a 18,000 sqm area.
With the participation of 339 publishing houses, the UAE tops the list of Arab publishers,
followed by Egypt with 306 participants and Lebanon and Syria represented by 125 and 95
publishers respectively. On the international level, 112 publishers will be coming in from
India while the UK will be represented by 61 publishers.
SIBF 2022 will also mark the debut participation of publishers from 10 countries including
Cuba, Costa Rica, Liberia, Philippines, Ireland, Malta, Mali, Jamaica, Iceland and Hungary.
12th SIBF Publishers Conference
Unveiling details of the professional programmes scheduled for the 2022 edition, Mansour
AlHassani said that more than 230 Arab publishers will receive specialised training in
collaboration with New York University that focuses on international publishing standards
and practices.
More than 30 speakers and experts will lead 8 panel discussions at the 12th SIBF Publishers
Conference, taking place at Expo Centre Sharjah from October 30 – November 1. The three-
day event will address the key issues and challenges facing the publishing sector, the future
of digital publishing in the Arab world, and spotlight emerging markets to market audio
books. The event will also serve as a platform for deliberating ways to advance the sector,
expertise exchange, and strike new deals.
National Libraries Summit
The second edition of the two-day National Libraries Summit will be organised at Expo
Centre Sharjah on November 6–7 in partnership with the American Library Association, and
will see the participation of delegates from 30 countries, he added.
Sharjah International Library Conference
The 9th edition of the Sharjah International Library Conference (SILC), held in collaboration
with the American Library Association (ALA), will run between November 8-10, and bring
together an international group of librarians and experts representing various libraries in the
US and countries around the world.
‘Spread the Word’
Commenting on the SIBF 2022 slogan, Khoula Al Mujaini, General Coordinator of SIBF,
said: “‘Spread the Word’ has great significance for Sharjah, the cultural capital of the Arab
world. Through this slogan, we want to convey that the emirate bears the responsibility of
spreading knowledge and literature worldwide and celebrate humankind’s capacity to create
change, instil positivity, and connect with others. It is also an affirmation that Sharjah is a
living platform for cultural exchange and a meeting place for peoples from around the world.”
1,047 activities led by 129 guests from 57 countries
Announcing the SIBF 2022 programming agenda, Khoula Al Mujaini noted that the 41st
edition will witness a total of 1,047 activities led by 129 guests from 57 countries.
The book fair’s cultural programme in particular will be led by an elite group of 70 authors,
intellectuals, and artists from 15 countries, who will present 200 activities including panel
discussions, workshops and reading sessions to highlight creative journeys, knowledge and
expertise in various genres.
Guest of Honour programme
To celebrate its participation as SIBF 2022 Guest of Honour, Italy will organise 17 activities
as part of its cultural programme.
Of these, 4 events are part of the Cookery Corner and 5 are children’s activities, in addition
to 6 entertainment shows and roaming shows, she elaborated. The other activities led by
Italy include ‘Aterballetto: A Poetry Abstraction’ and ‘Balletto Di Roma’ (Ballet of Rome).
Notable Italian authors participating in SIBF 2022 include Viola Ardone, Luigi Ballerini,
Alessandro Baricco, and Francesca Corrao.
International guests
A galaxy of literary stalwarts from around the world will also headline SIBF 2022, she added.
Prominent names include New York Times bestselling author Deepak Chopra, the American
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; 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.
Emirati and Arab literary personalities
The list of eminent Emirati writers, thinkers and poets participating in the 41st edition include
Sultan Al Amimi, poet Khulood Al Mualla; poet and writer Ibrahim Al Hashemi, the writer
Saeed Al Hanki, the historian Dr. Hamad bin Saray; author Asma Al Hammadi, and poet Dr.
Aisha Al Shamsi.
Khoula Al Mujaini revealed that prominent literary personalities from the Arab region at SIBF
this year include Libyan novelist Mohamed Alnaas, winner of the 2022 International Prize for
Arabic Fiction (IPAF); Mohamed Al-Ash’ari, poet and former Moroccan Minister of Culture
and Communication; poet Hisham Algakh, author Ahmed Mourad, Dr. Ahmed Emara,
Egyptian mental health and bioenergy consultant, and screenwriter Hani Sarhan from Egypt;
Kuwaiti poet Mohammed Jarallah Al-Sahli; and Algerian academic and writer Boumediene
Belkebir.
A vibrant children’s programme
SIBF 2022 will organise 623 activities, shows and workshops for children this year, which will
be led by 45 professionals and experts from 14 countries.
123 shows featuring theatre, dance performances and musicals
The 12-day cultural extravaganza will stage 123 awe-inspiring theatrical and performances
as well as musicals led by 22 artists and performers from eight countries.
New at SIBF 2022
The upcoming edition of SIBF 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 entire day will be dedicated to the UAE’s large Filipino community with a special
Philippines Cultural Programme that reflects the unique cultural traditions, arts and music of
the island nation.
The book fair will also introduce visitors to the diverse and rich African continent through the
African – Arab Cultural Programme that brings together 17 eminent guests from Mali,
Senegal and Nigeria.
8 chefs and experts to lead 30 activities at the SIBF Cookery Corner
Food lovers can be part of an expansive culinary journey with eight chefs from four countries
and experts from nine countries who will lead 30 cookery activities throughout the book fair.
Notable participants include Dr. Nourhan Kandil and Sally Fouad from Egypt; Cristina
Bowerman, Alessandro Miceli, Damiano Carrar, and Luca Manfe from Italy; Indian chef
Vicky Ratnani and Vindex Tengker form Indonesia.
30 workshops at the Social Media Station
A total of 30 workshops at SIBFs popular Social Media Station presented by 10 experts from
seven countries will cover topics including social media strategies, creative content and
more. Notable guests leading the activities include Hala Harb and Hussein Al Azat.
Comics Corner to host 188 activities
Comics enthusiasts and lovers will have an opportunity to take part in a whopping 188
activities and workshops covering 16 topics, in addition to four roaming shows. The activities
and workshops cover topics as varied as NFTs, character creation, and chibified characters.